Laser Range Finder

The Laser Range Finder (LRF) module is a low-cost instrument that uses laser light to measure the distance to a targeted object up to 8 feet away.

The LRF incorporates a multicore Parallax Propeller microcontroller, OmniVision OVM7690 640x480 CMOS CameraCube, and Arima 635nm APC Laser Diode. Distance to a targeted object is calculated by optical triangulation using trigonometry between the centroid of laser light, camera, and object. Applications include distance or liquid level measurements, object detection and/or avoidance, and item counting.

Parallax, Inc. was the exclusive manufacturer of the LRF. The module has been discontinued as of September 17, 2018.

This design is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States license.

Module Highlights:
  • Optimal measurement range of 6 inches to 4 feet (48 inches)
  • Maximum object detection distance of ~8 feet (100 inches)
  • Accuracy error of less than 5% (average error of 3%)
  • Range finding sample rate of 5 Hz
  • Single row, 4-pin, 0.1” header for easy connection to a host system
  • Asynchronous serial interface with automatic baud rate detection from 300 to 115,200
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