These simple switches are the Mechanical Bumper sensor for the SparkFun RedBot, giving you the ability to detect a collision before it really happens. This sensor works by acting as a SPST switch. When the “whisker” bumps into a foreign object it will make contact with a nut next to it, closing the connection and, by default, turning off the motor. By attaching these mechanical bumpers to you robot the whisker will bump something before your robot crashes into it.

The sensor has a 3-pin header which connects directly to the RedBot Mainboard via female to female jumper wires. Use the included RedBot library to make sure your robot never crashes into anything again.

Check out the entire RedBot family of products!

Note: Our RedBot tutorials utilize two of these Mechanical Bumper Sensors. Please take this into consideration before placing your order.

Includes

1x Mechanical Bumper Board

1x Whisker

1x ¾" 4-40 Nylon Standoff

1x 4-40 Hex Nut

3x 3/8" 4-40 Phillips Machine Screw

Features

1.03 x 0.69" (26.27 x 17.67 mm)

This is the SparkFun RGB and Gesture Sensor, a small breakout board with a built in APDS-9960 sensor that offers ambient light and color measuring, proximity detection, and touchless gesture sensing. With this RGB and Gesture Sensor you will be able to control a computer, microcontroller, robot, and more with a simple swipe of your hand! This is, in fact, the same sensor that the Samsung Galaxy S5 uses and is probably one of the best gesture sensors on the market for the price.

The APDS-9960 is a serious little piece of hardware with built in UV and IR blocking filters, four separate diodes sensitive to different directions, and an I2C compatible interface. For your convenience we have broken out the following pins: VL (optional power to IR LED), GND (Ground), VCC (power to APDS-9960 sensor), SDA (I2C data), SCL (I2C clock), and INT (interrupt). Each APDS-9960 also has a detection range of 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm).

Features

Operational Voltage: 3.3V

Ambient Light & RGB Color Sensing

Proximity Sensing

Gesture Detection

Operating Range: 4-8in (10-20cm)

I2C Interface (I2C Address: 0x39)

This is the SparkFun “Time-of-Flight” Range Finder, a sensor board for the VL6180 distance sensor. Unlike most distance sensors that rely on reflected light intensity or reflected angles to determine range, the VL6180 uses a precise clock to measure the time it takes light to bounce back from a surface. This affords the ToF Range Finder and VL6180 a great benefit over other methods because it can be much more accurate and more immune to noise. Does this technology sound familiar? Well it should, it’s the same means cellphones use to detect when the caller is holding their phone to their ear.

The VL6180 is actually a 3-in-1 package that combines an IR emitter, a range sensor, and an ambient light sensor together for you to easily use and communicate with via an I2C interface. The ToF Range Finder is very similar to its breakout cousin with a few important differences. What sets this board apart is this sensor is equipped with an on-board 2.8V regulator, which means if you were to plug in a voltage higher than 2.8V it will be shifted down without worry of damaging your board! Another thing to note is the form factor of the sensor itself. Many small robotics platforms have integrated hole patterns for the long time favorite Sharp IR sensor line. This allows the VL6180 Sensor to be a near drop-in replacement for most Sharp sensors.

Note: Though the datasheet states the VL6180 measures an absolute range of up to 10cm, we have successfully tested it up to 25cm. The more you know.

Features

2.8V Regulator - Provides the required 2.8V for the sensor

I2C Level Shifter - Provides logic level conversion from 2.8V to VCC

3-in-1 Module

IR Emitter

Range Sensor

Ambient Light Sensor

IR Emitter

Range Sensor

Ambient Light Sensor

Measures absolute range up to 10cm

Gesture Recognition

I2C Interface

Two Programmable GPIO

Sharp Sensor Board Layout

LV-EZ4 Maxbotix Ultrasonic Rangefinder provides very short to long-range detection and ranging, in an incredibly small package. It can detect objects from 0-inches to 254-inches (6.45-meters) and provides sonar range information from 6-inches out to 254-inches with 1-inch resolution. (Objects from 0 inches to 6-inches range as 6-inches.) The interface output formats included are pulse width output (PWM), analog voltage output (Vcc/512 volts per inch), and serial digital output (9600 baud).

A good sensor for when a Sharp IR distance sensor won't cut it. For example of using this with an Arduino, see the Halloween Pumpkin project.

Many applications require a narrower beam or lower sensitivity than the LV MaxSonar EZ1. Consequently, MaxBotix is offering the EZ2, EZ3, & EZ4 with progressively narrower beam angles allowing the sensor to match the application.

