arduino Sharp IR distance sensor outputting consistently high voltage

A project involves two distance sensors that signal an Arduino to operate a servo motor when an object comes within range. The system functions correctly; however, the sensors output a consistently high voltage, necessitating a high cutoff voltage in the Arduino code to prevent constant motor activation. For instance, both sensors provide readings between 350-450 via the analog Read command, which should ideally be around 1.7-2.1V. This results in a cutoff setting of 550 or 600, allowing the setup to work, but only detecting objects within 12 cm, whereas the sensors are designed to detect objects up to 80 cm away. There is no optical interference between the sensors. The sensors are connected to the Arduino using an old computer ribbon cable, raising concerns about potential noise affecting the output voltage. The Arduino consistently reads values above 300 (1.4V), suggesting that noise is not causing lower readings. Assistance is requested, but there are limitations in sharing the circuit diagram and code due to user restrictions. The Arduino and servo motor are powered by separate sources with a common ground, while the sensors are powered from the regulated 5V Arduino supply and connected to different analog pins.

The project utilizes two distance sensors, likely ultrasonic or infrared, which are intended to measure the proximity of objects. The sensors are interfaced with an Arduino microcontroller that interprets the analog signals generated when an object is detected within range. The output voltage from the sensors is expected to reflect the distance of an object, with lower voltages indicating closer proximity. However, the observed output voltage remains unusually high, suggesting that the sensors may not be functioning within their intended parameters.

The Arduino's analog input pins read voltages that correspond to the distance measured by the sensors. Ideally, the sensors should output a voltage that varies smoothly with distance, allowing the Arduino to make decisions about servo motor activation based on these readings. The high voltage readings (350-450) indicate that the sensors may be misconfigured or malfunctioning, as they should typically output lower voltages when no object is detected or when objects are beyond the expected range.

Concerns regarding the use of an old computer ribbon cable for connections should be addressed, as such cables may introduce interference or noise into the analog signals. It is advisable to use shielded cables or shorter, more reliable connections to minimize the risk of noise affecting the sensor outputs. Additionally, ensuring proper grounding and power supply decoupling can help stabilize the readings.

For improved performance, consider recalibrating the sensors or replacing them if they are found to be defective. Checking the sensor specifications and ensuring that they are powered correctly is essential. The Arduino code should also be reviewed to ensure that it appropriately interprets the sensor readings and triggers the servo motor at the correct thresholds. Adjusting the cutoff voltage in the code may be necessary once the sensors are functioning as intended, allowing for accurate detection of objects within the specified range.A project with two distance sensors that signal an Arduino to operate a servo motor when an object comes into range. This currently works well, except that the sensors are outputting a relatively high voltage all the time, so I have to set a very high cutoff voltage in the Arduino code, or the motor is triggered all the time - eg both sensors are giving the Arduino numbers like 350-450

via the analog Read command (which should be about 1. 7 - 2. 1V as far as I understand it) all the time. This means that if I set a cutoff of 550 or 600, the setup works, but only if an object is within 12cm of the sensor (which should be able to detect objects as far away as 80cm). The sensors are not optically interfering with each other. I am using an old computer ribbon cable to connect both sensors to the Arduino and I am suspicious that this is somehow causing noise in the output voltage, but the Arduino never seems to be read values less than about 300 (1.

4V), and I would have expected noise to give some low readings sometimes. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I tried posting a circuit diagram, but as a guest user, the site won`t let me. Also, I`d post the code, but it is embarrassingly messy. The Arduino and the servo have separate power sources with common ground, the sensors are powered from the regulated 5V Arduino supply, and connected to separate analog pins. 🔗 External reference