Impact Trigger Circuit / Knock Sensor / Dunk Tank

This video will describe how to interface an automotive knock sensor to a microcontroller or logic circuit using a passive signal conditioner circuit.
A real world application will be covered where this technique is used to trigger a dunk tank mechanism.

Scamp3:

[johncatsoulis]

Another great video Ken. You come with applications I never would have thought of. Brilliant.

[PhG]

Really awesome video! I've been using automotive parts for many years. The reason is obvious, they're cheap, robust and easily available. Also interesting... recycled parts from dishwashers, washing machines, printers/copiers (large ones) etc... It makes my hobby affordable. This example can be very interesting for a wide variety of projects.

[shawnlowe]

Great video! I love how you approach real world problems, it is very educational.

[sidharthap]

Your channel is fantastic Ken, keep up these great videos!!!

[RadioactvPanda]

I just replaced my knock sensors on my car! Amazing video! Thank you!

[Enigma]

I love these kind of hardware centric videos. I would have never thought to use a voltage doubler with a piezo sensor, but since it's AC, it seems like a simple way to amplify the output vs. using a transistor or an op amp. I wonder if the same technique would work for an electret mic?

[BusyElectrons]

Very interesting video. I was not aware of these sensors. Thanks for sharing.

[romancharak]

How interesting is that? I believe I can use the piezo amplifying portion of the circuit for a few applications. Thanks, Ken.

[WRMD]

It is ironic that high octane fuel is LESS flammable. In the old days tetraethyl lead was used for this purpose and still is in aviation gasoline (yikes!). This is why "old timers" refer to gasoline as "high test" not "high octane" which later replaced lead.
Great use of automotive parts! Thanks and have a great weekend.

[noweare]

Never heard about these before, thanks.

[mumbaiverve]

Lovely idea !! I am curious how the ECU detects its a knock, amongst the normal oscillations of the enginer ? Amplitude ? or looks for a pulse out of the predicted time range ? Consider doing a series on interfacing automotive sensors for uC based projects.

[mikebond]

I know the microcontroller makes it simpler, especially if you’re familiar with code, but I still prefer the old fashioned discrete component method. I would have loved to see you use your peak detector circuit instead.

[jerril]

You may not be lookign to get a lot of subs, but you sure deserve them. You always have interesting and informative videos. Thank you, take care. 🚙🚗🛻🚚🚛🚕🚜