Re: Sat on a Toilet Sensor ?

["Frank Mc Alinden" <frankmc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Guys

Not sure if Gerry mentions it on his site but he added some more features
to
his Maxbotix 4 channel device.....From memory you can a channel up to look
at a particular range ie  14 to 20 inches or exclude a  particular
range.....also un used channels can be programmed as general i/o so one
could be used as an output  when  a reading is in/out of that range.....

HTH
Frank

----- Original Message -----
From: <ian.bird@xxxxxxx>
To: <ukha_d@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2007 12:12 AM
Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Sat on a Toilet Sensor ?


Let me have a read of the pdf sheets. The other ultrasonic device I was
comfortable with but with this I have no experience. I'll get back to you
shortly.

Ian






"Marcus Warrington" <marcus.warrington@xxxxxxx>
Sent by: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
13/07/2007 14:41
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ukha_d@xxxxxxx


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Subject
RE: [ukha_d] Sat on a Toilet Sensor ?






Yes, I think it would definitely need some form of "magic box" to
make
sense of its reading and flick a relay.



At least  this would also allow the setup to have its trigger point
adjusted etc since I assume I would want quite a "large"
differential i.e.
not so sensitive, but its would be difficult to know for sure until
everything was in installed. I'm also unsure of just how sensitive these
units are..



The toilet itself is held on the wall by two bolts that are connected to a
steel frame behind the panel. This frame is in turn bolted to the brick
wall behind. It might be easier/better if this gauge was blued to this
frame ?



Anyway I'm glad the spec's made some sense to you... its all
gobble-de-gook to me..  do you fancy having a play with one.. I could
order one and have it delivered direct to you :-) If things looked
feasible we could then discuss "a private commission" :-)



Regards



Marcus

________________________________

From: ukha_d@xxxxxxx [mailto:ukha_d@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
ian.bird@xxxxxxx
Sent: 13 July 2007 14:17
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [ukha_d] Sat on a Toilet Sensor ?



I like the idea of the RS unit but it 'outputs' a differential resistance
i.e. it changes with the strain (unless I miss read it in my haste). This
means that it will require the usual micro somewhere in the middle to make

sense of the readings. It would give you the opportunity of saying 'my
toilets crashed' as you suffocate rather than just the usual server or PC
gone west ;-)

Mind you, watching one of those 'you are what you eat' type of programs a
while back they imply you can solve all your problems by avoiding the
Indian, Mexican etc. etc. plus lots of roughage. Not exactly HA though
(and probably not as enjoyable either).

Ian

"Marcus Warrington" <marcus.warrington@xxxxxxx <
mailto:marcus.warrington%40mis-es.com>
>
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13/07/2007 13:12
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RE: [ukha_d] Sat on a Toilet Sensor ?

I tend to agree with you Ian.. that's why I think something like a strain
gauge or load cell is a better solution, since its not connected to the
toilet itself, can be completely invisible and only activate upon sitting
(well I suppose you could stand on the toilet).

Looking in RS (www.rswww.com <http://www.rswww.com/ <http://www.rswww.com/
> > ) part number 632-124
is a "Mild Steel foil strain gauage, 2mm gauage" cost £5.09
each

Since the toilet is wall mounted with bolts through a 18mm MDF panel,
wonder if one of these mounted on the wooden panel would detect any slight

deflection of the panel when someone sat on the toilet ?

Marcus




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