Blog

Waterproof Ultrasonic Obstacle Sensor, Sensor with Separate Probe

Posted by

Ekostra Electronics

On April 7, 2025

Comments Off

Waterproof Ultrasonic Obstacle Sensor

Distance Measurement with Separate Waterproof Probe

Introduction

The Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor features a separate waterproof probe connected to a control board, making it ideal for outdoor or wet environment applications. Using ultrasonic waves, it accurately measures distances from 2cm to 4.5m with a resolution of 0.3cm, even in challenging conditions.

Key Features

🌊 Waterproof Design

IP67 rated probe for wet environments

📏 Accurate Measurement

2cm-450cm range with 3mm resolution

🔌 Dual Output

Analog voltage and digital PWM signals

⚡ Easy Integration

Works with 3.3V or 5V systems

Technical Specifications

Operating Voltage	3.3V – 5V DC
Measurement Range	2cm – 450cm
Resolution	0.3cm
Frequency	40kHz
Output Signals	Analog voltage (0-VCC) and PWM
Probe Protection	IP67 waterproof rating
Operating Temperature	-10°C to +70°C
Cable Length	1m (standard, customizable)

Pin Configuration

Pin	Label	Description	Arduino Connection
1	VCC	Power (3.3V-5V)	5V
2	GND	Ground	GND
3	OUT	Analog output (0-VCC)	A0
4	PWM	Digital PWM output	D2
5	TRIG	Trigger input (optional)	D3

Note: The waterproof probe should be mounted with the sensing surface free of obstructions

Wiring with Arduino

// Basic Connections:
// VCC → 5V
// GND → GND
// OUT → A0 (analog input)
// PWM → D2 (digital input)

// Optional trigger:
// TRIG → D3 (digital output)

// Keep the control board in a dry location
// Only the waterproof probe should be exposed

// Basic Connections:

// VCC → 5V

// GND → GND

// OUT → A0 (analog input)

// PWM → D2 (digital input)

// Optional trigger:

// TRIG → D3 (digital output)

// Keep the control board in a dry location

// Only the waterproof probe should be exposed

Important: While the probe is waterproof, the control board should be protected from moisture

Basic Distance Measurement Example

// Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor Basic Example
const int analogPin = A0;
const int pwmPin = 2;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(pwmPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Read analog output (0-VCC corresponds to 0-max distance)
  int analogValue = analogRead(analogPin);
  float analogDistance = map(analogValue, 0, 1023, 0, 450); // cm
  
  // Read PWM pulse width (pulse duration in μs corresponds to distance)
  float pulseWidth = pulseIn(pwmPin, HIGH);
  float pwmDistance = pulseWidth / 58.0; // Convert to cm
  
  Serial.print("Analog Distance: ");
  Serial.print(analogDistance);
  Serial.print(" cm | PWM Distance: ");
  Serial.print(pwmDistance);
  Serial.println(" cm");
  
  delay(200);
}

// Waterproof Ultrasonic Sensor Basic Example

const int analogPin = A0;

const int pwmPin = 2;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

pinMode(pwmPin, INPUT);

}

void loop() {

// Read analog output (0-VCC corresponds to 0-max distance)

int analogValue = analogRead(analogPin);

float analogDistance = map(analogValue, 0, 1023, 0, 450); // cm

// Read PWM pulse width (pulse duration in μs corresponds to distance)

float pulseWidth = pulseIn(pwmPin, HIGH);

float pwmDistance = pulseWidth / 58.0; // Convert to cm

Serial.print("Analog Distance: ");

Serial.print(analogDistance);

Serial.print(" cm | PWM Distance: ");

Serial.print(pwmDistance);

Serial.println(" cm");

delay(200);

}

Advanced Features

Trigger Mode

// Manual trigger control
void triggerMeasurement() {
  digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
}

// More precise timing control than automatic mode

// Manual trigger control

void triggerMeasurement() {

digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);

delayMicroseconds(10);

digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);

}

// More precise timing control than automatic mode

Multiple Sensors

// Manage multiple sensors with trigger pins
void readSensors() {
  triggerSensor1();
  delay(50); // Allow time for measurement
  float dist1 = readDistance(SENSOR1_PIN);
  
  triggerSensor2();
  delay(50);
  float dist2 = readDistance(SENSOR2_PIN);
}

// Manage multiple sensors with trigger pins

void readSensors() {

triggerSensor1();

delay(50); // Allow time for measurement

float dist1 = readDistance(SENSOR1_PIN);

triggerSensor2();

delay(50);

float dist2 = readDistance(SENSOR2_PIN);

}

Moving Average

// Smooth readings with moving average
const int numReadings = 5;
float readings[numReadings];
int index = 0;

float smoothDistance(float newDistance) {
  readings[index] = newDistance;
  index = (index + 1) % numReadings;
  
  float total = 0;
  for (int i = 0; i < numReadings; i++) {
    total += readings[i];
  }
  return total / numReadings;
}

// Smooth readings with moving average

const int numReadings = 5;

float readings[numReadings];

int index = 0;

float smoothDistance(float newDistance) {

readings[index] = newDistance;

index = (index + 1) % numReadings;

float total = 0;

for (int i = 0; i < numReadings; i++) {

total += readings[i];

}

return total / numReadings;

}

Obstacle Detection

// Detect obstacles within threshold
bool checkObstacle(float threshold) {
  float distance = readDistance();
  return distance < threshold;
}

void loop() {
  if (checkObstacle(30.0)) { // 30cm threshold
    activateAlarm();
  }
}

// Detect obstacles within threshold

bool checkObstacle(float threshold) {

float distance = readDistance();

return distance < threshold;

}

void loop() {

if (checkObstacle(30.0)) { // 30cm threshold

activateAlarm();

}

Troubleshooting

No Measurements

Check power supply (3.3V-5V)
Verify all connections
Ensure probe is not obstructed

Inconsistent Readings

Clean probe surface from debris
Ensure stable mounting
Implement software smoothing

Short Range Only

Check for sound-absorbing materials
Verify power supply is adequate
Test in different environmental conditions

Hotline 24/7

Blogs

Waterproof Ultrasonic Obstacle Sensor

Introduction

Key Features

🌊 Waterproof Design

📏 Accurate Measurement

🔌 Dual Output

⚡ Easy Integration

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Wiring with Arduino

Basic Distance Measurement Example

Advanced Features

Trigger Mode

Multiple Sensors

Moving Average

Obstacle Detection

Troubleshooting

No Measurements

Inconsistent Readings

Short Range Only

Project Ideas

Water Tank Monitor

Boat Depth Sounder

Weather Station

Related Posts

Get to Know Us

Shop

Useful Links

Subscribe Newsletter

Safety Payments