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Thread: Hall Effect or Proximity Sensor, What's best?

  1. #1
    Registered Member NickP's Avatar
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    Hall Effect or Proximity Sensor, What's best?

    Might be a simple answer for some, but I just can't wrap my head around this. As I understand, a hall effect unit works on a magnetic signal applied in the proper location and polarity to either open the switch or close the switch and a proximity works much the same but is activated with a piece if iron or steel and depending upon the sensor opens or closes the switch.

    I want to know if I can replace a currently used double throw double pole rocker/toggle switch with one of the above.

    Thanks in advance.
    Last edited by NickP; 09-13-2018 at 04:08 PM.

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    What is the switch for? And the current?

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    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    A Hall Effect sensor can be a proximity sensor and requires a magnetic field to be passed by it. There are lots of technologies used for proximity sensing. Without knowing the application or intended operation it's hard to give an answer.

    Also, any sensor is just going to output a signal that then needs to be used to drive something else, like a relay. If you need a DPDT switch, the sensor alone can't provide that function unless it's built into a larger assembly.
    Last edited by chevynut; 09-14-2018 at 06:01 AM.
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    Registered Member NickP's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 55 Rescue Dog View Post
    What is the switch for? And the current?
    RD, it's 12V. The present switch (toggle) opens a fuel door on a vehicle but they are so archaic looking. The Hall Effect intrigued me due mostly in part of their size and ease to hide externally, much like the present day vehicles do.

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    Registered Member NickP's Avatar
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    The application is a hidden fuel door (tail light). all 12 V DC. Currently, activation is by toggle switch. through a bank of relays and micro switches that control polarity specific to direction of the door. Nothing groundbreaking by any stretch, just wanted to see if I can modernize it.

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    Maybe just get a better looking latching on/off pushbutton switch. Many options for buttons, including LED lighted. A prox switch or anything similar might get a little more involved.

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    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    You could maybe set it up so the filler opened up when the bezel was touched while the driver was close to the filler with one of those keyless start fobs. Not sure how they work but new cars have keyless and "buttonless" door handles. My DIL's Toyota 4Runner has them.

    https://www.yourmechanic.com/article...oor-locks-work

    https://www.hella.com/techworld/uk/T...yless-Go-3195/

    https://www.ididitinc.com/i-25049820...on-system.html
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

  8. #8
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

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    A capacitance proximity sensor can detect a finger, or liquid.

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    For ignition triggering, a Hall effect sensor is 3 wire - power, ground, and signal. A "magnetic pickup" is 2 wire. The motion produces the power needed. No expert on this stuff, but seems to me that a sensor with external power might work more consistently for slow speed or touch applications, and be less dependent on precision. But I'm no expert on this stuff.

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