2015-04-05 (Su) Self Contained Haptic Distance Sensor

 The USB cable providing power to the unit was cumbersome, unattractive, and not in line with the scope of the project which was to create a modular unit. It is important to provide 5V to the units even though the Arduino have onboard voltage regulator because the draw of the servo motors, which would run continuously, is excessive for the onboard regulators. Small diameter coaxial power adapters were ordered to provide an input for 5V power. 3.5mm, 1.3mm sockets were chosen since the corresponding cords were easy to find. The sockets were measured and the dimensions replaced the rounded cable hole with a rectangular hole against the wall. Putting the long side of the hole against a wall will allow for the adapter to be glued in place with plastic adhesive.

3.5mm, 1.3mm socket

Animation of replacing the rounded hole with a rectangular hole

Some testing was done with the distance sensor and unreliable results were found and the program seemed to hang. The Arduino was a 3.3V model which was installed by accident but used anyway. This board may not be providing adequate signal voltage to the distance sensor which could be responsible for the unreliable readings. A 5V model was installed in place of the 3.3V model by moving the wires one connection at a time. The power pins were rerouted to exclude the USB cable and replace it with red and black cables going to a rectangular power socket.

5V board shown above 3.3V model

Finished soldering job

Updated Schematic


Files for Self Contained Haptic Distance Sensor:

To do:
  • Design way for servo cam to push on user without rubbing
  • Debug program
    • Get reliable readings from distance sensor
    • Correspond distance readings to servo rotation
    • Using floating limits
  • Take rotating photo of device  
  • Write instructions

The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.

Completed projects from year 1.
Completed projects from year 2.


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2015-03-31 (Tu)

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