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      <title>Sensor Workshop at ITP</title>
      <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Site/AllRecentChanges</link>
      <description>Site.All Recent Changes</description>
      <lastBuildDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:02:32 GMT</lastBuildDate>
 	  
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        <item>
          <title>Code / Datalogger Multi</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Code/DataloggerMulti</link>
          <description>By Tom Igoe

This Processing example reads three sensors and graphs one of them, but allows the user to choose which one by typing the appropriate sensor label.

See also Jen Kirchherr's variation on this code, which graphs all three values simultaneously.

Back to 3-Axis Accelerometer Report

(:source lang="processing" tabwidth=4:)

/*
Grapher multi
 by Tom Igoe

 This program takes a string of three bytes from the serial port at 9600 baud 
 and graphs one of them.
 Typing "x" causes the program to graph the first byte in the string
 Typing "y" causes the program to graph the second byte in the string
 Typing "z" causes the program to graph the third byte in the string

 The program sends out a single byte, value 65 ("A") to get the remote device
 to send a string.

 Created 20 April 2005
 Updated 28 August 2005
 */
import processing.serial.*;

Serial myPort;  // The serial port
int[] serialInArray = new int[3];    // Where we'll put what we receive
int serialCount = 0;                 // A count of how many bytes we receive

// initial variables:
int i = 1;                   // counter
int inByte = -1;             // data from serial port

int xpos, ypos, zpos = 0;

boolean firstContact = false;

void setup () {
  size(400, 300);        // window size

  // List all the available serial ports
  println(Serial.list());
  // I know that the third port in the serial list on my mac
  // is always my  Keyspan adaptor, so I open Serial.list()[0].
  // Open whatever port is the one you're using.
  myPort = new Serial(this, Serial.list()[0], 9600);

  // set inital background:
  background(0);

  // send initial byte:
  myPort.write(65);    // Send a capital A to start the microcontroller sending
}
void draw () {
  while (myPort.available() &gt; 0) {
    processByte(myPort.read());
    // Note that we heard from the microntroller:
    firstContact = true;
  }
  // If there's no serial data, send again until we get som

 ...</description>
          <author> (ti8)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:02:32 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Triangulation</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/Triangulation</link>
          <description>Triangulation of Sound - Using Microphones as Directional Sensors


This report documents the use of three microphones as directional sensors. Triangulation is the process by which the location of a sound can be determined by measuring the distance or direction of the received signal from 3 different points. Triangulation is used for many purposes, including surveying, navigation, metrology,  astrometry (interplanetary triangulation), binocular vision and gun direction of weapons. Using three Super Snooper Big Ear Audio Amplifiers placed in 3 separate locations on an object, I will try to determine the location of a sound emitting from somewhere in a room. 


Process

The first step was to assemble the SuperSnoopers.  I assembled the parts into piles and labeled them with their part numbers so I could assemble them quickly without having to look up the reference numbers.

The soldering went smoothly until it was time to add the microphones. It was difficult to strip the casing from the wires without cutting the wires, and a couple times the wires came unattached to the microphone. I had to re-solder the wires to the mics. Fortunately, I had an extra SuperSnooper in case of mistakes.  If one of the Snoopers doesn't work, I have a backup.


I started with one snooper to see if I could read the incoming data. I hooked up the speaker out wires, scratched the surface of the mic, and heard the response through the a speaker from an answering machine.  I used the oscilloscope to check the signal as well.


The values were jumping all over the place, so I added a smoothing function to the code and a 10k resistor, and then the values smoothed out a bit, and jumped nicely when a sound was made.  Room noise may still be a problem.

When I tested all four of the snoopers, one sto

 ...</description>
          <author> (ti8)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:59:36 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Profiles / Rucyl</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Profiles/Rucyl</link>
          <description>hello 

rucyl.com


 ...</description>
          <author> (rm1764)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2012 05:00:40 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Reports</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/Reports</link>
          <description>This is the main section of this site.  Sensor and Datasheet reports should be linked off this page.

