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1309 Review
55 Karma

Review on Advanced Ultrasonic Distance Rangefinder Sensor by Virtuabotix by Tony Reid

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Nice sensor, haven't fully used it yet

I only have this sensor for crafting and playing with the Arduino. The sound is audible, but not bad. It's just a quick click. It probably would have gone unnoticed with any background noise, but I paid attention on purpose. I've given it a 5 star rating for now, but will update if I feel like it's not a full 5 once I've actually tested it. It has worked well so far, was packaged securely and had excellent documentation. I recommend it. ***Original problem*** Initially I had problems with setup (read on, it was my fault). I can't seem to be able to get accurate readings from more than 6 inches away. I used the library I was told in the brochure. It turns out that while the sensor is good for 3-5V, it actually needs 5V to work accurately. At least that's my experience. I connected it to a 3V digital output pin, and when I reconnected the power supply to the Arduino's 5V rail, I immediately saw much more accurate readings from various distances on the console. worked best with 3.3V. It fits perfectly on an Arduino board with no breadboard except where the power pin is. I only have output pins that go to 3.3V. Small complaint and I only breadboarded it anyway so no big deal. ************************* UPDATED ********** *Turns out it wasn't because I had it reconnected to 5B, but because I reconnected it to a pin that could source more current and therefore drive the sensor the way it should be driven, not source current. Your current hungry modules via I/O ports. I thought it was due to tension, but the friendly staff at Virtuabotix pointed it out to me literally an hour after I first posted this. Excellent customer support! While it fits perfectly right into my Mega2560 with the power pin connected to the I/O port, the fact is the Arduino just can't safely generate the required current through that port and therefore just won't work. Properly connected to the right current and it works great! ************************* Virtuabotix has great customer service too!

Pros
  • Excellent design
Cons
  • Crumpled packaging