1146 User Guide

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Getting Started

Checking the Contents

You should have received: An IR Reflective Sensor 4mm A Sensor Cable		In order to test your new Phidget you will also need: A Phidget InterfaceKit or a device with an Analog Input A USB Cable

Connecting the Pieces

Connect the IR Reflective Sensor 4mm to any Analog Input on the PhidgetInterfaceKit board using the sensor cable. Connect the PhidgetInterfaceKit to your PC using the USB cable.

Testing Using Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7

Make sure you have the current version of the Phidget library installed on your PC. If you don't, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Windows page
2. Download and run the Phidget21 Installer (32-bit, or 64-bit, depending on your system)
3. You should see the icon on the right hand corner of the Task Bar.

Running Phidgets Sample Program

Double clicking on the icon loads the Phidget Control Panel; we will use this program to ensure that your new Phidget works properly.

The source code for the InterfaceKit-full sample program can be found in the quick downloads section on the C# Language Page. If you'd like to see examples in other languages, you can visit our Languages page.

Updating Device Firmware

If an entry in this list is red, it means the firmware for that device is out of date. Double click on the entry to be given the option of updating the firmware. If you choose not to update the firmware, you can still run the example for that device after refusing.

Double Click on the icon to activate the Phidget Control Panel and make sure that the Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8 is properly attached to your PC.		File:Control Panel Screen.jpg
Double Click on Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8 in the Phidget Control Panel to bring up InterfaceKit-full and check that the box labelled Attached contains the word True. Make sure that the Ratiometric box is Ticked. Move an object in front of the sensor. The sensor value changes from 900 to 30 as the object is moving closer to the sensor from a distance of 4mm. When the object is more than 4mm away, you may notice some change in sensor value as the object enters or leaves the sensor's field of view, but this value does not represent the actual distance to the object. You can adjust the input sensitivity by moving the slider pointer. A change in the sensor value will not register unless it is greater than or equal to the sensitivity value. Click on the Sensors button to bring up the Advanced Sensor Form.
In the box belonging to the input the sensor is plugged into, select the 1146 - IR Reflective Sensor 4mm from the drop down menu. Shows the distance of the object from the 1146. Formula used to convert the analog input SensorValue into distance.

Testing Using Mac OS X

1. Go to the Quick Downloads section on the Mac OS X page
2. Download and run the Phidget OS X Installer
3. Click on System Preferences >> Phidgets (under Other) to activate the Preference Pane
4. Make sure that the Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8 is properly attached.
5. Double Click on Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8 in the Phidget Preference Pane to bring up the InterfaceKit-full Sample program. This program will function in a similar way as the Windows version.

Using Linux

For a step-by-step guide on getting Phidgets running on Linux, check the Linux page.

Using Windows Mobile / CE 5.0 / CE 6.0

For a step-by-step guide on getting Phidgets running on Windows CE, check the Windows CE page.

Technical Details

This sensor can detect the distance of an object at up to 4mm away. Objects with smooth, opaque surfaces are typically easier to detect.

The sensor value changes from 900 to 30 as the object is moving closer to the sensor from a distance of 4mm. When the object is more than 4mm away, you may notice some change in sensor value as the object enters or leaves the sensor's field of view, but this value does not represent the actual distance to the object.

The IR sensor works just as well in both dim and well lit areas.

Other Interfacing Alternatives

If you want maximum accuracy, you can use the RawSensorValue property from the PhidgetInterfaceKit. To adjust a formula, substitute (SensorValue) with (RawSensorValue / 4.095) If the sensor is being interfaced to your own Analog to Digital Converter and not a Phidget device, our formulas can be modified by replacing (SensorValue) with (Vin * 200). It is important to consider the voltage reference and input voltage range of your ADC for full accuracy and range.

Each Analog Input uses a 3-pin, 0.100 inch pitch locking connector. Pictured here is a plug with the connections labelled. The connectors are commonly available - refer to the Analog Input Primer for manufacturer part numbers.

Product History

Date	Board Revision	Device Version	Comment
January 2013	0	N/A	Product Release