Format your link like this:
[[Reports.SensorName | Title of the Report]] - Short description, if necessary -[[~yourLogin]]
"Reports.SensorName" creates a new page for our report in the Reports group of the wiki. 
The "~yourLogin" tildes (~) at the end automatically adds a link to your profile.
Any code samples or glossary entries should linked within your main Report on a separate page in the Code and Glossary groups.  They will automagically show up in the Code Samples  and Glossary sections of the site if you do this.  Please sign and describe your code samples in the first 7 lines of the page.
Link them in your report like this:[[Code.CodeSampleName | Title of code sample]][[Glossary.GlossaryEntryName | Term you are defining]]


A Sample Report -- tigoe , jamie &amp; Jeff



Interesting sensors no one's done yet
GridEye http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/AMG8831/255-3509-1-ND/3461616
Biometrics
Biometrics System Final Report. "Biometric technologies are defined as "automated methods of identifying or authenticating the identity of a living person based on a physical or behavioral characteristic." This report gives an overview of biometric technologies, and an example of rudimentary face rcognition using Max/MSP and the cv.jit objects. Original report by Saranont Limpananont
Reflective Optical Sensor There are many ways to detect heart rate, whether through electropiezo pulsation monitoring, chest-strap heart contraction detection or photoplesmography. The most wearable and continuous detection method for detecting via a user's wrist is by using a reflective optical sensor that sends an IR signal against

 ...</description>
          <author> (ti8)</author>
          <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:42:50 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / EEG Mindwave</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/EEGMindwave</link>
          <description>EEG Mindwave Report by Hannah Davis, 11 April 2012.


Introduction:

The Mindwave is an EEG sensor, reading electrical activity along the scalp. It runs on one AAA battery (for about 10 hours of use) and reads neuroscience bands of 0.5 to 50 Hz. It's uni-directional (only reading the signals) and has 96% the accuracy of research-grade EEGs (although this is according to NeuroSky themselves). 

Key Concepts:

Hz = cycles per second

EEG = Electro-encephalography

Information below from Wikipedia.org

Brainwaves:

Delta waves (up to 4 Hz) are found in the deepest levels of sleep.


Theta waves (4-8 Hz) are found in the transition from sleep.


Alpha waves (8-13 Hz) are predominantly found with wakeful relaxation (while eyes are closed). Alpha waves are reduced with open eyes, drowsiness, and sleep. They can apparently be controlled (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurofeedback)


Beta waves (14-30 Hz) are increased with open eyes and found in normal waking consciousness. Low amplitude Beta waves signify active, busy concentration, or anxious thinking. Beta waves are increased when movement has to be resisted or when it's voluntarily suppressed. A reduction of Beta waves occurs with changes in movement.


Gamma waves (25-100 Hz, though 40 Hz is typical) are debated, but their rhythmic signal is stronger in meditators.


Information below from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography

Key points about electroencephalography: 

"The electrode measures electrical activity on the skin of the scalp. More specifi

 ...</description>
          <author> (hed225)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 18:14:42 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / E-Tape Liquid Level Sensor</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/E-TapeLiquidLevelSensor</link>
          <description>Initial report by Lia Martinez, 13 April 2012

Introduction
The eTape Liquid Level Sensor is a solid-state sensor with a resistive output that varies with the level of the fluid. It is like an electronic tape measure that, once submerged in a fluid or powder, emits a signal. It is an innovative in that makes use of printed electronics instead of moving mechanical floats. The e-Tape&#146;s envelope is compressed by the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in which it is immersed, which results in the change in resistance. 

http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/uploads/etape_pic1

The eTape sensor provides a resistive output that is inversely proportional to the level of the fluid. The lower the liquid level, the higher the output resistance. 

The eTape is one of a new generation of printed electronics. It is made of PET, which is the same material that water bottles are made from, making it less susceptible to corrosion. Additionally, because it is a solid state sensor and has no moving parts, it is not affected by salt creep, etc, making it ideal for salt water/ marine environments. Uses also include the medical field, where there is a need for sensors that are affordable and disposable. 

This report was based on the PN-6573P-12 and the PN-6573P-8. 

