typical controller system sensors acquisition system (Doepfer box,) mapping software (Max) Output (Reason)
useful resources Fraden, A Handbook of Modern Sensors MSI piezo manual sensorwiki.org Datasheets for components
Parts sources Digi-Key catalog Sparkfun.com Mouser catalog Mcmaster-Carr catalog Acroname Robotics
what to sense? position, velocity, acceleration, rotation temperature, light, sound pressure, torque, bending ON/OFF, constant or toggle
Switches discrete output Toggle,normally on, OR normally off can provide visual and tactile feedback
Potentiometers common types: linear taper, audio taper (log) rotary, linear, multiturn +V ref GND V out
Other variable resistors: V output Variable resistor R2 R1 Vout = Vref R2/(R1+R2) If sensor range is 10k-35kΩ, and R2=20kΩthen Vout range is.66Vref =>.36Vref
Bend Sensor resistance increases when bent
FSR (Force-Sensing Resistor) resistance drops when pressed
accelerometers inclination, acceleration
Typical data sheet for accelerometer
Specs & pricing table for accelerometers
IR distance sensors Sharp GP2D12 (AKA the toilet sensor)
Devantech SRF04 Ranger Ultrasonic distance sensor pulse length proportional to distance
Hall effect Magnetic field sensors Allegro 1321 linear amplifier in chip!
Piezoelectric materials PZT PVDF Sensitive to vibration. Excellent drum triggers, contact microphones.