I'm trying to find a retro reflective photoelectric sensor for my electronic gate vehicle detections. This one looks to be decent and affordable. I would have to power it separate from the arduino but i need to do that for the motor anyway. My concern is what signal i get back. if its requiring 12v to operate, does this mean it will send 12v back down the signal line? How much am I able to send back to the arduino?
if i can't use this directly i should be able to use the signal back on a relay and then send however much voltage through the relay that an arduino can handle?
thanks
The 'trigger' output from the device is a relay so, unless it is a very poor design, the relay contacts can be used as isolated input to the Arduino.
stowite:
The 'trigger' output from the device is a relay so, unless it is a very poor design, the relay contacts can be used as isolated input to the Arduino.
I'm afraid I do not understand. are you saying that there is a relay inside the photoelectric sensor? I would put 12v to its power and then any voltage i want to the signal wire that then comes back?
are you saying that there is a relay inside the photoelectric sensor?
Did you miss the "Output" specification, from the product page description, quoted below?
A relay acts as a switch closure.
Specifications
Sensing Range: 0.5' to 35' (0.1 - 11m)
Current Draw: Standby- 12VDC@20mA; 24VDC@10mA, Active- 12VDC@40mA; 24VDC@20mA
Operating Voltage: 12~240VDC or 24~240VAC
Response Time: 10ms (Max)
Light Source: IR LED
LEDs - Red: Active
LEDs - Yellow: Standby
Output: SPDT Relay Output
Switching Capacity: 250VAC/1A, 30VDC/2A
Enclosure: IP66 Waterproof
Operating Temperature: -4º~131ºF (-20º~55ºC)
jremington:
Did you miss the "Output" specification, from the product page description, quoted below?
A relay acts as a switch closure.
So do i run my own voltage to power the sensor return line and a separate line to power the device?
Treat the relay output exactly as you would any other switch. Yes, you need a separate power supply for the sensor.