Explore the Light Our Light Laser Ranging Module and Capacitor Kit

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the Sparkfun Red Box
3. Overview of the Light Our Light Blue Label Laser Ranging Module and Capacitor Kit
4. Setting up the Jetson with the Light Our Light
5. Installing Software and testing
6. Understanding the Light Our Light Version 2
7. Using the Light Our Light for Distance Tracking
8. Velocity Change Detection with the Light Our Light
9. Surface Compatibility of the Light Our Light
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the features and functionality of the Light Our Light blue label laser ranging module and capacitor kit. We will begin by unboxing the Sparkfun red box and examining its contents. Then, we will discuss how to set up the Jetson with the Light Our Light and install the necessary software. We will delve into the specifics of the Light Our Light version 2 and its differences from the previous version. Next, we will explore how the Light Our Light can be used for distance tracking and velocity change detection. Lastly, we will discuss the surface compatibility of the Light Our Light and conclude with our final thoughts on this innovative product.

Unboxing the Sparkfun Red Box

Inside the red box from Sparkfun, we discover the Light Our Light blue label laser ranging module and a Sparkfun capacitor kit. The laser ranging module is a Class 1 laser product and is the version two of the Light Our Light series. It comes in a housing similar to the previous version with a distinguishable blue label. The Sparkfun capacitor kit contains a collection of capacitors necessary for decoupling.

Overview of the Light Our Light Blue Label Laser Ranging Module and Capacitor Kit

The Light Our Light blue label laser ranging module is designed for precise distance measurements. It features a laser Diode that emits a laser Beam, and a sensor that detects the reflected laser beam. The module communicates with other devices using the I2C bus and requires a 5V power supply. The Sparkfun capacitor kit includes various capacitors for decoupling the power supply, ensuring stable operation of the module.

Setting up the Jetson with the Light Our Light

To integrate the Light Our Light with the Jetson, specific pins need to be connected. The pin 1 of Jetson J3A is connected to the 5V rail, while pin 8 of J3A is connected to ground. A capacitor, such as the 680 microfarad capacitor from the Sparkfun kit, can be connected for decoupling purposes. The Light Our Light is connected to the Jetson's SDA and SCL pins for communication.

Installing Software and Testing

To utilize the Light Our Light, software needs to be installed on the Jetson. The Jetson hacks repository on GitHub provides a library for the Light Our Light version 2. By cloning the repository and navigating to the example directory, the library can be compiled using the provided make command. Additionally, a graphical interface is included for easy usage. It is important to note that the software for version 2 is not compatible with the earlier version of the Light Our Light.

Understanding the Light Our Light Version 2

The Light Our Light version 2 offers several enhancements compared to its predecessor. The hardware remains similar, with changes mainly in the labeling. The improved version provides better performance and accuracy in distance measurements. It supports increased velocity resolution, enabling precise motion detection. However, compatibility issues with version 1 software should be noted.

Using the Light Our Light for Distance Tracking

With the Light Our Light, distance tracking becomes a breeze. By pointing the laser ranging module towards an object, the module accurately measures the distance based on the reflected laser beam. The sensor captures the distance information and provides it as an output. This capability makes the Light Our Light valuable in applications such as robotics, automation, and object recognition.

Velocity Change Detection with the Light Our Light

In addition to distance tracking, the Light Our Light is capable of detecting velocity changes. By analyzing the velocity of the incoming signals, it can determine whether an object is approaching or moving away. This feature is particularly useful in applications where motion detection is key, such as security systems and autonomous vehicles.

Surface Compatibility of the Light Our Light

Thanks to its use of light technology, the Light Our Light shows good surface compatibility. Unlike ultrasonic sensors, the Light Our Light is not greatly affected by the surface material. It works well on various surfaces, including cloth. This makes it versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

The Light Our Light blue label laser ranging module and capacitor kit provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for distance tracking and velocity change detection. Its ease of integration with the Jetson and compatibility with different surfaces make it a valuable tool for robotics, automation, and other applications. With the Light Our Light, precise measurements and motion detection become effortless.

Highlights

• Unboxing the Sparkfun red box reveals the Light Our Light blue label laser ranging module and a Sparkfun capacitor kit.
• The Light Our Light is a Class 1 laser product and represents the version 2 of the series.
• Setting up the Jetson with the Light Our Light involves connecting specific pins and using a capacitor for decoupling.
• Installation of the software library for the Light Our Light version 2 allows distance tracking and velocity change detection.
• The Light Our Light's surface compatibility makes it suitable for various applications, including cloth-based surfaces.

FAQ

Q: Is the Light Our Light compatible with the previous version's software?\ A: No, the Light Our Light version 2 is not compatible with version 1 software.

Q: Can the Light Our Light detect objects in motion?\ A: Yes, the Light Our Light is capable of detecting velocity changes for motion detection purposes.

Q: How does the Light Our Light handle different surface materials?\ A: The Light Our Light shows good surface compatibility and works well with various materials, including cloth.

Q: What are some applications of the Light Our Light?\ A: The Light Our Light is valuable in robotics, automation, security systems, and object recognition applications.