When to use it 
There are a number of different kinds of fluid-level sensors. Whether the fluid is housed in a neat and compact container, or has a substantial area to be measured, there are many application-specific criteria to consider in selecting the proper sensor for the job.  Digikey suggests these criterias for selecting a liquid level sensor: 

Which kind of fluid will be measured?
The data sheet specifies that it be used for non-corrosive liquids. Milone additionally stated that the sensor will work fine in household sewage,  dilute ethanol, and salt water/marine environments. They are currently de

 ...</description>
          <author> (acm466)</author>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 00:28:41 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Code / TMP 102</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Code/TMP102</link>
          <description>

  /*
&#160; TMP102 Example Code
&#160; Updated 14 May 2012 by Noah Crowley

&#160; Based on:
&#160; &#160; http://bildr.org/2011/01/tmp102-arduino/
&#160; &#160; &#169;2011 bildr
&#160; &#160; Released under the MIT License - Please reuse change and share
&#160; &#160; Simple code for the TMP102, simply prints temperature via serial
*/

#include &lt;Wire.h&gt;

//The TMP102 has an address pin which can be used to change the I2C address 
//of the sensor. In this example, that pin is tied to ground, which results
//in the sensor using an address of 72, or 0x48 in hexadecimal.
int tmp102Address = 0x48;

void setup&#40;&#41;&#123;
&#160; Serial.begin&#40;9600&#41;;
&#160; Wire.begin&#40;&#41;;
&#125;

void loop&#40;&#41;&#123;
&#160; float celsius = getTemperature&#40;&#41;;
&#160; Serial.print&#40;&#34;Celsius: &#34;&#41;;
&#160; Serial.println&#40;celsius&#41;;

&#160; delay&#40;1000&#41;; //Delay for one second. You can remove this.
&#125;

float getTemperature&#40;&#41;&#123;
&#160; Wire.requestFrom&#40;tmp102Address,2&#41;; 

&#160; byte MSB = Wire.read&#40;&#41;;
&#160; byte LSB = Wire.read&#40;&#41;;

&#160; //it's a 12bit int, using two's compliment for negative
&#160; int TemperatureSum = &#40;&#40;MSB &lt;&lt; 8&#41; | LSB&#41; &gt;&gt; 4; 

&#160; float celsius = TemperatureSum*0.0625;
&#160; return celsius;
&#125;
&#160;
  [&#036;[Get Code]]


 ...</description>
          <author> (nsc248)</author>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:57:26 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Profiles / Nsc 248</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Profiles/Nsc248</link>
          <description>Noah Crowley

Sensor Workshop Spring 2012

http://www.noahcrowley.com

 ...</description>
          <author> (nsc248)</author>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:17:44 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / TMP 102</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/TMP102</link>
          <description>Overview
The TMP102 is a very small (surface-mount) low-power digital semiconductor temperature sensor. As the datasheet says, "the temperature sensor in the TMP102 is the chip itself." Data can be read from the sensor using I2C. A breakout board is available from Sparkfun which includes accompanying filtering capacitors and pull-up resistors.

Features
Small size
Two-wire serial interface
Accuracy: 0.5&#176;C (-25&#176;C to +85&#176;C)
12-bit, 0.0625&#176;C resolution
Low Power
1.4V to 3.6VDC supply range
10&#181;A Active (max)
1&#181;A Shutdown (max)
Datasheet
Texas Instrument's product page and datasheet.

Sources
TMP102 + Breakout Board - Sparkfun - $5.95

The Part
Pinout and breakout board from Sparkfun:


Schematic
From the datasheet:


Schematic for Sparkfun's breakout board:


Circuit
The following image shows the circuit needed to connect the TMP102 on the Sparkfun breakout board to an Arduino (via Bildr Blog):


Code
TMP102 example code via Bildr Blog

References
Bildr Blog

Keywords
Temperature, Thermometer, Hot, Heat, Cold, Cool, Farenheit, Celsius, Degrees, Weather, Environment, Digital, I2C

 ...</description>
          <author> (nsc248)</author>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 15:12:31 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Code / Code</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Code/Code</link>
          <description>This page lists code samples from the sensor reports. There are also a few general examples here as well. All major pieces of code for the wiki should be linked here. 

A note on code on this wiki:  If you use existing code from the code links here or elsewhere, please cite it and link to it.  If you only make minor modifications, there's no need to post a whole new code sample.  You can just make note of the change in your assignment summary.  But if you come up with a significant improvement, please post it in the Code group of the Wiki and comment it well, so others may benefit.tigoe &amp; jamie

A Sample code Page Here are some notes on how your code samples should be formatted.


