what is(or could be) used to take the data retrieved from a sharp IR range finder and have it stored into a text file on a computer
Hi radioactiveLizard,
Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. Most of the Sharp IR distance sensors we offer have an analog output. You only need a microcontroller with analog input and USB connector to get the data to a computer. Devices like the Phidgets 8/8/8 are specifically designed to interface with 3 pin sensors and a computer. Sometimes there is a sample program which logs data, other times you may need to copy/paste the results. You can always write a custom program to store the output as a text file.
Hope this helps,