Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
(OP)
Does anyone know of a devise that uses a sending unit/transmitter and a separate receiving unit to measure distance? I know there are several inferred, ultrasonic and laser devises out there, but I need to find something that will monitor the variable distance between two specific points (two steel beams). The problem is that these steel beams can become coated with dirt, mud and/or ice. I do not want those elements to alter the measurement reading. The distance I need to monitor is between 5” and 20”, and I want to be able to identify changes as small as 0.05” (if possible). Also, cost is a factor.





RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
TTFN
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
Not much in that corner.
Take mud and ice away, then a simple potentiometer with a string can be used.
Take 0.05" away, then (perhaps) a sturdy chain or a toothed rod and sprocket can be used.
Acceleration? High speeds? Then forget what I said.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
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TTFN
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
You are not asking for much resolution, 0.05 in 15= 1 in 300. I would think the string and optical shaft encoder would be a good bet. You can’t afford the laser thing and in any case the mud/dirt would stop the reflections. They would also attenuate any acoustic or EM waves as well. You would just have to put the string in a plastic case to stop it getting gunged up.
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
Bmnet
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
Good luck!
jsolar
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
RE: Measure Distance Using a Transmitter and a Receiving Unit
If you had a meter that produced an output based on measurements, you could analyze it with a microprocessore to look for min and max readings and interpret them.
If the beams themselves are too difficult to add a meter to, then you could add simple mechanical extensions to the beams and get two parallel plates near each other in which to measure the capacitance. The Fluke muliti meters can output a graph to your computer and you can analyze the data http://
Did you need to measure distance constantly, or only if a certain distance is exceeded? May make or break this multimeter approach.
kchiggins
www.toyon.com