5 Channel TCRT5000 IR Infrared Line Tracking Sensor

KSh 500.00

In stock

Description
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The 5 Channel TCRT5000 IR Infrared Line Tracking Sensor is a common and versatile module used in robotics projects, particularly those involving line following. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and functionalities:

Line Following Functionality:

This module utilizes five infrared (IR) sensors, typically TCRT5000 sensors, positioned in a line (often in a “V” or straight line configuration).
These sensors emit IR light and detect the reflected light. When the sensor is over a dark line (like black) on a lighter surface (like white), it receives less reflected light, indicating the line’s location.

Applications:

Line Following Robots: The primary purpose is for robots that follow a black line on a white surface (or vice versa) to navigate their path. This is useful for educational robotics projects or line-following competitions.

Specifications (may vary depending on the manufacturer):

Input Voltage: Typically 3.0V to 5.5V DC (often compatible with Arduino power supply)
Output: Digital signals (usually HIGH or LOW) from each TCRT5000 sensor, indicating the presence or absence of a line (based on reflected light).

Additional Considerations:

Detection Range: The TCRT5000 sensors have an effective range of typically within a few centimeters (refer to the sensor’s datasheet for specific range). Sensitivity might be adjustable on some models.
Microcontroller Integration: The module itself doesn’t interpret the sensor data. You’ll need a microcontroller board like Arduino to read the sensor outputs and implement the desired robot behavior based on the line detection information.
Coding: Basic programming knowledge is required to write code (or use existing libraries) to process the sensor signals and control the robot’s movement based on the line position.
Calibration: In some cases, you might need to calibrate the sensor thresholds to account for variations in lighting or surface conditions.

Advantages:

Simple and Cost-Effective: This sensor module is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use solution for line following robots.
Versatility: The 5 sensors allow for more complex line detection strategies compared to single-sensor modules. You can use the sensor outputs to determine the robot’s position relative to the line center or implement more intricate maneuvers.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Limited Line Types: These sensors work best with high-contrast line colors (e.g., black on white). They might struggle with colored lines or lines with lower contrast.
Surface Conditions: Performance can be affected by surface texture or unevenness. Calibration might be necessary for optimal performance on different surfaces.
External Light: Bright ambient light can affect sensor readings. Consider shielding the sensors or using calibration techniques to mitigate this effect.

I hope this explanation clarifies the functionalities of the 5 Channel TCRT5000 IR Infrared Line Tracking Sensor. If you’re looking for a sensor module to get started with line following robots, this is a great option!