Laser Distance Sensor (1m Range, 3.3-5V, Digital or Analog Output)

The Laser Distance Sensor helps your robot to know the approximate distance between itself and an object. It operates by firing a laser, then measuring the time it takes for the laser light to be reflected off the object and back to the sensor. This allows it to sense the distance at ranges of up to 1 meter—depending on the reflectivity of the object’s surface.

The Laser Distance Sensor can output an analog or a digital signal, according to the mode you select:

Analog - Dynamic Range Mode

When the Sensor is set to Analog Mode by rotating the potentiometer clockwise to its endpoint using a small flat-head screw driver, the output becomes a “dynamic range” voltage that changes proportionally according to the distance between the sensor and the object. As the object gets closer, the Analog Mode signal will get lower.

In this mode, the LED will shine blue, and it will dim as the object becomes closer. Conversely, it will brighten as the object becomes further away.

Digital - Beam Break Mode

Digital Mode is activated by rotating the Sensor’s potentiometer any degree besides its clockwise endpoint to set a threshold distance. (Rotating the potentiometer counterclockwise just enough to exit Analog Mode will set a threshold distance of approximately 264mm. Increasing the counter-clockwise rotation will decrease the threshold distance, and turning the potentiometer counterclockwise to its limit will result in a threshold distance of approximately 25mm.)

When a sensed object crosses the set threshold, the voltage output will read high and match the input voltage; if nothing is within that range, the signal will read low (0V). This output function allows the Sensor to perform as a “single-side” replacement for common two-sided "beam break" sensors, like those used in garage doors!

In this mode, the LED will shine a solid red to indicate “Object Not Detected,” and a solid green to indicate “Object Detected.”

Participating in the FIRST® Tech Challenge? You can download this Example Code to help you get started making the most of the Sensor's object-detection abilities in tune with the brains of your robot!