Need help with idea.

[Test4Echo]

We have a sports training product under development and need help with the electronic part. The idea is to have a sensor that detects when a person is within 2 to 3 feet and then send a signal to a small electric motor. Is there a sensor on the market that would do this or that we could modify fairly easily???

Thanks for any help

Scott

 

[flx]

"[...] a person is within 2 to 3 feet" of what? Please provide more details so we can understand what it is exactly that you need.

 

[Test4Echo]

Within 2 to 3 feet of the sensor. The idea is to detect when a player is a few feet in front of the sensor then send a signal causing a small motor to react ie... move a foam arm in one direction.

 

[flx]

LOL, and the sensor is where? Read your original post and realize that we have no idea what you're talking about. "A sports training product" - what the heck is that supposed to be?

 

[Test4Echo]

The sensor is mounted 3 feet high on a stationary foam dummy. When a player moves in front of the dummy (sensor) a signal (voltage) is sent to a small electrical motor causing the dummy to react ie.. raise arm etc...

 

[flx]

You should be looking for a motion detector, available at various security systems suppliers.

 

[xl5]

Surely it is quite obvious what test4echo is asking even without a dummy!
The proximity of an object/person or with movement can be detected and made to function just like this person asked their are many cct's worldwide that could be implemented.

 

[Test4Echo]

Okay. What would you recommend far the motor? I have checked out servos and stepper motors but we only need to move a lever in one direction and stop (when signal is true) and then back to starting point when signal is false.

Thanks for the help.

 

[flx]

Your choice of motors depends on a lot of things, most importantly the load they'd have to pull. Forget about servos or steppers, they need tons of additional driving circuitry.

 

[Test4Echo]

Load wont be much. Just needs to move a lightweight foam tube (pool noodle) about a foot or if that wont work just rotate a rod the foam is attached to about 25 degrees. What type of motor would be best and how hard would it be to interface to the sensor?

 

[flx]

Well, since we're in season, I suggest you go to a Halloween store. You'll find a whole bunch of motion/proximity activated skeletons and other creepy dudes that wave at you or jump out or nod or whatever. Basically you'll get your entire project on a silver plate; all you need then is to make some cosmetic changes and you're done. Happy training.

 

[Test4Echo]

That's a good idea. Thanks for the help.

 

[xl5]

An active creep has exposed himself to be sociopathological. whatever moves pounce!!