Latest Optical Sensors Projects

Learn to Build a Photoelectric Sensor System Using an Arduino Uno and OpenPLC

Since photoelectric sensing can be achieved with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic components, learn to build, test, and implement a prototype photoelectric switch using off-the-shelf components with Arduino OpenPLC.

March 12, 2023 by Don Wilcher

Hardware Assessment: OPB9000 Reflective Light Sensor from TTElectronics

The OPB9000 is a reflective light sensor from TTElectronics with programmable output and sensitivity levels.

July 27, 2018 by Mark Hughes

Hardware Assessment: LightCrafter Evaluation Kit for BeagleBoard Black from Texas Instruments

The Texas Instruments DLPDLCR2000EVM is a demonstration cape designed to plug into a BeagleBone Black (BBB) and provide instant-on projection capabilities using a digital micromirror device and a relatively high-power RGB LED.

July 09, 2018 by Mark Hughes

How to Build a Particulate Matter Detector for Air Quality Measurement

Use a Honeywell particle sensor to measure 2.5 µm PM and 10.0 µm PM concentrations in your environment.

March 28, 2018 by Raymond Genovese

The MIT-i Color Blender! RGB LED Color Blending

Blending colors may sound elementary but it is vital in drawing attention to your project with RGB LEDs!

November 08, 2017 by Ryan Jones

How to Interface an Ultrasonic Sensor with an LCD Using a Microcontroller Dev Kit

Let's interface an ultrasonic sensor and a lighting system! In this project, we'll design a sensor subsystem and then use it in a parking sensor application.

November 02, 2017 by Nick Davis

How to Build a Weighing Scale Using a Load Cell and a Microcontroller

In this project, we're making a weighing scale using a C8051 microcontroller development kit, a load cell, and the Simplicity Studio IDE. The measured weight will be displayed on an LCD screen.

October 10, 2017 by Nick Davis

Adding an LCD and Keypad to a Tachometer and Speedometer

In part two of the tachometer/speedometer project, we'll add a keypad and LCD for easier user interaction.

September 18, 2017 by Nick Davis

How to Build a Tachometer/Speedometer with an Optoelectronic Sensor, a Microcontroller, and a Disc

Learn how to make a tachometer and speedometer using a C8051 microcontroller, an optoelectronic sensor, and a spinning disc.

September 06, 2017 by Nick Davis

Build an Arduino 101 Data Logger with the TI SensorTag

Use an Arduino/Genuino 101, a TI SensorTag, and an SD shield to build a BLE multi-sensor data logger that records temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, ambient light and more.

June 07, 2017 by Raymond Genovese

Build an Arduino Multi-Node BLE Humidity and Temperature Sensor Monitor

Use Cypress Solar-Powered BLE Sensors, an Arduino UNO, and an HM10 BLE module to make your own multi-node temperature and humidity monitor and display.

April 28, 2017 by Raymond Genovese

Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Color Sensor and Asynchronous Mode

Use I2C on the Quark D2000 development board to interface a color sensor and get acquainted with using asynchronous mode.

January 13, 2017 by Raymond Genovese

Quark D2000 I2C Interfacing: Add a Light Sensor and an LCD

Get acquainted with using I2C with the Quark D2000 development board by interfacing an ambient light sensor and an LCD.

January 12, 2017 by Raymond Genovese

Controlling a Servo with a PICAXE and an IR Sensor

A PICAXE 08M2 can be used to read the amount of IR (infrared) light falling on a phototransistor and respond by moving a servo to a predetermined position.

December 29, 2016 by Charles R. Hampton

Flash Freeze Photography with an Arduino

Freeze moments in time to easily produce extraordinary close-up pictures with your digital camera, an Arduino, and these simple circuits.

November 14, 2016 by Raymond Genovese

How to Build the Brightest LED Saber in the World

The brightest blade in the world. Fluid sound effects generated in real time. Any colour, changeable on the fly. If you want to know what it feels like to hold a Lightsaber, this project is the closest you can get today.

October 18, 2016 by Jeremy Lee

How to Build a Raspberry Pi Camera

In part 8 of the "Building Raspberry Pi Controller" series, readers will learn how to attach a camera board to a Raspberry Pi and write Python code for photo imaging projects.

August 01, 2016 by Don Wilcher