4dSystems xD Datalogger (Arduino-Processing)

Simple Datalogging directly to Computer


DosOnChip Module Example (Processing)

Another DosOnChip Module Example (Processing)


converting ADC readings to voltage (Arduino)

Running Average With Weighting (Arduino)

Three Sensors (Arduino-Processing)

Three Sensors, Call and Response (Arduino-Processing) - Taken from physcomp serial section

Three Sensors, Call/Response with Full String Messages (Arduino-Processing)

One Sensor Averaged (Arduino)

Three Sensors, one Averaged (Arduino-Processing)

Three Sensors, one Threshold (Arduino-Processing)

Three Sensors, one Threshold, two set Threshold (Arduino-Processing)


Using i2c with the CMP103 Compass Module

Simple SPI Communication without AVR Interrupts

[[Code.TMP36 | TMP36 Tem

 ...</description>
          <author> (nsc248)</author>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:49:52 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / HDJD-S 822</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/HDJD-S822</link>
          <description>HDJD-S822 Color Sensor Breakout 
Initial report by Manuela Donoso 30 03, 2012

 Attach:image.jpg  

 
Introduction
The HDJD-S822-QR999 is a high performance effective light to voltage converting sensor.
This color senor module can detect the color of an object and report it back to your processor for applications like color sorting. 
The sensor combines a photodiode array and three  transimpedance amplifiers  in a single monolithic CMOS IC solution.
With a Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) color filters coated over the photodiode array, the sensor converts RGB light to analog voltage outputs, denoted by VROUT,
VGOUT and VBOUT, respectively. The sensor is packaged in a 5x5x0.75 [mm] surface mount QFN-16 package.
The HDJD-S822 is really simply to get it up and running. 


Sources
This sensor is made by Avago Technologies and distributed by Sparkfun. Sparkfun (US) cost: $24.95 Robossavy (Europe) cost: &#163;14.89


Applications
Ideal choice of for open loop and closed loop color identification. 
Potential applications are such as: general color detection, industrial process, environmental lighting, cabin lighting, decorative lighting and etc.
Also can be used for monitor calibration.


Electrical Characteristics
Datasheet 
 
1. Sensor: HDJD-S822 Color sensor Breakboard2. Amplifier: MMBT2222 NPN General Purpose AmplifierResistors:
The board uses SMD resistors. They are very small, so instead of color bands (as normal resi

 ...</description>
          <author> (mdl425)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 16:52:50 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Conductive Ink</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/ConductiveInk</link>
          <description>BARE Conductive Paint
Initial report by Manuela Donoso 30 03, 2012 (not finish)

   
Introduction
Bare Conductive Paint is electrically conductive. 
Is a non-toxic carbon-based conductor paint. Acts as a conduit for electrical signals to run across a variety of surfaces. It can be applied with a brush, stamp, or spray and can be used to power small devices such as LED&#146;s.

Sources
They sell the paint in Amount: 50 ml
and in pens 

Sparkfun: Costs: $24.95 + shipping
Thinkgeek: Cost: $29.99 + shipping (economy $5.49)
Inventable: Cost: $ 29.99 + shipping
Bare Conductive: Cost: &#163;18.00 (free shipping worldwide, US 10 working days)

Applications
It can be used in signaling and powering. Signaling could include using the Paint as a potentiometer while interfacing with a micro-controller, as a conduit in a larger circuit or as a capacitive sensor.  Powering a device would include lighting LED's or driving small speakers, among other things.Here are some ways in how can be used as a sensor:

Capacitive Proximity Sensor:
    
This sensor can detect the presence of a person from up to 300 mm and can work behind any non-conductive material (glass, wood, plastic, etc).
The circuit contains a resistor (among 100k ohm and 20M ohm) between pin 2 (orange wire connecting to the breadboard) and pin 4 (red wire connecting to the breadboard) of the Arduino board.  Pin 4 is referred to as the "Sensor Pin" and Pin 2 is referred to as the "Receive Pin". Then connect it to the pad of Paint.  Using different resistor changes the sensitivity. Larger resistors tend to make the sensor more sensi

