Does no any narrow view distance sensors that are available for under or around $100 that are able to measure water? I have a A02YYUW sensor but the 60 degree cone is to much for the tank I am using, so then I bought a TFmini Plus which works great just not for clear water, which the website says it works for liquids but I should have read the data sheet cause it says it doesn't work for water, I probably should have thought of that more before I ordered it cause it doesn't really make sense that a LIDAR sensor would work on water. I've read some forums on here saying that modifying a ultrasonic sensor to get a narrower view doesn't really work but if anyone has done it Id love to know what you did, any and all input is appreciated. Thank you!
The static (no flow) water pressure at the outlet of a tank is an extremely accurate and linear indicator of the water depth above the outlet. For an external mount, use a "gauge" sensor to take into account changes in atmospheric pressure.
Im not sure I fully understand that, do you mean use a pressure sensor at the bottom to determine level? then have another pressure sensor at the top of the tank so it can still be accurate even if the outside pressure changes?
A "gauge" water pressure sensor measures the difference between the water pressure and the atmospheric pressure.
The pressure reading is directly proportional to the height of the water above the pressure sensor, so given the area of the tank, the water volume is trivial to calculate.
Outside pressure in practice doesn't change, so just one sensor at the bottom of the tank is enough to estimate water level.
Actually, atmospheric air pressure changes can make a significant difference, which is why gauge sensors are used for accurate measurement of water volume in tanks.
Atmospheric pressure also changes quite dramatically with altitude, which is another reason why gauge pressure sensors are used.
That's not true. Go study storms and weather.
Air Pressure | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
I agree, the point was there's no need for two sensors to measure water depth.
ok yea I cause I've used pressure to measure level before and It was pretty accurate with just a sensor at the bottom of the tank
I did think of using pressure to measure the level however I want to use this to measure the level of a septic holding tank so I dont really want to acctually put anything in the fluid
Any hobby electronic modules you put inside a water or septic tank will be subject to 100% humidity and will rapidly corrode under power. The operational lifetime may be weeks at best.
even if they are water proof?
If you can find hobby electronics modules from reputable suppliers that are designed and advertised to be used in environments with 100% humidity, try them out and let us know how long they last.
Maxbotix sells such ultrasonic distance sensors, but they aren't cheap: Ultrasonic Tank Sensors – MaxBotix
Ive got a couple, both the ones i said in my original post are fully water proof and can work under water and have good reviews, but yea you're right i have not tested them long term. but my point for this post is just to find a narrow view sensor that can work on water, or how to make a ultrasonic sensor narrow view
No, they are not. The A02YYUW sensors sold by DFrobot are rated IP67, which is defined as "protection against the effects of immersion in water between 15 cm and 1 m for 30 minutes". Fully waterproof is IP68.
Again, let us know how long those last.
is high humidity the same as fully emersed?
100% humidity means the air is fully saturated with water vapor, and it cannot hold any more moisture. This happens at a particular temperature, known as the dew point. When the air is at 100% humidity, water may condense out as droplets, leading to fog or precipitation, but you're still breathing air.
Being underwater, on the other hand, means you're fully submerged in liquid water, not air. There's no air to breathe in that case, and the density of water is much higher than air, so the experience is very different.
No, but long term exposure to 100% humidity rapidly destroys most electronics, unless extreme protection measures are taken. See the Maxbotix sensors (a reputable manufacturer) linked above.
For the third time, let us know how long those last.
Im pretty sure IP67 rating is fine in 100% humidity, also I appreciate the recommendation to Maxbotix I had checked them out earlier today because they were recommended by someone on another thread idk if i can justify the $250 on them though, but doesnt sound like anyone knows of any other options
If the gauge will be permanently underwater, an IP67 rating is not sufficient. IP67 is only designed for temporary immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), so extended submersion could lead to water ingress and damage the device.
For a permanent underwater application, you should look for a gauge with an IP68 rating or higher. IP68 typically allows for deeper and longer submersion, which is more suitable for continual underwater use.
If you are sticking it in, testing, and removing, it should be ok. But if it's permanent, I wouldn't risk a IP67 device.