Distance Measurement / Ultrasonic Sensor / AJ-SR04M

This video will cover how to interface an Ultrasonic sensor to a FTDI module to monitor the output distance values. The sensor is waterproof so it is ideal for outdoor applications. Interfacing to any microcontroller that has an UART is straightforward.

[@caletorino]

I used this model to measure my backup water supply tank with an ESP8266. I’m not a fourth aficionado but I still find great practical content on your channel so I just want to communicate my thanks.
There seems to be a few different copies of the sensor.. some with limited setting capabilities.. also the mystery chip had me a bit worried when I received mine.. though I reckon it’s just some type of TTL serial chip so no massive loss there.

[@0033mer]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lasersbee]

Never thought of measuring the snow depth... Looks like I have a new project in my future... Thanks

[@johncatsoulis]

Very interesting Ken. Another great video.

[@0033mer]

Thanks John

[@jdarnell123]

Nice video! Clear and concise but still just enough detail. 🙂 Not using a micro controller was a slick approach as you can demonstrate the output without getting bogged down in a bunch of code. I liked and subscribed. Keep rockin' the great content! 🙂

[@0033mer]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the visit.

[@Beatkrik]

great sensor, i will use it to measure the level in my pond, thank's.

[@0033mer]

Great idea! Thanks for the visit.

[@romancharak3675]

You mention that you keep the sensor warm by heating it in an enclosure. Is that a plastic enclosure, and does the enclosure affect the readings given by the sensor?

[@0033mer]

The sensor is Piezo based so freezing can cause damage. The sensor was put into a plywood box enclosure pointing down through a hole in the bottom. A light bulb was enough to keep it from exceeding the operating temperature specs. The transducer face is flush with the wooden box so the readings are not corrupted.

[@noweare1]

Was the box held at snow level and the target was the roof ? I am a little confused on how it measured the snow depth.

[@0033mer]

Mount the sensor say 8 feet above the ground in an exposed area that will see snow. With no snow, the sensor will read 8 feet. After a snow fall read the sensor value which will be less than 8 feet. Subtract that reading from 8 feet and that will be the snow depth.

[@noweare1]

@@0033mer Thank you

[@srinivasan-xo8yp]

below 20 cm how to measure

[@0033mer]

th-cam.com/video/3aTCbV2V-r4/w-d-xo.html

[@mumbaiverve2307]

so many sensors, so little time ...