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

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  • 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 6 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 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.

      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


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