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Ultrasonic Range Finder - XL-MaxSonar-EZ0
The XL series of MaxSonars are a super high-performance version of the easy-to-use sonar range finder from Maxbotix. The XL series of this sensor features higher resolution, longer range, higher power output and better calibration when compared to the LV version.
We are extremely pleased with the size, quality, and ease of use of this little range finder. The sensor provides very accurate readings from 0 to 765cm (0 to 25.1ft) with 1cm resolution. This sensor can be powered with anywhere between 3.3 and 5VDC.
Range information can be gathered through one of three methods - analog, serial, or PWM - all of which are active at the same time. The analog output will produce a voltage proportional to the measured distance, with a sensitivity of (Vcc/1024)V/cm. The serial interface is simple and formatted to RS-232, with voltages ranging from 0 to Vcc and terminal settings of 9600-8-N-1. Finally, the PWM pin outputs a pulse-width representation of the range with a scale factor of 58us/cm.
The Maxsonar-XL series is offered in the EZ0, EZ1, EZ2, EZ3, and EZ4 versions, each with progressively narrower beam angles allowing the sensor to match the application. Please see beam width explanation below.
- 3.3V to 5V supply with very low average current draw
- High acoustic power output
- All interfaces are active simultaneously:
- RS-232 serial
- 0 to Vcc output range
- 9600 baud, 8-N-1
- Analog, (Vcc/1024) / cm
- Pulse Width
- Real-time auto calibration and noise rejection for every ranging cycle
- Calibrated beam angle
- Object detection includes zero range objects
- Readings can occur up to every 100mS, (10-Hz rate)
- Free run operation can continually measure and output range information
- Triggered operation provides the range reading as desired
- Sensor operates at 42KHz
Ultrasonic Range Finder - XL-MaxSonar-EZ0 Product Help and Resources
Resources and Going Further
"RS232" Output or Inverted TTL
If the ultrasonic range finder indicates that it has an "RS232 Serial Output" and is outputting an inverting signal with the voltage level based on Vcc, you could just use an inverting circuit using a transistor to invert the signal. This is not a standard RS232 that uses +/-12V. There are a few methods of flipping this signal through hardware or software. The resources and going further will provide specific examples.
Inverting Signal w/ Hardware
Doing a quick test using a retired NPN transistor from our storefront, I was able to get it working based on the circuit using a RedBoard Programmed with Arduino. I was using an Arduino so Vcc in my circuit was 5V. Since it's basically two diodes within the transistor, you will want to use resistors to limit the current. I just used two 330Ohm resistors just like I was turning on an LED. You probably do not need to do this but the values might need to be adjusted when using it at higher speeds or if the transistor is not fully turning ON/OFF. Testing with a multimeter, it worked as expected. An input of 5V would result in 0V (logic LOW) on the output since the transistor was turning on. With an input of 0V, the transistor would not be conducting so the output would be held HIGH at 5V. Using an Arduino serial passthrough for further testing, I was able to view the ultrasonic sensor's output data without any problems.
"RS232" Output and Inverting w/ Software
Otherwise, you could be clever in writing your code to store the value and possibly apply some sort of logical NOT operation. In Arduino, there is a special feature using software serial that inverts the signal by setting a parameter to true [ "Software Serial Constructor" – https://www.arduino.cc/en/Reference/SoftwareSerialConstructor ]. There was someone in the Arduino forums that provided example code to invert the output, parse the data, and output it through the serial monitor here => [ User "Goldthing" - http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=114808.msg864009#msg864009 ].
Connecting Ultrasonic Sensor to Raspberry Pi
There is a tutorial from MaxBotix that shows you how to connect ultrasonic sensors to Raspberry Pis => [ http://www.maxbotix.com/Raspberry-Pi-with-Ultrasonic-Sensors-144/ ]. Certain ultrasonic sensors listed in the article require an inverter. If the ultrasonic range finder's output serial output is " RS232 " like the sensors listed under "Ultrasonic Sensors that Require an Inverter" , this indicates that the signal is basically an inverted output with the voltage level based on Vcc.
Therefore, you would need to follow the tutorial and use a serial inverter in order to use it with the Raspberry Pi. If you are using a Raspberry Pi a transistor, Vcc should be 3.3V since the Pi uses a 3.3V system.
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Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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Customer Reviews
4 out of 5
Based on 1 ratings:
not bad
I use it for dron . resolution 1cm is not good enough as my dron fluctuating high above ground. it goes over the objects keeping constant distance as it should
Does anyone know how much this sensor weighs? (Preferably in grams)
5.9g, in 2nd page on data sheet
Hi there, I am not so familiar with robotic and sensing devices (my background is biology) and have a very basic question on this interesting sensor. I would like to use it to track the position of rodents running on a (80 cm long) treadmill. I need a decent temporal resolution and this is were I have a doubt. On the one hand, the datasheet says that there is a pin that provides an analog voltage proportional to the position of the detected object. But on the other hand it says that reading can occur every 100 msec. Then, what is this analog output ? A step function with each step having a 100 msec long ? There is something basic I don't understand here and if someone could clarify I would be more than grateful. Thanks
You're on the right track (ha!). This sensor outputs a voltage that effectively holds the most recent reading until the next one arrives. As you've seen, this type of sensor is limited by the send/return timing; if you need faster sampling you might look into infrared proximity sensors, but both types of sensors will have (different) limitations based on getting a good echo or IR reflection off of a possibly sound or light-absorbing rodent. Maybe computer vision processing is an option? However you solve it, best of luck with your project!
pls post da code
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