MaxBotix Tutorials/FAQ
View articles on the set-up and proper use of MaxBotix Inc. Sensors
Most questions will be answered in the product datasheets
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An Easy to Follow Guide
This guide is serves as an easy to use set-up guide for the LV‑MaxSonar‑EZ Ultrasonic Sensor. MaxBotix Inc., is excited to provide this guide which is designed to assist you in using your MaxSonar sensor for the first time!
Troubleshooting the MaxSonar Sensor Family
Our sensors are improved to not allow unstable readings. Occasionally unstable range readings occur. Within this tutorial we will explain how to identify, trouble shoot, and eliminate the cause of unstable range readings. This will work for all lines of sensors
Finding Distance from Analog Voltage (Pin 3)
The Analog Voltage pin on the MaxSonar family of sensors has been the most popular output for our users. All of the MaxSonar sensors have this output included. This guide will give a look into how to use it for obtaining the distance to the target being detected.
Finding Distance from Pulse Width (Pin 2)
All of the MaxSonar sensors have an output waveform that is a pictorial representation of distance measured. For the majority of our sensors that waveform output is a pulse width. Unlike analog voltage, pulse width does not scale with power input.
Connecting The MaxSonar® to a Computer
The MaxSonar® can be directly interfaced to be used with your PC, if you have a PC with a DB9 Serial. Connecting the sensor to a computer allows the user to see range readings that have already been processed to distance using RS232.
Ultrasonics and People Detection
All of the MaxBotix® Inc. ultrasonic sensors are capable of detecting people. The range that the MaxSonar® family of sensors is capable of detecting people greatly varies from sensor to sensor.
USB-ProxSonar®-EZ™ Computer Configuration
MaxBotix Inc., has released USB‑MaxSonar ultrasonic sensors. The USB‑MaxSonar ultrasonic sensors feature an easy to USB interface that uses a standard Micro-B USB cable to connect to a computer.
Controlled Ranging
All the MaxSonar sensors, by default, will operate in a free run mode. What this means is the sensor will continue to range until power is removed from the sensor. This is generally the easiest way to operate in a single sensor setup.
Chaining MaxSonar Sensors
When using a single sensor typically it is possible to just let it range continuously in free run mode. This method is very easy and works very well.
MaxSonar Beam Patterns
MaxBotix Inc provides beam patterns for all of our sensors to assist users in choosing the correct sensor for their application. The beam plots provided are approximations to target sizes and distance. Though our beam plots are accurate for the sensor and may differ slightly from sensor to sensor for each part number.
MaxBotix Inc., sensors have been successfully used on a number of multi‑copters. Even so, many users have had issues getting the sensors to operate reliably. Sensor operation on a quad‑copter is a challenging environment for an ultrasonic sensor to operate reliably.
MaxSonar Code Examples
Here are several programming samples we have tested at our facility. They include:
a code example for BasicX, and BX24p. a code example for the Basic Micro, Atom.;
a code example using Wright Hobbies, DevBoard-M32 (AVR using Bascom).;
and a code example using Parallax, Basic Stamp BS2.
MaxBotix Inc., has tested operation of our HRXL‑MaxSonar‑WR in a multi-sensor environment. The testing was conducted from 11/15/2012 to 11/19/2012.
All the test data (about 7.5mil. data points) gathered show there to be no interference from multi-sensor operation for the MB7360 in this test setup.
The MaxBotix Inc., HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ1 (MB1013) makes the perfect robot sensor for robot pole finding, navigation, distance sensing, direction, and alignment. This sensor provides your robot with real time information about its environment that can aid in the navigation around and to obstacles. Using two sensors on your robot will provide an easy and accurate method of pointing your robot directly toward a distant object.
Although the LV-MaxSonar®-EZ™ and XL-MaxSonar®-EZ™ sensors were designed for "protected indoor environments", the LV-MaxSonar®-EZ™ and XL-MaxSonar®-EZ™ sensors has been used outdoors in very rugged environments.
MaxBotix® Inc., HRXL‑MaxSonar‑WR Tank testing and results. The HRXL‑MaxSonar‑WR was designed with tank level measurement as one of the primary applications. The HRXL‑MaxSonar‑WR has 1‑mm resolution and stable range readings. This tank test shows the accuracy and stability of the HRXL‑MaxSonar‑WR sensor in a tank measuring application.
This test was conducted to verify and document the reliability of the MaxBotix Inc., MaxSonar product lines. Test parameters were selected that, if met, would establish and verify a mean time between failure (MTBF) of at least 200,000 hours. Additionally, industry practice states that product performance at temperature extremes (-40°C, +70°C), during and after a significant number of temperature cycles, is required to validate the MTBF.
The primary goal during the building of the original LV-MaxSonar-EZ1 was to make a high performance ultrasonic range finder that provided readings, so stable, that unless the object moved, the readings didn’t vary. This was the first and primary goal during the initial design of the LV-MaxSonar-EZ1, these goals have continued and been improved upon for all of our subsequent products. MaxBotix Inc., has virtually reached that goal.
Remote monitoring for the MaxSonar is easily available with the help of a bridge device such as the IoBridge IO-204. It has become simpler to integrate a MaxSonar into applications like measuring tide level or fuel level. The IoBridge IO‑204 module allows for remote sensing over the internet. All that is needed is a MaxSonar of preference, the IO-204, high-speed internet connection, and a power source for the IO‑204.
MaxBotix® Inc., holds full patent status on the MaxSonar® line of ultrasonic rangefinders (patent 7,679,996). At this time, we do not issue licenses for use of our MaxSonar® product line circuits or software. MaxBotix® Inc., provides circuit information on our MaxSonar® line in our data sheets so our customers can understand the basic circuitry operation of our sensors.
MaxBotix® Inc., products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems.
MaxBotix® Inc., products are made in the USA. Read about the FTC requirements for "Made in the USA".
