Time of Flight Sensor (VL53L0x) for Distance Measuring in ESPHome - Pellet Level Monitor Update

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In this video, I'm testing out the VL53L0x Time Of Flight sensor that optically measures distance with some IR laser to see if it will be a good option to use in future versions of my pellet level monitor. I designed the first one with an ultrasonic sensor and many of the comments suggested that I use this sensor instead. You can see the first video here:
• Pellet Level Monitor f...
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To test out the sensor, I first connected it to a NodeMCU board and used some Arduino code to get it to work, before I moved it to ESPHome for integration with Home Assistant.
In both cases, the sensor worked beautifully, so I will next try and create a standalone version of it that can also be used in case you are not using Home Assistant.
Tools and materials used in the video:
NodeMCU Development Board - s.click.aliexp...
NodeMCU with ESP32 - s.click.aliexp...
VL53L0x ToF Sensor - s.click.aliexp...
Mini Breadboards - s.click.aliexp...
Jumper Wires - s.click.aliexp...
Mini PC for Home Assistant - s.click.aliexp...
Soldering Station - s.click.aliexp...
Multimeter - s.click.aliexp...
Full code and written instructions for the project are available on my website:
www.tastetheco...
Adafruit library for the VL53L0x sensor
github.com/ada...
VL53L0x ESPHome Component:
esphome.io/com...
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Time of Flight Sensor (VL53L0x) for Distance Measuring in ESPHome - Pellet Level Monitor Update
#VL53L0x #tof #esphome #arduino #homeassistant #tastethecode
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[@major_west]

Very cool project. I'm not sure the life expectancy of the laser, but setting the update interval to once a minute or once an hour might be prudent.

[@TasteTheCode]

I'm not sure either but yes, 1s was just for testing purposes. A more real world case is once every 30 minutes or so. Maybe even once every hour as you suggested.

[@simonsayshomeassistant]

Great video mate! Just subscribed!

[@TasteTheCode]

Thanks!

[@protoncek]

I've had exactly the same setup for pellets measuring - at first I've had ultrasonic module, and i can say that it's quite unreliable. I've had to use all sorts of filters to eliminate false empty or/and false full readings to achieve sort-of acceptable result. This winter i replaced it with this laser sensor and it's way better. More accurate, and absolutely no false readings. I have only basic median filter (only to eliminate very small deviations) in esphome and results are perfect. However, my strong advice: GET IR PROTECTION for this sensor! I've had it without it and had to remove and blow it with air two or three times during winter to correctly read again because of dust. Later i added protection and problems are gone - i only wipe it out occasionally. There are original protections available for this sensor, or you can get sensor with this glass already installed. a

[@TasteTheCode]

Cool, thanks for sharing.

[@SmodoStein]

Does the TOF laser sensor also work outside ? For example, can the sensor be protected from splashing water e.g. by a glass pane or does a pane interfere with the measurement? I want to build a Distance Sensor for a boat which gives an alarm when getting close to the pier.

[@TasteTheCode]

I haven't used it specifically outside but I do not see a reason why it should not work. Some modules come with a protection glass on the front that can be clued to a case so you can make it water resistant. Let me know how your project goes, it sounds interesting.

[@n-steam]

You would have to ensure you use a protective medium that is transparent to IR. AFAIK most glass is opaque to IR. Though there are definately some plastics you can use (the black-looking plastic they have on remote controls for example).

[@TasteTheCode]

Yes, true. The protection that comes with some module is made out of material that allows for IR to pass through.

[@jasondessenberg6096]

Been wanting to do something similar to keep tabs on the salt level on my water softner.

[@TasteTheCode]

Cool! Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[@sebastrong]

Hello my friend, i need to measure the pass of an object at obout 90 km/h, do you think this sensor could catch it? (ESP32 project, but not esp home.)

[@TasteTheCode]

No idea. I've never had to measure something that fast. The potential issue I see in using this one is the narrow beam it works at. The object will need to be passing at a very precise position in order to be able to detect it. May I ask what is moving that fast?

[@sebastrong]

@@TasteTheCode Thank you! It´s a socccer ball. I need to evaluate the events at the worst possible scenario, that is a proffesionbal football player shooting at max speed

[@TasteTheCode]

@@sebastrong Hmmm, that is an interesting challendge. My first thought comes with using some sort of beam that gets interrupted similar to how ballistic chronographs work. From the time difference between the breaks in the lights, you can work out the speed at which the ball traveled. Commercial products seem to be using a radar to track the ball.

[@markanthonynilo9198]

The Graphics that I see in the ESP Home is already built in, I mean pre coded in the ESP Home? About 6:14 in the video. Thank You. Nice Project Sir! Keep it Up! I see from what I understand as you say Sir, it displays the reads and translate it based on the template...is there any other template that I may use for a basketball arcade more of a seven segment scoring template for a sensor that can function as a ball counter.

[@TasteTheCode]

The graphics are part of Home Assistant, it is the system that ESPHome runs on for smart home management. There are templates for different sensors but I'm not sure which one you can use for a basketball arcade.

[@barrytresadern9224]

Will this work with measuring water levels? Any issues with reflection do you think?

[@TasteTheCode]

I haven't tried it personally but people claim to use it for water level monitoring.

[@d5kenn]

Which is more accurate/reliable, the ultrasonic or the TOF?

[@TasteTheCode]

The heating season is over for me but definitely TOF was more stable in the time period that I used it. Hopefully I'll have more data next season.

[@sanjurohaze]

Dust dont do well with optics

[@TasteTheCode]

Yes, true but there is not that much dust in the bunker.

[@luminousfractal420]

ive been lookong for a laser sensor for mwasuring tiny distances, i thought it would be the way forward (its for a blade alignment sensor for my bandsaw, it needs 3 points of reference along the blade) i thought lasers might be available but i cant find any high res/small distance ones for less than 3500. i need micrometer accuracy i guess. i had pondered taking apart some optical mice and using the sensors in those somehow, theyre fairly accurate. but i need a measure to tie them to. i fail at programming 😂

[@TasteTheCode]

Well I'm not aware of any. These will not be that precise.