I'm looking for someone to construct a prototype tank level detector using a cheap ultrasonic sensor. Here's one example of what's already been developed:
I have the tooling to prototype the housings, etc., but I'm looking for someone to do the electronics and basic programming.
Unit will have a single wired sensor, which would be remotely mounted in an underground rainwater storage tank (power available). I'd like the unit (which would be above ground) to report the result (%full, which would be a calculated value based on the distance measured from the sensor and the liquid level) on a web page (similar to the approach used in the link). Unit will need to access my local network via WiFi (if there is a better / cheaper wireless option, I'm open to ideas). Having the unit also report the %full result locally on a wired LCD screen (e.g., on the box housing the Arduino) would be a plus. Key is a design that would be inexpensive to produce.
For now, I'm looking for something that I can test and use to show proof of concept. If it works and can be assembled cheaply enough, i will then evaluate if it makes sense to produce / market it, and I'm willing to discuss cutting the contractor in on that.
It's a pretty basic project, but if you are interested please let me know your proposed terms.
I can take this idea and create a product for you from it. I specialise in taking ideas from concept through to production ready products.
You requirement is fairly simple. Wifi can be achieved using the roving networks WiFly module and a reasonable cost, the rest is stock Arduino stuff, 2 line LCD for local readout connected through I2C would allow you to have it on the end of a wire so that it could be sealed up better from the environment.
The ultrasonic range finders in the cited project are quite expensive and there are cheaper alternatives available.
I see that you are only wanting 1 sensor in the system that makes the server simpler.
As far as WIFI is concerned you can either set the WiFly unit into ad-hock or infrastructure mode. If you want to have the data available all over the WIFI infrastructure and potentially the LAN and internet this is the way to go. However if you are only interested in reading it locally then ad-hock is the better option as it will not require authentication onto the WIFI router.
Pleas take a look at my website WWW.EmbeddedAT.com where you can see the sort of projects that I normally take on. If you think I am a good match for your requirement or simply want to talk through your options please drop me an email to Peter@EmbeddedAT.com or a PM here on the forum.