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Photo sensor for red LEDs — Parallax Forums

Photo sensor for red LEDs

CliffSCliffS Posts: 12
edited 2010-07-29 05:27 in Accessories
Hi gang,

I'm sure there is an obvious answer but here goes:

I wish to make a line follower that uses red LED's (not IR). The system will need a lot of LED's & sensors (like about 20 led - sensor sets)

The LEDs are easy. I'm looking for photosensors (photo diodes?) to sense the reflected red light.

Any suggestions on the cheap photo detectors for this? I suspect that a typical photo-resistor is too slow of a response.

(I understand that an LED can be used as a photo sensor - any idea how to hook it up to a Basic Stamp input so that it will turn the digital input on/off when light is on/off?)

Many thanks!

-Cliff

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2010-07-27 23:02
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2010-07-29 05:27
    Most clear phototransistors (incl the one from the SHACK) are responsive to red LEDs (and other visible light, too) in addition to IR.

    Most photoresistors (photocells, LDRs, CdS cells) are most sensitive to yellow-green light. And true, they have much slower response than phototransistors, but could still be plenty fast enough for a line following robot under the right circumstances. You won't be doing any high-frequency switching in line following mode.

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
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