The HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor is the most popular choice for adding "vision" and obstacle detection to any robotic project. At Electrapac, we recommend this sonar module for its high accuracy, ease of use, and low cost, making it perfect for Arduino enthusiasts and students alike.

Product Overview

The HC-SR04 works on the same principle as a bat's echolocation. It emits an ultrasonic pulse at 40kHz and measures the time it takes for that pulse to bounce off an object and return to the sensor. By calculating the travel time of the sound wave, your microcontroller can determine the exact distance to an object with millimeter precision.

Key Features for Electrapac Customers

• Contactless Measurement: Ideal for measuring distances without touching the object, making it perfect for liquid level sensing or moving robots.

• Wide Operating Range: Capable of detecting objects as close as 2cm and as far as 4 meters away, providing versatility for indoor navigation.

• Dual-Transducer Design: Features a dedicated "Trigger" (Transmitter) and "Echo" (Receiver) cylinder to minimize interference and ensure signal clarity.

• Simple 4-Pin Interface: Requires only two digital pins on your Arduino (plus Power and Ground), leaving plenty of space for other sensors.

• Breadboard Ready: Standard 2.54mm pin pitch allows it to plug directly into the breadboards and sensor shields available at www.electrapac.com.

Wiring & Calculation Guide

To get accurate readings with hardware from www.electrapac.com, follow this standard setup:

1. VCC: Connect to 5V.

2. Trig (Trigger): Connect to a Digital Output pin

3. Echo: Connect to a Digital Input pin

4. GND: Connect to Common Ground.

Primary Applications

• Obstacle Avoidance: Equipping your Electrapac 2WD/4WD Robot Chassis to navigate rooms without crashing.

• Liquid Level Monitoring: Measuring the depth of water in a tank without the sensor touching the liquid.

• Parking Sensors: Building a DIY garage assistant that lights up an LED when a car gets too close.

• Digital Tape Measure: Creating a handheld device for quick room measurements.

Why Shop at Electrapac?

We source the HC-SR04 with high-quality crystal oscillators to ensure timing stability, which is critical for consistent distance readings. At www.electrapac.com, we provide the sensory components that help your projects understand the physical space around them.