LV-EZ4 Data Sheet / Product Information Guide is available here.

The different LV models have different beam width patterns, check this image for a comparison of all the LV model beam patterns.For higher sensitivity, check out the HR-LV models - they have up to 1mm sensitivity and 5 meter range!

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line is the most cost-effective solution for applications where precision range-finding, low-voltage operation, space saving, and low-cost are needed.

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line provides high accuracy and high resolution ultrasonic proximity detection and ranging in air, in a package less than one cubic inch. This sensor line features 1mm resolution, target-size and operating-voltage compensation for improved accuracy, superior rejection of outside noise sources, internal speed-of-sound temperature compensation and optional external speed-of-sound temperature compensation. This ultrasonic sensor detects objects from 1mm to 5meters, senses range to objects from 30cm to 5meters, with large objects closer than 30cm typically reported as 30cm. The interface output formats are pulse width, analog voltage, and serial digital in either RS232 or TTL. Factory calibration is standard.

A good sensor for when a Sharp IR distance sensor won't cut it. For example of using this with an Arduino, see the Halloween Pumpkin project.

HRLV-EZ0 Data Sheet / Product Information Guide is available here. By default this sensor outputs RS-232 logic level data, to use it in TTL logic mode, solder closed the square jumper on the back.

The different HRLV models have different beam width patterns, check this image for a comparison of all the HRLV model beam patterns. If you don't need high sensitivity, or want a longer range, check out the LV models - They are meant for up to 6.5 meter distances

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line is the most cost-effective solution for applications where precision range-finding, low-voltage operation, space saving, and low-cost are needed.

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line provides high accuracy and high resolution ultrasonic proximity detection and ranging in air, in a package less than one cubic inch. This sensor line features 1mm resolution, target-size and operating-voltage compensation for improved accuracy, superior rejection of outside noise sources, internal speed-of-sound temperature compensation and optional external speed-of-sound temperature compensation. This ultrasonic sensor detects objects from 1mm to 5meters, senses range to objects from 30cm to 5meters, with large objects closer than 30cm typically reported as 30cm. The interface output formats are pulse width, analog voltage, and serial digital in either RS232 or TTL. Factory calibration is standard.

A good sensor for when a Sharp IR distance sensor won't cut it. For example of using this with an Arduino, see the Halloween Pumpkin project.

HRLV-EZ1 Data Sheet / Product Information Guide is available here. By default this sensor outputs RS-232 logic level data, to use it in TTL logic mode, solder closed the square jumper on the back.

The different HRLV models have different beam width patterns, check this image for a comparison of all the HRLV model beam patterns. If you don't need high sensitivity, or want a longer range, check out the LV models - They are meant for up to 6.5 meter distances

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line is the most cost-effective solution for applications where precision range-finding, low-voltage operation, space saving, and low-cost are needed.

The HRLV-MaxSonar-EZ sensor line provides high accuracy and high resolution ultrasonic proximity detection and ranging in air, in a package less than one cubic inch. This sensor line features 1mm resolution, target-size and operating-voltage compensation for improved accuracy, superior rejection of outside noise sources, internal speed-of-sound temperature compensation and optional external speed-of-sound temperature compensation. This ultrasonic sensor detects objects from 1mm to 5meters, senses range to objects from 30cm to 5meters, with large objects closer than 30cm typically reported as 30cm. The interface output formats are pulse width, analog voltage, and serial digital in either RS232 or TTL. Factory calibration is standard.

A good sensor for when a Sharp IR distance sensor won't cut it. For example of using this with an Arduino, see the Halloween Pumpkin project.

HRLV-EZ4 Data Sheet / Product Information Guide is available here. By default this sensor outputs RS-232 logic level data, to use it in TTL logic mode, solder closed the square jumper on the back.

The different HRLV models have different beam width patterns, check this image for a comparison of all the HRLV model beam patterns. If you don't need high sensitivity, or want a longer range, check out the LV models - They are meant for up to 6.5 meter distances

This sensor is essentially a reed switch, encased in an ABS plastic shell. Normally the reed is 'open' (no connection between the two wires). The other half is a magnet. When the magnet is less than 13mm (0.5") away, the reed switch closes. They're often used to detect when a door or drawer is open, which is why they have mounting tabs and screws. You can also pick up some double-sided foam tape from a hardware store to mount these, that works well without needing screws.

