CircuitPython School - Distance Sensing with the Adafruit VL53L1X Time of Flight sensor

We show how to use the Adafruit VL53L1X time of flight distance sensor on a variety of boards, and show setup for the CircuitPlayground (Bluefruit & Express), Feather boards, Arduino Nano RP2040, QT Py RP2040, and Raspberry Pi Pico. We write and demonstrate some basic distance sensing, then set up a challenge that will be used in the next video to create distance-relative LEDs that can also be used in a distance-reactive LED lamp or luminaria. Part of Prof. Gallaugher's CircuitPython School & Physical Computing university course.

[@mattkojetin8198]

Excellent!! Thank you. I'm going to try this in my garage to keep from driving into the wall.

[@daniellemccorkle6917]

Awesome information!!! Thank you ProfG!!

[@profgallaugher]

So glad you liked this. Keep hacking! And remember you can tweet a pic of your build with #BuilWithProfG for a chance to win a Happy Gear Make Something Awesome sticker. Cheers!

[@fnm1900]

this video deserves at least 3.6k likes, not 36..

[@profgallaugher]

Thanks, friend. I’ll keep ‘em coming. Subscribe and tell others!

[@christopherlyons7613]

Thanks for your videos. Why did you select the L1X vs some of the other similar options provided by Adafruit (i.e. VL53L4CD (1-1300mm) & VL53L4CX (1-6000mm)) all for the same price of $14.95? These have the ability to measure distance basically right up to the sensor itself vs not providing good data when inside 30mm like the 1X. The descriptions for these don't say there are CircuitPython libraries but searching a bit seems to indicate there are Adafruit libraries available. This is one issue I have with Adafruit product descriptions, they do a great job initially but things don't get updated correctly as things change. Guessing you went with the 1X just because if has more defined CircuitPython support. Since they all seem to have similar specs, is there any reason to stay clear of the others assuming there are CircuitPython libraries? Should there be any operational differences? Interested in your thoughts. Thanks.

[@profgallaugher]

Hi. I liked the range and when I bought these for class they were fairly new. I thought they’d work well with our student projects. There are some great examples in the library bundle you’ll download from CircuitPython.com so if you have a different sensor but understand concepts, that might help. Also for clarity on anything Adafruit there is a fantastic Discord channel that almost always answers my questions within 15 min. Adafruit.it/discord.

[@christopherlyons7613]

Can you also explain a bit more about what the clear_interrupt() method is doing? I fully understand what interrupts are and how they are used but I thought CP didn't support interrupts (other than some basic handling through asyncio). What does this method do?

[@profgallaugher]

My understanding is this is necessary to “clear” the sensor reading for accurate subsequent readings. You can give it a try without and check results. The examples show other code that may help. Also check with the Discord for details on the species of “why is this needed”. Good luck!

[@stevenzembriski6761]

Could i use this on a raspberry pi to measure sump pump water levels?

[@Keeping_IT_Simple]

What's the difference between vl53l1x & vl53l10x ?

[@profgallaugher]

1x is “newer” and has a longer range (I believe 400cm v about 100cm). Looks like they sell for the same price so I’m not sure there’s a reason to get the 10x. They also use different libraries so be sure to import the correct one when coding.

[@sarrabm3099]

Thank you for the Video! Can i use the same Library for VL53L1 ?

[@profgallaugher]

Glad you liked the video. I’ve never used that sensor but I know many tof sensors require different libraries. Imports will be different although chances are the commands are the same or similar. Search on readthedocs die CircuitPython and the name id your sensor. Good luck!

[@crusherjones6809]

Here for the "Elon and Grimes" trip back to the well joke :)