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[on:]

Did anyone hear about using automotive ultrasonic sensors for range metering?
Not SR04 alike or stock ones, but 2 pin aftermarket sensors, like this:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Ultrasonic-Parking-Sensor-Car-Reverse-Back-Up-Radar-New-/200787647308?pt=US_Relays_Sensors&hash=item2ebfe05b4c#ht_3194wt_1037
Here are some specs:
Center frequency (KHz): 40±1.0KHz
Echo Sensitivity: ≥200mV
Decay Time: ≤1.2ms
Directivity (deg ) X-axis: 60±15
Directivity (deg ) Y-axis: 60±15
Capacitance ( pF ): 2000±15%
Allowable Maximum Input Voltage ( Vp-p): 140 (40KHz) Pulse width 0.5ms, interval 20ms

Can this sensor be used with Arduino?

The idea of my project is building blind spot warning system, and SR04 sensors are not easy to integrate into car.

[Reply #1 on:]

You likely have to build all the interface electronics (amplifiers, etc) - check out the hexamite website for circuit examples that you might be able to repurpose:

http://www.hexamite.com/hx40tr.htm

Something like one of the demo circuits for that unit might work; note, though, that if you really want to have a chance in hell of this actually working well, that a signal generator and/or a 2-channel oscilloscope is highly recommended (especially the scope; you'll be operating blind without one).

[Reply #2 on:]

So it is performing mostly mechanical work regarding installation and environmental insulation of dual-headed SR0x vs need for decent 2ch scope and much work troubleshooting and tuning compact and sealed automotive sensor...

Well, anyway it is good to have a choice.

Thanks for the schematics

[Reply #3 on:]

So it is performing mostly mechanical work regarding installation and environmental insulation of dual-headed SR0x vs need for decent 2ch scope and much work troubleshooting and tuning compact and sealed automotive sensor...

Well, anyway it is good to have a choice.

Thanks for the schematics

I happened across this for sale on eBay.  It appears to be an automotive sensor with a controller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-DC-5V-DYP-ME007Y-Ultrasonic-Sensor-Module-Measuring-Range-30cm-3-5m-/200769215193?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebec71ad9#ht_3359wt_1163

If you could get some information on the controller, it may be much easier to interface with the Arduino than trying to create your own controller.

I also found this waterproof sensor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-Ultrasonic-Sensor-Distance-Measuring-Module-/200632669619?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb6a395b3#ht_3259wt_1163

What's interesting is that it appears to be the same controller as the first link.  Maybe they attach a remote sensor instead of the board-attached sensor?  If the pictures are to be believed, it appears it's a standard 4 pin 5V, Trig, Echo, Gnd which would work with most any ultrasonic library.  Because they call it a DYP-ME007Y also makes me believe this because the DYP-ME007 uses the same connections.

Pure speculation on my part, but may be worth $17 to find out.

Tim

[Reply #4 on:]

Thanks, I haven't seen controllers like this one.

A bit pricey (ordinary 4-sensor parking radar can be bought for about $25), but definitely interesting.

[Reply #5 on:]

Thanks, I haven't seen controllers like this one.

A bit pricey (ordinary 4-sensor parking radar can be bought for about $25), but definitely interesting.

But that's just for the sensors, not the controllers.

Tim

[Reply #6 on:]

Nope, that's for full installation kit.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Car-Parking-Rear-Sensor-Reversing-Backup-Radar-System-Alarm-Reverse-Auto-/120830233221?pt=US_Relays_Sensors&hash=item1c220b0a85#ht_4533wt_1270

Anyway, now I know what I want - DYP-ME007Y:

DYP-ME007Y-PWM module provides ultrasonic 30cm-3m of non-contact distance measurement function, range sensor in the sensor output corresponding to the objects in the high pulse width signal. Right picture shows the DYP-ME007Y-PWM appearance.
Detecting range: 30cm-3m
Best in 30 degree angle
Electronic brick compatible   interface
5VDC power supply
Breadboard friendly
Dual transducer
 
Description:
After power on, the module waiting for the trigger signal. Triggered automatically issued within 8 40kHz cycle level, and to detect the long echo time, and through the corresponding timer output level TTL level PWM pulse width. According to the object at different distances, a corresponding proportion of the output pulse width. MCU can be used to determine the timing of pulses calculated distance. Formula: uS/5.8 = mm, or uS/148 = inches. If the object is not detected, the module output pin pin will output a constant pulse width of about 35MS.

[Reply #7 on:]

Bought one ME007Y, will try it.

BTW I opened my parking aid unit (4 sensors, overlays distance and directions over rear view camera video).

It is built over Nomix SN8P2602BPB 8bit micro-controller.

The idea is to add some new features. Building the system from the scratch using LM1818 and UPD6453GT does not look very promising to me.
Is it feasible to replace it with Arduino-compatible one (leaving video and ultrasonic stuff intact), or is it easier to alter existing Nomix controller program?

[Reply #8 on:]

I happened across this for sale on eBay.  It appears to be an automotive sensor with a controller.

Interesting links; I'll have to keep those in mind for the future (the interface board doesn't look that difficult to use).

[Reply #9 on:]

Bought one ME007Y, will try it.

BTW I opened my parking aid unit (4 sensors, overlays distance and directions over rear view camera video).

I think I would get the datasheet for that microcontroller, and set up some kind of logic analyzer or "bus pirate" sniffer on the i/o lines and play with it, see what it is actually doing. Likely it isn't doing anything much different than the controller board already posted (which is same as any of these ultrasonic sensors - twiddle the TRIG line, wait for the ECHO return line to go high - difference in time correlates to distance).

[Reply #10 on:]

Bought one ME007Y, will try it.

BTW I opened my parking aid unit (4 sensors, overlays distance and directions over rear view camera video).

I think I would get the datasheet for that microcontroller, and set up some kind of logic analyzer or "bus pirate" sniffer on the i/o lines and play with it, see what it is actually doing. Likely it isn't doing anything much different than the controller board already posted (which is same as any of these ultrasonic sensors - twiddle the TRIG line, wait for the ECHO return line to go high - difference in time correlates to distance).

I found datasheets for all chips involved.
Hopefully I won't need to sniff all the data flow, just recreate existing functions with some additions.