[sci.electronics] Poloroid ? Ultrasonics module

rrw@naucse.cse.nau.edu (Robert Wier) (10/13/90)

 I have need to do some distance measurements, relatively
 low precision (say, to 1") at a range of about 6' - 10'.
 I remember a number of years ago that Poloroid (I THINK)
 had a design kit available based on the circuit they were
 using in their auto focus cameras. I also remember it as
 being relatively expensive for educational use ($200?).  At
 any rate, I need information on this now, and of course
 I can't find anything in my files.

 Several questions:  Does anyone know if either Don Lancaster
 or Steve Circica (spelling?) has had any articles on this?
 Does anyone have a contact number at Poloroid?  Any good
 sources for modules?

 I see old/bashed poloroid cameras at swap fests fairly regularly,
 in the 10$ - 15$ range.  I'd thought about buying some of these
 and extracting the ultrasonic module.  Wonder if anyone 
 has already done this?

 I'd be very grateful for any information along these lines.
 Thanks!

-bw

 - Bob Wier

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wb8foz@mthvax.cs.miami.edu (David Lesher) (10/13/90)

In <2691@naucse.cse.nau.edu> rrw@naucse.cse.nau.edu (Robert Wier) writes:


> I have need to do some distance measurements, relatively
> low precision (say, to 1") at a range of about 6' - 10'.
> I remember a number of years ago that Poloroid (I THINK)
> had a design kit available based on the circuit they were
> using in their auto focus cameras. I also remember it as
> being relatively expensive for educational use ($200?).  At
> any rate, I need information on this now, and of course
> I can't find anything in my files.

Home Depot and such places sell "Digatapes" using these parts
for about $10.00. It has an LCD display and comes in a sexy
black case.

Of course, buying it assembled and working takes all the fun out
of it.....

-- 
A host is a host from coast to coast.....wb8foz@mthvax.cs.miami.edu 
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Unless the host (that isn't close)......................pob 570-335
is busy, hung or dead....................................33257-0335

hbg6@citek.mcdphx.mot.com (10/14/90)

In article <2691@naucse.cse.nau.edu> rrw@naucse.cse.nau.edu (Robert Wier) writes:
>
> I see old/bashed poloroid cameras at swap fests fairly regularly,
> in the 10$ - 15$ range.  I'd thought about buying some of these
> and extracting the ultrasonic module.  Wonder if anyone 
> has already done this?
>
I'm more surprised that no one has figured out and published a
'hack' to use those inexpensive ultrasonic tape measurers I've
seen in the hardware store. Simplest case would be to de-mux
the display and interface it to a processor.

I can look up the Poloroid info if no one else has it handy.
I have seen the ad recently and I seem to recall the kit cost
around $195. A little steep since the 'tape measure' costs
$19.00


John


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