Laser Emitter

neopixel ring

Overview

A laser emitter as the name of the sensor suggest emits laser, the brightness and strength of the can be controlled using any type of microcontroller. However, laser break beam sensors are usually kind of cumbersome. They work by detecting an object breaking a laser beam – but you usually have to set up a laser on one end and a sensor on the other.

…but not this break beam sensor. It has a light sensor and lens next to the laser to detect the reflected dot when the beam is broken, so it can sense when someone breaks the beam from the starting location. There’s no need for a matching end point sensor! It forms a good strong laser with a sensing distance of up to 1 meter.

Set up is pretty easy (if you are not sure check it on the diagram below); connect 5VDC to 5V on the Arduino. Ground to the GND and the signal to any of the digital pins on the microcontroller; use a pull-up resistor on the output pin.

 

Health & safety

  • Ensure you are familiar with all H&S rules that apply to the environment you are working in.
  • Identify where first aid can be found in your work space
  • Keep all components dry and free from liquid spillages
  • To avoid static, make sure your work surface is sufficiently earthed