heat sensors

By Calculon320

November 20, 2008

Question:

After reading the new sensor wiki, I'm reminded of a robot I've been planning, that relies on temperture measurments. Basically I want the robot to act like a photovore, only looking for heat instead of light. Is there a way to sense heat at a distance (6-10 feet)?

By OddBot
@ Sat, 2009-01-10 04:27

You need a PIR sensor

These are very cheap and what is used in alarm systems to detect movement (body heat). I've ordered some to try and make SplatBots track moving animals. They are specifically designed to respond to black body radiation.

By fritsl
@ Sat, 2009-01-10 23:06

Pirs can only detect

Pirs can only detect changes.

Though I respect the fact that if anyone can prove the oposite, it's Mr OddBot - the right combination of deep knowledge and creativity in one man.. But still - Read the "No's" & the "You cannot's" here:

http://letsmakerobots.com/node/858

By OddBot
@ Sat, 2009-01-10 23:42

It will be interesting to see

I admit I've never used one before and yes they look for changes. The ones I have ordered have two windows and detects the difference between the two cells (as far as I can tell from the datasheet). The frenzel lense helps to utilise this effect.

By blocking one I should get the difference between ambiant and object (hopefully).

By fritsl
@ Sat, 2009-01-10 23:07

Grog: We need this one in

Grog: We need this one in the FAQ!

By michael
@ Fri, 2009-01-09 21:37

wiki?

Could you link me to the Sensor Wiki? I'm new here. Thanks!

<never mind, I just tried the search box, and it led the way> :-/

By niall
@ Mon, 2008-11-24 11:18

IR photodiodes will do the

IR photodiodes will do the trick!

you get what is called Black body radiation, whereby all things that radiate heat also radiate Infra-red waves. Its the principle of how IR imaging works. Hook an IR photodiode up to an ADC and calibrate it and you'll have a somewhat cheaper sensor than the one linked above!

By OddBot
@ Sat, 2009-01-10 04:28