Can anybody identify this sensor?

Using Arduino Sensors
1

Hi all.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/220695779542?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I was hoping that somebody could identify the type of sensor the rain sensor uses, I wanted to try and make my own for my car, to automate the wipers. I'm probably just being cheap, but I didn't want to buy the whole setup.

Thanks.

2

http://www.rainsensors.com/how_it_works.php
http://arduino.cc/playground/Learning/LEDSensor

Basically, rain on the windshield will cause some form of reflection of the IR light back to the sensor.

You would still need to do a lot of work in characterizing the intermittent nature of the reflections of raindrops vs. driving under a tree, bug on the windshield, etc.

3

Awesome, thanks.

It gives me something to work with now!

4

Chagrin:
http://www.rainsensors.com/how_it_works.php
Arduino Playground - HomePage

Basically, rain on the windshield will cause some form of reflection of the IR light back to the sensor.

You would still need to do a lot of work in characterizing the intermittent nature of the reflections of raindrops vs. driving under a tree, bug on the windshield, etc.

I think the rain actually stops the reflection - its likely using total internal reflection (or near total) as a baseline and detecting a decrease in light
when a raindrop lands in the active area and allows light to escape the surface - this will be less sensitive to stray light.

5

Chagrin:
You would still need to do a lot of work in characterizing the intermittent nature of the reflections of raindrops vs. driving under a tree, bug on the windshield, etc.

Someone should tell Ford about this, stupid wipers start when going under bridges or through trees on bright sunny days yet fail to wipe when I start the car on a rainy day :0. My Renault works flawlessly. XD