[IAEP] Sensor Experts: I need help with my shopping list!

[Caryl Bigenho]

Hello folks,

I need help with the sensor project. Unlike a cookbook or sewing pattern, the instructions for sensors on our wikis don't include a list of ingredients or needed tools and supplies. Wouldn't it be fun to create an "XO Cookbook?" It could include simple "recipes" for making peripherals and maybe other things as well.

Anyway, I have been trying to make a shopping list for parts for the sensors we can build at the Summit. The temperature and light sensors are fairly straightforward and I have found sources for components I think will work. I just need to know which ones will work best with the XOs

Temperature (thermister). Which of these will work best?
www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/770/Thermistors/1.html

Light Will this one work?
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/PRE-24/CdS-PHOTOCELL-PHOTORESISTOR/1.html

There is a lot of interest in Humidity sensors. These are a bit harder to find. I don't know exactly what to search for. Does anyone know what make/model the one shown on the wiki is?
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Making_XO_sensors/Making_a_Humidity_Sensor

There isn't a lot of info about the ones for measuring soil moisture (but there is interest in this one), water salinity, and the lemon battery (looks like a fun one). They must all use the 3.5mm plug, right? Can one sensor be made to use for all of these or do they need different components in the circuit? If so, what different things are needed? Would we need to insert a resistor for XO-1s with the lemon battery?

How about wire? Other than copper wire for the water salinity, what should I try to get for the rest? Gauge? Material, bare or covered?

For the plugs, can we get cords with one plug at each end, split them and use for 2 sensors? Something like these? If we do that what other wire will I need to get?
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/CB-389/12-CABLE-3.5-MM-STEREO-PLUGS-BOTH-ENDS/1.html

The store I looked these up at is located in the nearby San Fernando Valley where I will be going anyway on Thursday. So, I can pick them up then (at $4.50+/gal I have to consider combining trips). There may be another store closer to my home as well. For some things this store doesn't carry, I may have to order out of state with fast delivery.

I need this info really before tomorrow am (say 9 am PDT) as I will need to order then for anything that has to be shipped.

Thanks,
Caryl

P.S. Claudia, Yama said you have done a lot of things with sensors. Do you have any input on these? Any others we may have overlooked? I like Trinidad Guzman's use of a potentiometer to track a pendulum, but no one else has mentioned an interest in that one.


 		 	   		  
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