adccommunitymod (AutomationDirect) asked a question.
a better sensor
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created By: krak
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i work with animal waste badding, and i need to shut off my machine if the bin i dump it into becomes full. however the bin must be removed by a truck with out anyone unhooking anything. basicly drive up to the bin grab it and drive away. for now i use an ultra sonic sensor to try to measure the amount in the bin. being that the bedding tends to pile up, the sensor isn't always right. so i was wondering if anyone out there knew of a better type of sensor that i could use in this case.
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created by: krak
i wish i could use this option however some of the bins that are shared with other types of trash : ie card board boxes. they take up a lot of space but do not weigh much. are there any other sensors of combinations of sensors to look down at the pile to determine if it is getting to high?
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created by: elevmike
Trash is hard to measure because it's so random in density, volume, shape etc.. Another issue would the enviromental debris fouling the sensor. My guess your best choice would be the ultra-sonic sensor. Maybe you could use some code (programming) to account for potential errors.
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created by: CroCop
What are your mounting dimensions? Are you using a discrete sensor? An analog sensor?
You could go with an ultrasonic sensor with a large standoff distance, and use a teachable discrete or if you 've got the I/O and are feeling fancy, an analog.
I love the Hyde Park Ultrasonic Sensors, the teaching and latching functions are great.
Created Date: July 18,2005
Created by: whiskyride
Keep you sensor that you are using. Because it sounds to me like the problem is with the truck having to unload the bin and needs to unhook the device each time not the sensor. Go with a low cost wireless solution such as the Coyote Radio for example it will send you analogs via 485 or 232 and would only require a small battery and solar package mounted to the back of you bin. Just a thought??
Created Date: July 19,2005
Created by: krak
the sensing range i use is about 3 to 4 feet from the top of the bin. it is mounted on a discard plate that also contains of a several types of sensors to be sure a bin is in place before dumping. this plate rides on top of the bin and is designed to slide into place when the bin is pushed into it's spot. nothing is locked in nor are any wires connected or disconnected. we tried that once, and well truck drivers are usaully really nice people, but not someone you want to interact with the machinery. i did not know of the lasers i will check them out.
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created by: krak
i work with animal waste badding, and i need to shut off my machine if the bin i dump it into becomes full. however the bin must be removed by a truck with out anyone unhooking anything. basicly drive up to the bin grab it and drive away. for now i use an ultra sonic sensor to try to measure the amount in the bin. being that the bedding tends to pile up, the sensor isn't always right. so i was wondering if anyone out there knew of a better type of sensor that i could use in this case.
Created Date: July 15,2005
Created by: LEBA
It look to me, that you are looking for a Hight level swicht. A good solution could be a Laser Sensor. They work very good, and they do not have alignation problem. It could be a litter more expensive, but it is an excellent solution.
Banner enginnering have an excellent laser sensor, such it is the LT3 series.
Created Date: July 14,2005
Created by: yank38
You could use a load cell under the bin to basically get a weight.