High Speed IR Break-Beam Sensor Help Please

Sensors Distance
1

I am trying to measure the velocity of a high speed ping pong ball cannon. I have an old, beat up system that works but it needs updated due to wear and tear. The present velocity is 800m/s - well over Mach 2 so need FAST response time. I’ve used TSL252R sensors in the past, but they are no longer available. These SparkFun sensors look very close.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/241

Rise/fall time is just a little slower than I would like. Does anyone know of any IR type break beam sensors with a faster response time??? I’ve ordered several that advertise a 7usec rise/fall time, but performance looks on the order of 70usec rise/fall time - not sure if they are counterfeit or just junk to begin with. I would even consider a more expensive type break-beam setup with faster response time if there’s one available. Laser???

I’ve also tried OP800A sensors but response was not anywhere near 7usec. FYI - going for world record attempt so want the best data possible.

2

There is no way a pingpongball cannon shoots balls at mach 2. The ball drag on the ball would be too great and the ball likely collaps due to the pressure. Make sure your exit velocity numbers are correct.

3

They are correct. I’m at 800 meters per second and the world record is presently 833 meters per second. There are multiple YouTube videos demonstrating similar canons.

4

Ok, my bad. I didn’t realize it was expelled with air through a tube. I figured the regular method with a spinning wheel. Sorry I don’t have anything to add on the selection of IR detectors.