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Optical Switch?

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jonlaury

Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Posts: 336

Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:31 pm Post subject: Optical Switch?

I need a switch that activates when something moves in front of a sensor. This is not an aviation application. But I'm sure that someone on the list can save me having to decipher all the offerings on Digi-key.



I'm envisioning something similar to a garage door opener saftey beam/switch, but way smaller, to operate on 12 vdc, for detection of material in a machine process.



Thanks for any help,

John

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sarg314(at)gmail.com
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Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:11 pm Post subject: Optical Switch?

I don't know if this is appropriate for your purpose but there's a class of optically operated switches called photo-interupters.  It's a U shaped piece of plastic with an LED (usually infra-red) in one leg of the U shining acros to a phototransistor in the other side of the U. If anything moves into the gap it interrupts the beam and that trigger s the switch. They are small and cheap.  The Mouser.com catalog has lots of them, also digi-key or Newark.  

 

They also have other types of "proximity" sensors that might be more useful to you.



On Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 2:31 PM, jonlaury <jonlaury(at)impulse.net (jonlaury(at)impulse.net)> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "jonlaury" <jonlaury(at)impulse.net (jonlaury(at)impulse.net)>

  

 I need a switch that activates when something moves in front of a sensor. This is not an aviation application. But I'm sure that someone on the list can save me having to decipher all the offerings on Digi-key.

 	




-- 

Tom Sargent

  [quote][b]

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Mike Welch

Joined: 13 Feb 2011
Posts: 272

Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:20 pm Post subject: Optical Switch?

John,



  I built a little circuit exactly as you describe.  It was the first electronic circuit I ever built.



  If you want, I can scan the circuit and email it to you.  It's made with a 555 timer IC, a couple 

of transistors, and a few other basic parts.  If you want to build the circuit you are talking about, this is it.



Mike Welch

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Bob McC

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 258
Location: Toronto, ON

Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject: Optical Switch?

John;



There are literally tens of thousands of sensors that fit the limited

information you have provided. To narrow it down you need to specify the

range (distance) at which you are attempting to sense the object, the size

of the object, the surface finish, reflectivity, colour of the object, etc

etc. Then you need to know if you wish to use a through beam style (one of

the easiest to set up), retro reflective (sensor looks at a reflector behind

the object), or diffuse reflective (sensor looks directly for the object

just as would your eye) Each type has its pros and cons depending on the

characteristics of the application.



Here is a link to one family of sensors by one manufacturer out of hundreds

available. Their products are sold by all of the major electronics houses

such as Mouser, Digi-key, and Newark etc. The acceptable voltage range is 12

- 24 VDC the switching load current is 100ma max.



http://tinyurl.com/6hzwkwq



The brochures and data sheets listed here will enable you to make a choice

which fits your criteria. Look particularly at the "E3Z photoelectric

sensors data sheet" near the bottom of the page. It will list all the specs

necessary for you to make an informed decision for your particular

application.



I specify these and similar sensors by the dozen on a daily basis but cannot

recommend a specific part number for your application without much more

detail of the characteristics of your part and exactly what you're trying to

accomplish.



Bob McC





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Bob McC
Falco #908
(just starting)

jhausch

Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 35

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:39 am Post subject: Re: Optical Switch?

 	  jonlaury wrote: 	
		  I need a switch that activates when something moves in front of a sensor. This is not an aviation application. But I'm sure that someone on the list can save me having to decipher all the offerings on Digi-key.



I'm envisioning something similar to a garage door opener saftey beam/switch, but way smaller, to operate on 12 vdc, for detection of material in a machine process.



Thanks for any help,

John 	




John, 



Bob is right on the mark.  It sounds like he and I both make our living in the factory automation world.  If you just need one photo eye, I may have an  old demo unit I can send you or sell cheaply*  Since you said this was for a machine I am a little surprised you need 12v since most machines use 24v, but most industrial dc sensors do run on 10-30vdc.



I am in a meeting from 8-12 central time today, but could discuss your application with you this afternoon.  Email either of us and we should be able to get you sorted out straightaway. 



I forget which email address I have tied to this list, so use jimhausch (at symbol) gmail (dot) com



*cheap is a relative term...simple industrial sensors can sell from 10 to 100 bucks.  Folks with a knowledge of circuitry (like folks who might hang out here  ) know the base component costs for a simple photo eye can be had for pennies.  I will never forget a sales call I made where the customer wanted a simple emitter-receiver pair to run on AC power.  I told for single piece quantities, including the cables he needed and offering the output rating he needed, might cost $100.  He said "what!  I can buy a garage door opener that includes two photo eyes for $100!"..... such is life 



Jim

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jonlaury

Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Posts: 336

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:40 am Post subject: Re: Optical Switch?

To All,



Thanks for your input/suggestions. 

Here's more information to help narrow the choices.



The gap to be sensed is <4"



dry environment, low vibration, small amount of reflected UV-C light in the gap, UV source 90 deg to the switch beam. The switch beam can be recessed/shrouded from the ambient UV-C.



the material to be sensed in the gap is opaque rubber sheet (PVC, Latex, Polyurethane, and others).



I think I want the through beam type.



John

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Bob McC

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 258
Location: Toronto, ON

Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:22 pm Post subject: Optical Switch?

John;



Based on the new information you've supplied an Omron E3Z-T61 0.5M or

E3Z-T61A 0.5M should do the trick or you could go to a fiber optic series

such as the E3X-A11 or E3X-A41 which use a 2mm plastic fiber optic cable to

transmit the light beam allowing the actual sensor to be remotely mounted. 

The T61 is an infrared sensor; the T61A is visible red light. These sensors

are NPN switching, if you need or desire PNP switching substitute an 8 for

the 6 in the part #

The E3X series are red visible light the A11 model is NPN the A41 model is

PNP

All of these sensors are through beam as you've requested. For the E3X

series you can use unterminated fiber as a substitute for the rather

expensive accessory fibers sold by Omron. I can send you several feet in the

mail free should you decide to go that route. Just PM me your address if you

wish some fiber.



Bob McC



[quote] --

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_________________
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Falco #908
(just starting)

jonlaury

Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Posts: 336

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 8:05 am Post subject: Re: Optical Switch?

Optical switchers,



Again thanks for stepping up and your generous offers.

Bob, thanks for doing my legwork. I'm a little buried right now, but I'm going to look at the part #'s you gave me and determine what looks best.



Cheers,

John

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