ping-python

Python library for the Ping sonar. Ping is the simple, affordable, and compact ultrasonic altimeter for any aquatic project.

This library exposes all functionality of the device, such as getting profiles, controlling parameters, switching modes, or just simply reading in the distance measurement.

Available here

Resources

• API Reference
• Device Specifications
• Communication Protocol
• Support
• License

Installing

pip

$ pip install --user bluerobotics-ping --upgrade

From source

$ git clone --single-branch --branch deployment https://github.com/bluerobotics/ping-python.git
$ cd ping-python
$ python setup.py install --user

The library is ready to use: import brping. If you would like to use the command line examples or tools provided by this package, follow the notes in python's installing to user site directions (eg export PATH=$PATH:~/.local/bin).

From master branch

If you wish to build from scratch the project using master branch or wip pull requests to test, you should compile and generate the definitions file:

$ git clone https://github.com/bluerobotics/ping-python.git
$ pip install jinja2
$ cd ping-python
$ git submodule update --init
$ python generate/generate-python.py --output-dir=brping
$ python setup.py install --user
$ python -c "import brping"  # It works!

Quick Start

The bluerobotics-ping package installs a simplePingExample.py script to get started. Place your device's file descriptor (eg. /dev/ttyUSB0, COM1) after the --device option.

$ simplePingExample.py --device <your-device>

It's also possible to connect via UDP server using the --udp option with IP:PORT as input (e.g 192.168.2.2:9090).

Usage

The Ping1D class provides an easy interface to configure a Ping device and retrieve data.

A Ping1D object must be initialized with the serial device path and the baudrate.

from brping import Ping1D
myPing = Ping1D()
myPing.connect_serial("/dev/ttyUSB0", 115200)
# For UDP
# myPing.connect_udp("192.168.2.2", 9090)

Call initialize() to establish communications with the device.

if myPing.initialize() is False:
    print("Failed to initialize Ping!")
    exit(1)

Use get_<message_name> to request data from the device. The data is returned as a dictionary with keys matching the names of the message payload fields. The messages you may request are documented in the ping-protocol.

    data = myPing.get_distance()
    if data:
        print("Distance: %s\tConfidence: %s%%" % (data["distance"], data["confidence"]))
    else:
        print("Failed to get distance data")

Use the set_* messages (eg. set_speed_of_sound()) to change settings on the Ping device.

    # set the speed of sound to use for distance calculations to
    # 1450000 mm/s (1450 m/s)
    myPing.set_speed_of_sound(1450000)

See the doxygen documentation for complete API documentation.