Sonar Ruler

Sonar Ruler

by Laan Labs

77 ratings
146 reviews
$0.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • August 5, 2009
  • May 4, 2017
Sonar Ruler screenshot #1 for iPhone
Sonar Ruler screenshot #2 for iPhone
Sonar Ruler screenshot #3 for iPhone
Sonar Ruler screenshot #4 for iPhone
Sonar Ruler screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

This experimental app uses your iPhone's speaker to send out sonic pulses and measures the echo to estimate distances up to 60 feet. It's a fun and innovative way to explore sonar principles, perfect for educational purposes or impressing friends with unique iPhone capabilities.

Sonic distance measurement
Up to 60 feet range
Selectable units (feet, inches, meters)
Custom saved settings
Educational sonar demonstration
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What users say

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What's New in Sonar Ruler

1.21

May 4, 2017

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. Fixes launch crash Improved measuring Other bugfixes

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User reviews

Works for me

Interesting app. shows principles of sound ranging. Ok in metric and imperial. Ok, it’s a bit quirky and there are lots of ghost echoes at distances other than the “real” one but overall it works for me. Needs better information on what is on the screen and the tweaks that can be done.

Interesting, but couldn’t get it to work

Bought it just out of curiosity, and it looks like it’s doing something. There are a lot of adjustments you can do, and I didn’t spend too much time trying to figure it out. It seems to lock in at the same distances regardless of where it’s used. I’m wondering if my older phone (iPhone 6) just doesn’t have what it takes.
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Very accurate

Down to the decimal accuracy. Just point it at a wall and get the distance. Once it is calibrated right it is very accurate!

Crash within 3 seconds

Tried uninstalling and reinstalling on my iPhone 6 several times but the program exits after 3 seconds every time. Would have been interested to "experiment".

Won't Open on iPhone 6

Bought in October 2016. Will not open on iPhone 6 running 10.0.2. Contacted developer but no response! Want my money back.

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

10 issues

App crashes within 3 seconds of opening on iPhone 6 and older models

Bug

Won't open on iOS 8.4 and later versions

Bug

No chirping sound emitted on some devices

Bug

Feedback loop and screaming noise on certain hardware

Bug

Phone locks up requiring hard restart

Bug

Broken help video URL

Bug

Measurements lock at same distance regardless of location

Bug

Metric mode produces incorrect readings

Bug

Incompatible with iPhone 4S, 5, and first-generation devices

Bug

Inconsistent performance across different iPhone models

Bug

Requested Features

11 requests

Room mapping by rotating phone in circle

Feature

Vertical distance measurement capability

Feature

Better ambient noise filtering

Feature

Clearer, more intuitive user interface

Feature

Optimized default settings (frequency, filter, chirp)

Feature

Larger, easier-to-manipulate sliders

Feature

iPod Touch compatibility

Feature

Automatic zoom functionality for measurements

Feature

Visual indicator for when to use short vs long distance mode

Feature

Better help video and documentation

Feature

Accessibility features for blind users

Feature

FAQ

What does Sonar Ruler do?

Sonar Ruler is an experimental application that utilizes your iPhone's speaker to emit sonic pulses. By measuring the time it takes for these pulses to bounce off an object and return as an echo, the app estimates the distance to that object. It's designed to demonstrate the principles of sonar in an innovative way.

What are the key features of Sonar Ruler?

The app offers sonic distance measurement with a range of up to 60 feet. Users can select their preferred units, choosing between feet, inches, or meters. It also allows for custom saved settings, enabling users to configure measurements for different environments.

How much does Sonar Ruler cost?

Sonar Ruler is a paid application. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements within the app, providing a straightforward purchase experience for users.

What devices is Sonar Ruler compatible with?

Sonar Ruler is designed for iPhones and can be used with iPads, though iPads may require some adjustment to the chirp boundaries for optimal performance. The app leverages specific iPhone hardware for its functionality.

What are some common use cases for Sonar Ruler?

This app is great for teachers looking to demonstrate sonar principles and sound propagation to students. It's also useful for anyone curious about the innovative uses of smartphone hardware or for a fun, experimental way to measure distances in a casual setting.