Break Beam Sensor

[steveo]

Jon,
Can you recommend a break beam sensor that interfaces easily with the Prop-1?

TIA,

Steve

[JonnyMac]

I have no idea -- check an alarm company catalog.  What you'll want is a dry contact or open-collector output.

[gadget-evilusions]

shameless plug below!


http://evilusions.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55&products_id=54

Can be powered off the +v and gnd terminals on the prop-1, and I will even put the 3 pin head on the correct wires for you!

[steveo]

To rich for my blood!

Jon,
Have you seen the PING)) sensor that Parallax is selling? Could it be re-tasked as a break beam (of sorts).

[livinlowe]

Take a look at this:

http://softlyspokenmagicspells.com/halloween/light_beam.html

[Tim-M]

www.automationdirect.com

Tim

[gadget-evilusions]

I too have used Automation Direct. Very good service.

Now you guys have me looking at cheaper alternatives to what I normally use.

How do you normally hook up the cxp-ap-1f to the prop-1? I am use to sensors with relays. I don't normally venture into the realm of npn and pnp but I guess with a prop-1 that is probably the wiser choice.

[clinefx1]

I like using these kits.  Its a fun soldering project or you can get them already assembled.  They also provide a clean contact closure to trigger something. 


  http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/elec/ck1620.htm


Chris

[ScaryTinker]

I've found a source for inexpensive beam break switches.

The unit is rated to work up to 12 feet (I've tested it up to 10 feet). It can be configured to benormally on or normally off. It is designed to work at 24 volts but I tested it at 12 volts and it seems to work just fine.

This kind of sensor usually sells for 60+ bucks. Electronic Goldmine has them 80 of them as surplus for $13. You need to supply a reflector. I tested it using a red reflector from the auto parts store.

Here's the link:
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=B00002

They have a least a couple of other models that should work just as well.

Scary Tinker