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New Parallax Laser Range Finder

Topic last updated 07 Nov 2011, by jim hamblen. 2 replies
jim hamblen
16 Oct 2011

Parallax has a new relatively low cost laser range finder ($129). A 1Hz update rate and range is 15-122CM. Looks like it has a 5V serial interface with autobaud. Has anyone tried it yet?

/media/uploads/4180_1/laser_rangefinder.jpg




jim hamblen
21 Oct 2011

Just got one and have it working with mbed's serial port - but it seems to have a bad laser diode so the distance reading is not working (returns 0 distance all the time since red laser does not turn on). Probably need to exchange it. You can also download the image from the camera and get the location of bright blobs. I could pick up a light bulb and see the distance readings change. Simple four wire hookup (5V @150MA(OK for mbed USB), gnd, TX, RX)

jim hamblen
07 Nov 2011

Got my unit exchanged and posted an example with code and a video at http://mbed.org/users/4180_1/notebook/parallax-laser-range-finder/