 ...</description>
          <author> (mdl425)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 16:49:26 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Code / My Code Sample</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Code/MyCodeSample</link>
          <description>include &lt;CapSense.h&gt;
/* 
 * CapitiveSense Library Demo Sketch
 * Paul Badger 2008
 * Slightly adapted by Bare Conductive 2011
 */
CapSense   cs_4_2 = CapSense(4,2);         // 10 megohm resistor between pins 4 &amp; 2, pin 2 is sensor pin, add Bare Paint
// CapSense   cs_4_5 = CapSense(4,5);          // OPTIONAL: for sensor 2, 10 megohm resistor between pins 4 &amp; 6, pin 6 is sensor pin,
add Bare Paint
// CapSense   cs_4_8 = CapSense(4,8);          // OPTIONAL: for sensor 3, 10 megohm resistor between pins 4 &amp; 8, pin 8 is sensor pin,
add Bare Paint

void setup()                 

{
  cs_4_2.set_CS_AutocaL_Millis(0xFFFFFFFF);     // turn off autocalibrate on channel 1 - just as an example   
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop()                    

{    
  long start = millis();    
  long total1 =  cs_4_2.capSense(30);   
  // long total2 =  cs_4_5.capSense(30);     // OPTIONAL for sensor 2   
  // long total3 =  cs_4_8.capSense(30);    // OPTIONAL for sensor 3      



  // Serial.print(millis() - start);                      // OPTIONAL: check on performance in milliseconds   
  // Serial.print(" ");                                     // OPTIONAL: tab character for debug windown spacing

  //Serial.println(total1);                                // OPTIONAL: To use additional sensors,change Serial.println to Serial.print
  for proper window spacing    
    //Serial.print(" ");                               // OPTIONAL: tab character for window spacing for sensor output 2    
  //Serial.print(total2);                           // OPTIONAL: print sensor output 2    
  //Serial.print(" ");                               // OPTIONAL: tab character character for sensor output 3    
  //Serial.println(total3);                       // print sensor output 3
  delay(10);                                          // arbitrary delay to limit data to serial port 

  Serial.write(total1); 
}

 ...</description>
          <author> (mdl425)</author>
          <pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 16:19:39 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Dallas Semiconductor DS 18 B 20 Digital Thermometer</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/DallasSemiconductorDS18B20DigitalThermometer</link>
          <description>Features
Unique 1-Wire (r) interface requires only one port pin for communication
Each device has a unique 64-bit serial code stored in an onboard ROM
Multidrop capability simplifies distributed temperature sensing applications
Requires no external components
Can be powered from the data line. Power supply range is 3.0V to 5.5V
Measures temperatures from -55 degrees celsius to +125 degrees celsius (-67 F to +257 F)
+/-0.5 degrees accuracy from -10 to +85 degrees celsius
Thermometer resolution is user-selectable from 9 to 12 bits
Converts temperature to 12-bit digital word in 750ms (max.)
User-definable non-volatile (NV) alarm settings
Alarm search command identifies and addresses devices whose temperature is outside of programmed limits (temperature alarm condition)
Available in 8-pin SO (150mil), 8-pin mu-SOP, and 3-pin TO-92 packages
Software compatible with the DS1822
Applications include thermostatic controls, industrial systems, consumer products, thermometers, or any thermally sensitive system
Waterproof version available
Datasheet
The datasheet and other information about this chip is linked to here: http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS18B20.pdf

Sources
The DS18B20 is available from Sparkfun, Adafruit, among others.

The Waterproof DS18B20 is available from Sparkfun and Adafruit.

The High Temperature Waterproof DS18B20 is available from Adafruit. 

The Part
The DS18B20 is available in three packages, TO-92, SO, and &#956;SOP.

Pin Outs (from datasheet):


Schematic
Below is the schematic from the datasheet for wiring the DS18B20 in both parasite power mode and with an external supply.

http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/up

 ...</description>
          <author> (nsc248)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 20:24:18 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / TAOSTCS 230</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/TAOSTCS230</link>
          <description>TAOS TCS230 Programmable Color Light-To-Frequency Converter

 
LINKS
datasheet
Datasheet for Module with Appmod Adapter
Color Me Tickled article by Jon Williams
simple demo of the sensor on youtube
intelligent opto sensor TAOS
informative DIY blog :)
The TAOS TCS230 Programmable Color Light-To-Frequency Converter, strangely enough, converts light to frequency.  One of the nice things about this, from what I've read, is that it dispenses with the need for expensive, hi-res ADC converters, as its output is a series of pulses that can be easily read by microcontrollers.  Some applications for the converters are: color densitometer (an apparatus for measuring the optical density of a material, such as a photographic negative), to detect stamps or labels in manufacturing, color monitor calibration, color-edge finding robots and, potentially, color-tracking turntables.

