How to Build Sonar detector

That depends on how much of it you want to do. Virtually all stages of such a device can be purchased as subsystems or kits.

At its core, ultrasonic ranging is simply creating a sound pulse at a frequency beyond that which humans can hear, and waiting for some sort of echo. It really is that *easy*.

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and this is where kits and subsystems come in.

Creating an ultrasonic pulse and being able to pick up its echo is a bit complex on the analog electronics aspect, but the digital stuff is easy.

Hello Kit,

You did not indicate if the medium is earth, water or air? This will effect the type of transducer used and the power behind it.

Only you could answer a question about your building skills.

I am only guessing, but below is where I would start.

Your project is complicated, this may be why webpages are minimal. It is one project that has always fascinated me. If you make it follow up with a webpage. Let me know your link. Several ideas can spin off this one.

For the original designer like yourself projects like this are always much more expensive and time intensive than anticipated.

Don't re-invent the wheel, Modify It!

***** Home Depot - 50 Ft.. Sonic Laser Tape $29.95

Sonic laser tape with laser targeting to accurately locate measurement end point. 50 Ft. range, 1 In. resolution. Accurate and fast - a great estimating tool. Menu driven, with intuitive function selection - units, memory and mode. Sonic wave and Laser Targeting technology accurately indicates distance with the touch of a button.

*****

I being a garage hobbyist should mention that if you are in the USA "Big Lots" discount stores currently have 25' sonic tapes in my local store for 8 dollars that might be worth studying and for components.

In the end it is cheaper to buy this Sonar Detector already built.(-;

Especially if it is for fishing!

RS Theremin

• * * Christopher

Temecula CA.USA

Go here

to read an excellent technical description, including schematics, for a sonar ranger.

Dave

Christ> Hello Kit,

*****

I build one from scratch, with some new technics, take a look here, and dont forget to take a look at the magic piece of foam

Stef Mientki

Hi

I remember coming across a project to hack an old Polaroid camera into a SONAR.( I got one here in Australia for $15 off ebay) Do a Google search for "hacking a polaroid sonar camera", I got 25000 hits. Seattle Robotics group has an article too, I think, from memory. This particular version does draw a fair bit of current from what others have said.

The transducers themselves can be bought very inexpensively from electronics stores now if you don't want to hack a Polaroid camera..

Cheers

|-]

Dale

I bought a complete sonar ranger from a bargain barn outlet for $8 US. They sell stud finders for $5. Here in Frederick Maryland USA their name is "Ollies" but I am certain there are warehouse and overstock stores all over the country. Their stock changes very fast so I can go there twice a week and their inventory may be almost completely different for the fast selling stuff such as tools, seasonal stuff, electronic stuff like I mentioned above, cell phone accessories, computer accessories (very few of these), etc.

Stores like Ollies have a very small staff so they don't do telephone sales, sorry. I would help, but the stuff moves so fast they can have 50 items on Tuesday and if you don't buy what you want and go back on Wednesday, they may all be gone.

But look for these type of stores where ever you are, you might be surprised. RedCrow