Comments: Qwiic Distance Sensor (VL53L1X, VL53L4CD) Hookup Guide

Pages

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Member #529430 / about 3 years ago / 1

    Since I am a NOOB, I probably missed something. I installed the Python version of VL53L1X on a BrickPi3 (Python3 and firmware up to date) with Raspberry Pi 3B without any errors. However, when I tried one python example, it gave a module not found error. After much research and attempts I decided to just typed: "sudo pip2 install sparkfun-qwiic". When it installed "all?" sparkfun sensors that are python accessible, I then attempted the same example.it worked!
    By the way, I used a raspberry pi shim between the pi3 board and the BrickPi3 board for another I2C port. I also connect a "TSOP38238 IR Receiver" to GND, 5V (on the BrickPi3 board) and RPi "Board" PIN 40 (no conflict with the BrickPi3)

    Regarding the Arduino side. I attached the VL53L1X to a SparkFun QWIIC MUX board with the TRIAD spectroscopy sensor. I learned the hard way that I had to install the MUX Library in order to make it work!

  • Member #1526452 / about 5 years ago / 1

    Hello, I have wired my VL53L1X. I am not using a four-pin connector. I have power, ground, SDA, and SCL soldered to an Arduino Uno microcontroller. I print the analog output from the analog pins corresponding to SDA and SCL and received a number that fluctuated above and below 670 for both analog signals. My supply is 3.3V. I imported the relevant Arduino library found on this site but I am not able to use any of the functions made for this sensor ie. uint8_t getRangeStatus(); should tell me if the sensor is working correctly but the program doesn't seem to register it at all. I think the issue is related to the fact that the Arduino library functions are not being read. Any insight? -Thanks

    • santaimpersonator / about 5 years ago / 1

      Hi there, it sounds like you are looking for technical assistance. Please use the link in the banner above, to get started with posting a topic in our forums. Our technical support team will do their best to assist you.

      My initial guess is that you are having a logic level issue. You probably need a logic level converter like this Qwii Shield.

  • Member #73182 / about 6 years ago * / 1

    Any feedback of how does it perform in sunlight? I want to use it for short-range altitude sensor in drones, would be happy with < 1 m range but need a ~cm accuracy, otherwise I would just use ultrasound.

    According to the datasheet, in short-range mode, it can measure up to 135 cm (good enough for me) with "strong ambient light" elsewhere defined as " lighting on a sunny day from behind a window, with direct illumination on the sensor" which sounds well but because there are truths, lies and datasheets, I just would like a more practical feedback from someone who tried in his backyard.

    • santaimpersonator / about 6 years ago / 1

      Hi there, it sounds like you are looking for technical assistance. Please use the link in the banner above, to get started with posting a topic in our forums. Our technical support team will do their best to assist you.

      That being said, I haven't used this sensor, but based on the manufacturer's information in the datasheet, they were probably using more ideal targets than the ground for that test. Our forum would be a great additional resource to get feedback from the community. If I get a chance to test this out, I'll look for your post in the forum; otherwise, maybe one of our TS representatives will get a chance to test it first.

  • burton666 / about 6 years ago / 1

    Is it possible to get more info of how to use the roi options? How would I for example write the code if I want one zone to the far right and one to the far left. And then check them for activity separately? I am trying to detect movements and directions


If you've found an issue with this tutorial content, please send us your feedback!