Maxbotix Controller

Multi-Sensor controller for MaxBotix ultrasonic sensors Gerry Duprey -- email gerry 'at' rgbled 'dot' org
			Downloadables Project Files (source, CAD, docs) (tgz format) Project Change Log Serial Control Protocol Descripton

Summary
This allows you to easily interface one or more of the remarkable Maxbotix EZ1 ultrasonic ranging sensors to a controller or computer via a RS232 serial. These sensor are remarkably small, accurate and easy to use, but do put a load on the computer or controller as they are continously sending a stream of distance measurments out, even if nothing has changed. The controller can talk to upto 12 EZ1 sensors and send reports to the computer/controller only when there is a real change. You can define how much change before a report is to be sent along with range info (for example, only send reports when things are between 10 and 20 inches -- ignore everything else).

What this controller allows compared to directly using an EZ1

Get reports of changes in measurment only when there is an actual change or on demand via a query
Allow multiple sensor to be read with a single serial port
Allow multiple sensors to be used in close proximity (not possible when they are all turned on, but the controller sequences through them, making it possible)
Reduce the load on the computer/controller of constantly processing the sensor data stream (i.e. event driven vs constant bit stream)
Get reports when object come into or out of a predefined range, ignoring anything else

NOTE: MaxBotix, MaxSonar and EZ1 are trademarks of MaxBotix Inc.

Whats Available
Included in the download is the firmware for the controller (built for a PIC 16F87 or 16F88), the CAD files with the schematics, an optional Java based API for communicating with the controller, a Java based xPL gateway allowing access to and reporting from the controller to anywhere on the local area network (all software includes source). You can also purche the 4 sensor PC board or a completely assembled 4 sensor unit at the RGBLED.org store

Support
All support for this project is exclusively provided on the forums at this site. Please don't sent me email -- I won't respond to it (or will just respond with a form letter directing you to the forums). Even for things in the store, the amount of margin is almost nil -- covers the product and some of my time. I could not hope to support folks on a one-on-one basis, but with a forum, many people can help each other out and there is a searchable history of things that can help you solve your own issues quickly. Beyond providing the forum, I offer absolutely no guarantee you're request for help will be answered. It probably will be by someone, but it may take a few days or go unanswered. I'd strongly suggest searching the forums throroughly first and then asking you question in a pleasant and detailed manor. Posting questions that have been answered before or posting demanding questions will probably get you ignored -- remember you are "borrowing a cup of sugar" -- folks are helping each other out by their own good graces.

Support forums are available at http://www.rgbled.org/forums

Last updated March 7, 2007