Water Level Indicator

[Jadams]

I have some limited experience with the Ping Sensor on other projects.  Would this sensor detect the water level in a container if I mounted it on top looking down?  Will the water reflect or absorb the 'ping'?  Does anyone have other ideas to detect the water level in a 50 gallon container using a Prop 1?  The output would be a series of LEDs indicating the container fluid level.

Thanks

[JonnyMac]

I've heard of others doing this.  Still water is a decent reflector but you may have to do some empirical testing to determine the maximum range.  An issue that may come up is the moist environment that is not terribly friendly to electronics.  You may want to cut holes in a plastic container through which you can poke the ultrasonic elements.

[Jadams]

Thanks, I'll start the testing.  I'll probably be back asking for some help with the code but will give it a shot.

[bsnut]

I have another idea for you to test based Jon's point.

Still water is a decent reflector but you may have to do some empirical testing to determine the maximum range.

Take a piece of 2" PVC pipe (which is just over the size of the Ping sensor) and long enough that the water doesn't get on the sensor and cut holes in a plastic container through which you can poke the ultrasonic elements through and place this on top of the pipe so that the sensor doesn't fall down the pipe and keeps the sensor level with the water level.

After that, stick the pipe in the water a few inches below the lowest water level you want. What this does for you is two things.
1) Removes the waves that's in the water, which is allowing a better reflection form the water.
2) Provides better level detection, since the water the that is inside the pipe is only moving up and down with the water level that is on the outside the pipe.

This should work well when used with the Ping demo code. Since this method is done all the time in industrial applications for detecting water or fluid levels tank and even streams.   

[Jadams]

Thanks for the idea, I'll try it.

[bsnut]

You're welcome Jim. Anything to help you out.