Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago
Don't worry, this laser can't damage your eyes! Check out this video to see how much better it performs in a wall follower robot. The sensor is extremely fast and accurate, much more so than the included LEGO distance sensor. Unlike the ultrasonic sensor, it works under large angles and can spot soft objects. But - this is the cool thing - just like the LEGO sensor you can use word blocks to program it!
The sensor contains a 940nm Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCEL). It uses Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) to catch reflected light and calculates the distance using light speed! Sounds like Star Trek? It's real!
ERROR CORRECTION: In the movie, I tell you that tweaking the sensor settings can make it report longer distances than just 1200mm. This is only partly true. The specific model I'm using doesn't range much further than that. However, the LPF2 protocol allows for sensors with a longer range than 200cm. That part is true.
💬 Please like and ask any questions you have in the comments!
--- Chapters ---
00:00:00 Laser range finder vs ultrasonic range finder
00:01:45 Building instructions and parts
00:06:30 Word blocks (Scratch) program
00:09:46 Ultrasonic versus Laser Time of Flight sensor
00:13:25 Esp8266 code for emulating LPF2
00:17:01 Wrap up: what will you build?
--- Links ---
Code repository and example projects:
👉 github.com/antonvh/LMS-uart-esp
Distance sensor:
👉 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A8eyZ9
Breakout board:
👉 antonsmindstorms.com/product/wifi-i2c-with-distance-sensor-breakout-bundle
Get the T-Shirt 👕 here:
👉 https://shop.spreadshirt.nl/antons-mindstorms/
Support 🙏 my work:
👉 patreon.com/antonsmindstorms
For complete building instructions 📄 and in-depth articles go to:
👉 antonsmindstorms.com
Don't worry, this laser can't damage your eyes! Check out this video to see how much better it performs in a wall follower robot. The sensor is extremely fast and accurate, much more so than the included LEGO distance sensor. Unlike the ultrasonic sensor, it works under large angles and can spot soft objects. But - this is the cool thing - just like the LEGO sensor you can use word blocks to program it!
The sensor contains a 940nm Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCEL). It uses Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) to catch reflected light and calculates the distance using light speed! Sounds like Star Trek? It's real!
ERROR CORRECTION: In the movie, I tell you that tweaking the sensor settings can make it report longer distances than just 1200mm. This is only partly true. The specific model I'm using doesn't range much further than that. However, the LPF2 protocol allows for sensors with a longer range than 200cm. That part is true.
💬 Please like and ask any questions you have in the comments!
--- Chapters ---
00:00:00 Laser range finder vs ultrasonic range finder
00:01:45 Building instructions and parts
00:06:30 Word blocks (Scratch) program
00:09:46 Ultrasonic versus Laser Time of Flight sensor
00:13:25 Esp8266 code for emulating LPF2
00:17:01 Wrap up: what will you build?
--- Links ---
Code repository and example projects:
👉 github.com/antonvh/LMS-uart-esp
Distance sensor:
👉 https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A8eyZ9
Breakout board:
👉 antonsmindstorms.com/product/wifi-i2c-with-distance-sensor-breakout-bundle
Get the T-Shirt 👕 here:
👉 https://shop.spreadshirt.nl/antons-mindstorms/
Support 🙏 my work:
👉 patreon.com/antonsmindstorms
For complete building instructions 📄 and in-depth articles go to:
👉 antonsmindstorms.com
