Sensor advice

[NoClue]

I am curious what company or individual would be a good contact to talk to about an idea I have using sensors (I think sensors is what I need to use, but won't know till I talk to someone)? I have no clue about sensors and what they are capable of doing, so just throwing this out here. Thank you.

[skywatch]

@noclue You could start right here, but we can't help much without knowing what you want to sense etc.

[NoClue]

Thank you Skywatch. I am wanting something that would alert me (either through a "beep" noise or a light (or both)) when point B is directly below point A. The distance between the 2 points is about 8-12 inches. Point A would be considered the fulcrum and point B would be the moving part. Thank you.

[skywatch]

@noclue Well theres still not a to go on, but you could use a rotational encoder on the moving part and read that. I guess the distance is too much for magnetic sensors to work (unless you could attach something to the fixed or moving part to bring them closer).
Alternatively you might consider a light beam (or laser beam) hitting a reflective stick on to the moving part and sensing the light bounced back from it.

But for all I know this is in a hot oven or even underwater. So maybe you can think of something from the above.

[NoClue]

@skywatch Thank you. I know I'm not too specific, sorry. Are you able to send me a Direct Message so I can give you more detailed information? Thanks.

[zboblamont]

@skywatch Laser?

[skywatch]

@zboblamont Yup - One of the little 'laser pointer' type 5V laser modules hitting a 'stick-on' reflector on the moving part with the sensor placed to get the reflection as it moves in an arc.

[HJ_SK]

@noclue Put your concrete idea here, what do you want to control?

[NoClue]

@hj_sk I want to control my idea. I have put my ideas out there before, only to be stolen.

[tbowmo]

This forum is about sharing ideas, and open source software / hardware.

So that is the reason people ask you to put your questions out in the open here. So all can collaborate, and enjoy the teamspirit

[bjacobse]

@noclue said in Sensor advice:

@hj_sk I want to control my idea. I have put my ideas out there before, only to be stolen.

either do as Tbowmo suggests, or if you are afraid that we will all steal your idea, I can recommend to contact a electronic development company, that will sign a non-disclosure contract, a company could be this one (I'm not affiliated with the specific company)
https://www.prevas.com/