 
SCHEMATIC
 taken from TCS230 datasheet

 Name
 #
 I/O
 Description
 S0,S1  
 1,2
 I
 Scaling frequency
 OE
 3
 I
 Output Enable (active low)
 GND
 4
 
 Ground
 VDD
 5
 
Supply Voltage
 OUT
 6
 O
 Output fre

 ...</description>
          <author> (MC194)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 20:10:56 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Attach</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/Attach</link>
          <description> ...</description>
          <author> (sa1772)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 17:51:15 GMT</pubDate>
          
        </item>
		
        <item>
          <title>Reports / Mp Xx 5050</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/MpXx5050</link>
          <description>Initial report by Hanny Ahern, April, 2012 


Introducton

&#147;The MPXx5050 series piezoresistive transducer is a state-of-the-art
monolithic silicon pressure sensor designed for a wide range of applications,
but particularly those employing a microcontroller or microprocessor with A/D
inputs. This patented, single element transducer combines advanced
micromachining techniques, thin-film metallization, and bipolar processing to
provide an accurate, high level analog output signal that is proportional to the
applied pressure.&#148; &#150; freescal semiconductor data sheet

It is important to note that this is an pressure sensor, not to be confused with a force sensitive resistor which deals with a different type of pressure, the MPX x5050 and its family deal strictly with air pressure

  Types of pressure sensing
[[Potentiometric,
Optical,
Piezoelectric,
Electromagnetic,
Capacitive,
Piezoresistive strain gauge, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_sensor]]

  sensing applications
Pressure sensing,
Altitude sensing,
'''Flow sensing,
Level / depth sensing,
Leak testing,
Ratiometric Correction of Transducer Output,

Sources

Supplier:  http://www.mouser.com/
Link to pressure sensor family:  http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=MPX5050
Mouser Phone: 1-800-346-6873
Mouser part #- 841 MPX5050GPI

Cost:        1-  $13.48
	         25-  $12.35
	          50  -$11.99
                   100- $11.29'''
Applications

-Air pressure of a flying device, speed, as used in this project

-Rain water tank:  level http://arduino.cc/playground/Main/Waterlevel

- washing machines

-breath sensor

Pin Descriptions

This is a six pin sensor, however only 3 of the pins are used to hook up a basic i/o, or microcontroler to get serial a reading.
Below shows the details of all of the pins, this is useful for an in depth understanding. The image below the diagram descibe the pin us

 ...</description>
          <author> (sa1772)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 17:51:03 GMT</pubDate>
          
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          <title>Reports / PNI Field Force TCMPN Is Field Force TCMIMU</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/PNIFieldForceTCMPNIsFieldForceTCMIMU</link>
          <description>last updated by Alex Olivier (original author) on 4/24/2012


Introduction

PNI Corp's FieldForce TCM IMU is a high-end compass module designed to provide "reliable, pinpoint accurate pitch, roll, and compass heading".  This module allows accurate and robust navigation in areas where GPS is unavailable (such as inside buildings, underwater, or underground).  The PNI website advertises below 1 degree accuracy in field conditions.

PNI provides a very detailed manual for using the TCM module, which can be found on the sensor's webpage (after signing up with PNI).  The sensor report summarizes much of the manual in addition to providing my perspective on using the sensor.

Sources

At a steep price of $996.00 (even more if you get the cable or the complete evaluation board), the FieldForce TCM is clearly not designed for the hobbyist's budget.  However, that doesn't mean you can't obtain a FieldForce TCM for a student or hobbyist project.  After contacting PNI Corp by emailing customerservice@pnicorp.com, I learned that they have a formal educational outreach program.  If you agree to write a sensor report (much like this one) and give them some details about your completed project, they will happily send you one of their sensors!  

One recommendation, be sure to fully investigate your options before requesting a sensor.  You may find (as I did) that you will need to request helpful accessories, development boards, and cables besides your main sensor.    PNI also offers two types of FieldForce TCM module - the XB and the MB.  The XB module uses RS232 Serial logic, while the MB module uses TTY Serial logic.  I recommend the MB, as you will be able to communicate with it using an FTDI chip.  With the XB module, you will most likely have to use a Serial converter chip (more on this later).

