
Troy
USA
Asked
— Edited
[EDIT] In this thread, there may be broken links as time goes on. The purpose of the posts is to give members ideas to build on and be a repository for other people to add to as well. Happy building! Oh, let me add that I have no affliation to any seller or company. Always check out your suppliers before handing over your hard earned cash.
Well its new to me. I can see it now. "Dave, there seems to be an approaching storm. It's time to stop our soccer game and get inside" eBay Link, Datasheet Link
Franklin Lightning Sensor provides early warning indication of lightning storm activity within a 40km range
- Provides distance estimation to the head of the storm
- Detects both cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud (cloud-to-cloud) ashes
- Intelligent algorithm provides for false disturber rejection
- Programmable detection levels enable threshold setting for optimal con gurability
- SPI and I2C interface is used for control and register reading
- Automatic antenna tuning
- Supply voltage range 2.4 to 5.5V
- Power-down, listening and active mode
Here is another one for motion detection for up to 20 meters. eek Microwave Doppler Radar Motion Sensor
Datasheet is here: http://www.apollounion.com/en/down.asp?filename=Upload/DownFiles/HB100.pdfEdit: see post #6 for better one.
UPDATE: Here is another lightning detector that popped up. eBay Link
In the olden days, we used to put a small pocket am radio and tune if off the channel. When lightning was around, we it would sound off. That was our lightning sensor. How much does that thing cost?
I think thats the principle behind it. An intelligent receiver that can differentiate between cloud to cloud and ground to cloud lightning strikes. eBay says it's $26 plus shipping but I just posted it because I like looking to new things.
It's cheaper than I thought it would be. Can't say I'd have a use for it just yet but it's a sensor, they all come in handy
The motion detector may be useful though!
I sent off for one of those motion detectors to test it out. Since it's microwave I thought it may shoot through the robot plastic housing. Albeit at reduced range for sure. That way it will keep a smooth exterior look.
Update on that doppler sensor. It would equire additional circuitry to make function. After a little digging I found the same sensor as a complete item.
parallax item#32213 doppler sensor

Details:.Operation frequency of 10.525 GHz .Able to detect motion through walls and windows .More immune to false triggers than passive infrared motion sensors .Active-high enable pin with internal pull-up resistor .Power supply requirements: regulated 5 VDC, 8 mA .Communication: High (3.9 V) / low (0 V) signal oscillates with motion .Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.75 x 0.75 in (46 x 45 x 19 mm) .Operating temp range: +32 to +131 °F (0 to +55 °C)
Im all about simplicity. :} Update: It seems the comparator board only allows for detection from 8-30 feet. Im not sure there is an application for bots this at that range.
Simple is better till you get your feet under you and understand how to do stuff. That is why I like the Parallax ping they only use one port for signal and return.
This one? It looks like a good one.
PING))) Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
Yep thats the ones I use