PIR sensors are used to detect motion from pets/humanoids from about 20 feet away (possibly works on zombies, not guaranteed). This one has an adjustable delay before firing (approx 2-4 seconds), adjustable sensitivity and we include a 1 foot (30 cm) cable with a socket so you can easily reposition the sensor or mount it using the two holes on either side.

Runs on 5V-12V power (if you need to run it off of 3V you can do that by bypassing the regulator, but that means doing a bit of soldering). Digital signal output is 3.3V high/low. Sensing range is about 7 meters (120 degree cone).For a full tutorial with wiring diagrams, CircuitPython and Arduino code examples and project ideas, PIR sensor tutorial page!

This is a simple to use motion sensor. Power it up and wait 1-2 seconds for the sensor to get a snapshot of the still room. If anything moves after that period, the ‘alarm’ pin will go low.

This unit works great from 5 to 12V (datasheet shows 12V). You can also install a jumper wire past the 5V regulator on board to make this unit work at 3.3V. Sensor uses 1.6mA@3.3V.

The alarm pin is an open collector meaning you will need a pull up resistor on the alarm pin. The open drain setup allows multiple motion sensors to be connected on a single input pin. If any of the motion sensors go off, the input pin will be pulled low.

We’ve finally updated the connector! Gone is the old “odd” connector, now you will find a common 3-pin JST! This makes the PIR Sensor much more accessible for whatever your project may need. Red = Power, White = Ground, and Black = Alarm.

This is the LIDAR Lite, a compact high performance optical distance measurement sensor from PulsedLight. The LIDAR Lite is ideal when used in drone, robot, or unmanned vehicle situations where you need a reliable and powerful proximity sensor but don’t possess a lot of space. All you need to communicate with this sensor is a standard I2C or PWM interface and the LIDAR Lite, with its range of up to 40 meters, will be yours to command!

Each LIDAR Lite features an edge emitting, 905nm (75um, 1 watt, 4 mrad, 14mm optic), single stripe laser transmitter and a surface mount PIN, 3° FOV with 14mm optics receiver. The LIDAR Lite operates between 4.7 - 5.5VDC with a max of 6V DC and has a current consumption rate of <100mA at continuous operation. On top of everything else, the LIDAR Lite has an acquisition time of only 0.02 seconds or less and can be interfaced via I2C or PWM.

Note: The LIDAR Lite is designated as Class 1 during all procedures of operation, however operating the sensor without its optics or housing or making modifications to the housing can result in direct exposure to laser radiation and the risk of permanent eye damage. Direct eye contact should be avoided and under no circumstances should you ever stare straight into the emitter.

This is the LIDAR-Lite v2, a compact high performance optical distance measurement sensor from PulsedLight. The LIDAR-Lite “Blue Label” is ideal when used in drone, robot, or unmanned vehicle situations where you need a reliable and powerful proximity sensor but don’t possess a lot of space. All you need to communicate with this sensor is a standard I2C or PWM interface. With everything connected the LIDAR-Lite v2, with its range of up to 40 meters, will be yours to command!

Each LIDAR-Lite v2 features an edge emitting, 905nm (75um, 1 watt, 4 mrad, 14mm optic), single stripe laser transmitter and a surface mount PIN, 3° FOV with 14mm optics receiver. The second version of the LIDAR-Lite still operates at 5V DC with a current consumption rate of <100mA at continuous operation. On top of everything else, the LIDAR-Lite has an acquisition time of only 0.02 seconds or less and can be interfaced via I2C or PWM.

The LIDAR-Lite v2 has received a number of upgrades from the previous version. With the implementation of a new signal processing architecture, LIDAR-Lite v2 can operate at measurement speeds of up to 500 readings per second offering greater resolution for scanning applications. Additionally, the LIDAR-Lite v2 has had its I2C communications improved to operate at 100 kbits/s or 400 kbits/s with you, the user, able to assign your own addressing! Just in case you are wondering: yes, the LIDAR-Lite v2 is compatible with its previous version in all primary functions and their compatibility will extend into the next version and beyond.

Note: With Garmin® recently acquiring PulsedLight® the LIDAR-Lite v2 has been marked EOL. We are currently waiting on word about the next exciting product these two companies create. We will come back with additional information once we obtain it.

Note: The LIDAR Lite is designated as Class 1 during all procedures of operation, however operating the sensor without its optics or housing or making modifications to the housing can result in direct exposure to laser radiation and the risk of permanent eye damage. Direct eye contact should be avoided and under no circumstances should you ever stare straight into the emitter.