Re: [Gumstix-users] Range Finders

[Dave H. <dhy...@gm...>]

Hi Hayden,

> I'm thinking about buying the Ultrasonic Range Finder SRF08.  I read that
> you are using one as well.  How is it performing for you?  Is there anyth=
ing
> else you would recommend?  I basically need a way to detect objects in fr=
ont
> of my robot so he doesn't keep running into walls.  Any thoughts on the
> SRF10?  I didn't see much of a difference in the specs or price between t=
he
> SRF08 and SRF10.

I haven't done much except verify that it works.

I'm planning on using two different types of sonar sensors, those like
the SRF08 and those like the MaxSonar ones (www.maxbotix.com)

The beam patterns are different for the two sensors. See this page for deta=
ils:
http://www.robot-electronics.co.uk/htm/sonar_faq.htm

I've also gotten the MaxSonar sensor to work, but haven't played with
it much either.

Using a wide beam versus a narrow beam depends on what you're trying
to do, and having both can be advantageous. A wide beam works well as
a general purpose obstacle detector, but would be lousy for trying to
navigate through narrow corridors.

The SRF10 is quite a bit smaller than the SRF08, so if size is an
issue, then that may be a consideration.

--
Dave Hylands
Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.DaveHylands.com/