Top 5 Ultrasonic Range Finders

A range finder is a device that measures the distance from the observer to a target.[1] The ultrasonic range finder uses high pitched sound frequencies, and these frequencies bounce off of objects whose distance can be measured easily. The range finders are sensors that can be programmed based on your application. Below, are some well-known and not so well-known applications for the sensor. You may want to consider purchasing some items, while others are just mentioned to bring about the awareness of the versatility of this type of sensor.

Here are my Top 5 Ultrasonic Range Finders:

1. Sonin 10075 Laser Target Range

This device is the measuring tape of the 21st century. One satisfied customer stated, "The product is especially a useful helper when measuring awkward or inaccessible spaces such as high ceilings, attics, crawl-spaces, over-water, and shafts." [2] Priced from $25.00 - $60.00. You may find this item at your local home improvement store or comparison shop on-line to get the best deal.

2. iRobot Roomba® 560 Vacuum Cleaning Robot

This well known popular product uses the ultrasonic technology to measure the distance between objects in its path so it does not bump into them.[3] This one falls in the mid-price range for under $400.00. There are other models that are lower priced and higher priced. Shop for this product online.

3. The Self-Flushing Toilet

This invention has been given a lot of negativity, as some tout it as being one of the worst inventions utilizing ultrasonic range technology. I feel that it does have some good uses. The handle is one less object you have to touch BEFORE you wash your hands anyway. No, really. We have come to expect to see them in public establishments now. You can purchase the retrofit for about $150.00. Visit your local home improvement store.

4. 5 in 1 Pest Repellent by Lentek

"We haven't used any bug control chemicals/devices/etc for the ten years we've lived here and we still don't have to!"[4], commented one satisfied customer. This product uses sonic technology to keep unwanted insects and rodents out of your home. This was one of the few ultrasonic repellents I found that had consistently good reviews all across the board. It retails for about $50.00 on-line at Science Gifts.

5. Alarm Systems

In home and auto alarm systems, ultrasonic technology is used for the motion sensor which is programmed to detect movement and the distance between the sensor and the object it detects. At the very least, an ultrasonic component is used that is based on this technology.

There are many more uses of the technology sensor, particularly in sports such as golf club distance measuring devices. Just recently, I read of the electronic Guide Cane, a concept [5] with a goal of helping the visually impaired be more mobile and safe in their mobility. Ultrasonic range finders are prevalent in many of the products that we use everyday. And the premise behind creating them seems to be to help others measure distances, increase mobility, enhance safety, and have more fun. My top 5 listed above covers many of those premises.

Today, many people still closely identify the ultrasonic range finder sensor with the term "space-age robotics", as if the technology were far,far off from where we are now. While identifying the term with robotics is logical, I feel that we are moving closer to, if not already living in the "space-age". A sign of the times.

[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Range finder
[2] http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0000302T5?filterBy=addFiveStar
[3] http://www.robotshop.ca/home/suppliers/iRobot/irobot-roomba-530-robot-vacuum.html
[4] http://store.scienceblog.com/21-228013-B000BPYR62-5_in_1_Pest_Repeller.html#reviews
[5] At the time of this writing, I have viewed articles regarding the concept.