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Introduction
Note: While this guide was written primarily for the LIDAR-Lite v3, it can be used for the LIDAR-Lite v3HP.
The LIDAR-Lite Series - the v3 and v3HP - are compact optical distance measurement sensors, which are ideal for drones and unmanned vehicles.
In stock
SEN-14032
This is the LIDAR-Lite v3, a compact optical distance measurement sensor. When space and weight requirements are tight, the L…
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In stock
SEN-14599
LIDAR has never looked so good! The LIDAR-Lite v3HP is *the* ideal optical ranging solution for drone, robot, or unmanned veh…
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LIDAR is a combination of the words "light" and "RADAR." Or, if you'd like, a backronym for "LIght Detection and Ranging" or "Laser Imaging, Detection, and Ranging." At it's core, LIDAR works by shooting a laser at an object and then measuring the time it takes for that light to return to the sensor. With this, the distance to the object can be measured with fairly good accuracy.
By sweeping or spinning a LIDAR unit, systems can create detailed distance maps. Survey equipment, satellites, and aircraft can be equipped with complex LIDAR systems to create topographic maps of terrain and buildings. Luckily, Garmin™ has created a user-friendly LIDAR unit for your robotics and DIY needs!
Note that these use a Class 1 Laser, if you are concerned about your safety (in short: A Class 1 laser is safe under all conditions of normal use).
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CLASSIFIED EN/IEC 60825-1 2014. This product is in conformity with performance standards for laser products under 21 CFR 1040, except with respect to those characteristics authorized by Variance Number FDA-2016-V-2943 effective September 27, 2016.
Suggested Viewing
What is the difference between the LIDAR-Lite v3 and the LIDAR-Lite v3HP? Let's ask Shawn Hymel!
Required Materials
To follow along with this project tutorial, you will need the following materials:
Suggested Reading
If you aren't familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.
Installing an Arduino Library
How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.
How to Use a Breadboard
Welcome to the wonderful world of breadboards. Here we will learn what a breadboard is and how to use one to build your very first circuit.
What is an Arduino?
What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.
Installing Arduino IDE
A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
I2C
An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.
Shawn Hymel 