Electrical Characteristics

This sensor features an on-board processor as well as accel

 ...</description>
          <author> (ao929)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 15:08:34 GMT</pubDate>
          
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        <item>
          <title>Reports / Olimex EEG-SMT</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Reports/OlimexEEG-SMT</link>
          <description>Olimex EEG-SMT + Brainwave
April 2nd, 2012


MOD-EEG-SMT (http://www.olimex.com/gadgets/index.html)
The Modular EEG-SMT is a ready-to-use two channel biofeedback board for electroencefalography (EEG). Compared to other  medical EEG systems, this has a fairly good price. Unlike other Olimex modules, this board comes assembled in anti-static plastic box. It feeds and sends the readings through a A-B USB cable and requires 1 passive and 4 active (http://radek.superhost.pl/active_electrodes/index.php?action=theory) electrodes (or 5 passive electrodes).
This EEG device is setted up only for a windows environment and needs ftdi drivers and a software such as Electric Guru or Brain Bay to Start working with it. Personally I chose to use Brain Bay, an open source, free biofeedback software.

Sources
I got the sensor directly from Olimex (http://www.olimex.com/gadgets/index.html). As I made a parchase for research purposes, the manufacturer sold me the eeg-smt with a 20% off the 99EUR price (be careful with the price, it is expressed in EUROS). I also bought from them 5 electrodes, 1 passive and 4 active, and the 1.5 mt USB cable. The total value for the complete set is 113.60 EUR or approximately 150.36 USD (+ shipping).

The detailed list of prices is as follows:
MOD &#150; EEG &#150; SMT: 99 EUR
Active Electrodes: 9 EUR
Passive Electrodes: 5 EUR
USB Cable: 2 EUR

Olimex doesn&#146;t have an online store, so the way to buy its products is buy emailing them and paying, for example, with paypal. They are located in Bulgaria, so be patient if you chose the cheapest shipping mode (about two weeks for the U.S.).
There are two important aspects regarding the shipping: you can take an insurance in case your package get lost or damaged, and is good to read the ta

 ...</description>
          <author> (mbv227)</author>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 13:11:16 GMT</pubDate>
          
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        <item>
          <title>Class / Sensor Review Spring 12</title>
          <link>http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/sensors/Class/SensorReviewSpring12</link>
          <description>Initial sensor report reviews from the beginning of the semester;
Alex Olivier, Deqing Sun: ST LY530AL - 300/s Analog Yaw-Rate Sensing Gyro (Z-Axis)
Hannah Davis, Jennifer Shannon: Polycrystalline Solar Cell
Manuela Donoso, Luca Shapiro: ADXL202 2-Axis Accelerometer 
Sophie Laffont, Marianne Carbon: flex sensor
Mark Breneman, Melissa Dela Merced: MaxSonar EZ-1
Monica Bate Vidal, Peter Darche: EM-406A GPS 
What people chose to do for their final report
And who should review their choice (thanks to Sophie for compiling)

In reviewing each other's choices, please go over the existing sensor reports, both for that sensor and for similar ones, and determine how well the report has been done. If the existing report is thorough and covers all that's needed, then your review might say "this report is in good shape; pick another sensor." Or, if there's a similar sensor that's well done, you might point to that report and suggest that your classmate refer to that report in their own report, and/or combine the two. If the report leaves things out, detail what's missing and what would improve it.

Treat this review as if you were doing the sensor report yourself.  Put together all the notes and material you think you'd need to do an excellent, in-depth report. The more thorough your review, the better job your classmates will do.  Similarly, the better your review, the better chance you'll get a helpful review from someone else.

See the Sample report for what makes a thorough sensor report.

Week 9 - April 3 
Monica, Peter, Melissa 
Week 10 - Apr 4 
Manuela, Carbon, Lia 
Week 11 - Apr 11 
 Jen, Tony, Hannah 
Week 12 - Apr 18 
Sophie, Deqing, Noah 
Week 13 - Apr 25 
Luca, Hanny, Alex 

Who
Sensor
Reviewer
Date of Presentation
Alex
PNI field force sensor (compass + gyro)
J

 ...</description>
          <author> (hed225)</author>
          <pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 22:45:31 GMT</pubDate>
          
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