Over the past 10 years, MaxBotix expanded the number of packaging options available for each many of our sensors. Each option provides unique benefits to certain mounting integrations. This article provides a brief overview of every packaging style.
If your application requires you to detect more than 7.65 m, only the standard full horn sensor or the -800 is available.
All of the other applications will depend on the application you’re integrating the sensor in. For instance, the different threading, or the use of the Compact housing for a wider detection zone.
The majority of our housing options are available in our IP67 sensors. These IP67 rated options operate well in all environments including ones that experience the following conditions: rain, snow, dense fog, or heavy dust. You can read more about protected vs non-protected environments in this article.
Standard Housing (the full horn): The horn on our standard housing focuses the acoustic energy of the sensor and results in a longer and narrower detection zone than that offered by the other housing options. The threading is 3/4″ national pipe thread straight style for easy installation in your application.
Noted as -100 when ordering.
Compact Housing (the WRC):
The WRC package is the same as the standard housing except for the horn no longer extends beyond the transducer. This is ideal for integrations where the full horn will not fit. This compact version of the sensor has a detection zone that is a bit shorter and wider than the standard housing.
Noted as the -200 when ordering.
Ultra Compact Housing (Green PCB and Transducer only):
Available only for some select sensor lines, this is our smallest packaging option and can be used in areas where space is at a premium. The ultra-compact housing allows you to use the sensor with or without a horn designed into your application. When a horn is not used, it has a similar beam pattern to the compact housing. To maintain IP67 integrity, the user is required to ensure proper sealing methods are followed.
Noted as the -300 when ordering.
1″ NPS Housing:
This housing is a fully threaded National Pipe Thread Straight housing with the same beam pattern as the compact housing. This is designed to fit into a common 1″NPS porthole.
Noted as the -500 when ordering.
1″ BSPP Housing:
This housing is identical to the 1″ NPS except that it has British Standard Pipe Parallel threading. This is designed to fit into a common 1″BSPP porthole.
Noted as the -600 when ordering.
30mm 1.5 Housing:
This housing is similar to the 1″ NPS housing except that it has 30mm 1.5 threading. This is designed to fit into a common 30mm 1.5 porthole.
Noted as the -700 when ordering.
The MB8450 is an altogether unique packaging option in the fact that the IP67 transducer is separate from the PCB and can be plugged in. This allows the user to mount the transducer independent from the PCB control board.
This style operates best in protected environments. Do not use this style in locations that experience the following conditions: rain, snow, dense fog, or heavy dust. You can read more about protected vs non-protected environments in this article.
The EZ packaging options come in three variations. The variations depend solely on the selected sensor line and cannot be changed on request. Each of the EZ variations is shown below. Each sensor offers mounting holes and a similar footprint.
This sensor type uses the 7 pin MaxSonar connection and has a flat back.
This sensor type uses the 7 pin MaxSonar connection and requires a cutout on the back.
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The weather-resistant SCXL-MaxSonar-WRS self‑cleaning sensor is a rugged ultrasonic sensor…
When choosing an ultrasonic sensor it is very important to be aware of the surrounding environment. This is a key factor and the first consideration when selecting a sensor. This requires looking around the environment that your sensor will be exposed to which can be as simple as the outdoor elements or as complicated as the type of people or animals that will be in the environment with the sensor.
When you use a rugged WR sensor from MaxBotix® Inc., the sensor pinout is exposed allowing you to attach wires and equipment to the sensor. While leaving the pin out open provides greater flexibility in how you choose to connect to the sensors, it can leave the sensors exposed to the weather in some applications.
While there are numerous types of splice kits and wire connectors available, being able to properly solder wires, and the ability to weatherproof the new splice will save time, money, and frustration. This article will guide you on the right path to learning a new skill by outlining the proper technique to splice wires and create a weatherproof seal to protect outdoor electronics.
