Newsgroups: comp.robotics
From: Leon@lfheller.demon.co.uk (Leon Heller)
Path: cantaloupe.srv.cs.cmu.edu!das-news2.harvard.edu!news2.near.net!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!peernews.demon.co.uk!lfheller.demon.co.uk!Leon
Subject: Re: Theremin - whiskers
References: <D695p1.I5@lut.ac.uk>
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Date: Sat, 1 Apr 1995 15:36:53 +0000
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In article <D695p1.I5@lut.ac.uk> ttmnh1@lut.ac.uk "MN Howell" writes:

> There was a program on television which showned an old instrument called a
>  theremin which was played by moving your hand near to its antenna . I was
> wondering if anyone had used these on a robot for measuring or sensing
> objects in there path.

I think a Theremin consists of two RF oscillators, the output of which
is mixed to produce an AF tone. One of the oscillators has a fixed
frequency, and the other has a metal rod attached to the tank circuit,
so the frequency may be varied by moving the position of a hand relative
to the rod. I suppose a rough indication of distance could be obtained
by measuring the output frequency, but it would be too imprecise to be
of much use, I would think.

Leon
-- 
Leon Heller                       | "Do not adjust your mind, there is
G1HSM                             |  a fault in reality": on a wall
Email: leon@lfheller.demon.co.uk  |  many years ago in Oxford.
Phone: +44 (01734) 266679         |
