Designed in conjunction with Grand Idea Studio, the Parallax Laser Range Finder (LRF) Module is a distance-measuring instrument that uses laser technology to calculate the distance to a targeted object. The design uses a Propeller processor, CMOS camera, and laser diode to create a low-cost laser range finder. Distance to a targeted object is calculated by optical triangulation using simple trigonometry between the centroid of laser light, camera, and object.
Features:
- Compact module with integrated CMOS camera and laser system
- Optimal measurement range of 6–48 inches (15–122 cm) with an accuracy error <5%, average 3%
- Maximum object detection distance of ~8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Range finding sample rate of 1Hz
- Single row, 4-pin, 0.1” header for easy connection to a host system
Application Ideas:
- Distance or liquid level measurements
- Object detection and/or avoidance
- Item counting
Key Specifications:
- Power requirements: 5 VDC @ 150 mA
- Communication: Asynchronous serial; 300–115,200 baud with automatic baud rate detection
- Dimensions: 3.95 x 1.55 x 0.67 in (10.05 x 3.95 x 1.7 cm)
- Operating temperature: +32 to 122 °F (0 to +50 °C)
Alternate Views:
Click for Close-Up
Note: DANGER! Class IIIa Laser Product, 3 mW Maximum Output @ 635 nm, Avoid Direct Eye Exposure.
All engineering materials are released as open source under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States license, allowing free distribution and reuse.
Product Downloads:
Product Documentation (.pdf)
Schematic (.pdf)
Firmware for Propeller processor (.zip)
Bill-of-Materials (.pdf)
PCB Layout/Gerber Plots (.zip)
Mechanical Drawing (.pdf)
Example Code for BASIC Stamp 2 (.zip)
Example Code for Propeller (.zip)
LRF Image Viewer Software for Windows (.zip)
Additional Resources:
Grand Idea Studio's Laser Range Finder page (Off Site)
Demonstration videos of the LRF Module (You Tube)
Hack A Week by Dino Segovis (Off Site)
Object Sensing Robot using the LRF Module by Roy Eltham (You Tube)
LRF Development Diary post (Forums)
Beau Schwabe's video (Forums)
Laser Range Finder/Game Boy Printer Hack (forums)