Static ultrasonic distance measurement device for accurately parking a vehicle in garage. Handy for older vehicles that don't feature parking assist technology. The hardware requirements are kept at a minium, requiring only an Arduino Nano and a low-cost ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04) that can be bought for less than $2USD. A few other components include a potensiometer for setting the exact optimum parking spot when the LED is continiously lit. A DC barrel jack provides the requisite 5-12V power connection for the device (repurposed power supply from a retired Wi-Fi access point.
- Arduino; contains the sketch for the Arduino Nano. Additional information is provided in the sketch on the exact functionality.
- KiCad; basic design file for the circuit layout. The veroboard was simply design "on-the-fly" during construction. I prefer to use terminal blocks and connectors where possible for troubleshooting and ease of assembly.
- media; a couple of photographs as well as a short video clip as viewer from the driver's perspective what the LED response is when parking a vehicle.
A couple of pictures of the hardware and installation in the front of the garage, right under the workbench (can be found in the image folder in repository). The enclosure is attached using two strong neodinium magnets that accomodate through hole bolts. The hardware is light enough for magnetic attachment to the steel workbench with the power plug entering from the real, alongside the potensiometer hidden from view. The overall response of the system proved consistant and accurate after a few tests.
I have yet to test whether a vehicle that contains built-in ultrasonic distance sensor will impact the sensor or hardware performance.
