In this article today, we would like to see another interesting Maker series product. The Maker board that we would like to talk about today is quite useful when it comes to robotics. Yes, in today's Maker series article, we would like to talk about the Maker Line.
Maker Line is the right choice when it comes to building a line following a robot or building an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). The Maker Line comes with 5 x IR sensors array with the capability to track lines from 13mm to 30mm in width. Not only that, there is a selectable switch to detect the line as light (white) or dark (black). Moreover, the sensor calibration is also simplified as it can be done in just three steps. First press and hold the calibrate button for 2 seconds to enter the calibrate mode, then sweep the sensors array across the line, and finally press the calibrate button again. That's it, the calibration is completed. It sounds very easy, right? The calibration data is saved in EEPROM and it will stay intact even if the sensor power is turned off.
Another interesting feature about this Maker Line is that it support's dual output. The first is the 5x digital outputs for the state of each sensor independently which is similar to a conventional IR sensor, but you get the benefit of easy calibration. And the second output is the analog output whereby its voltage represents the line position. Analog output also offers higher resolution compared to individual digital outputs. This is especially useful when hight accuracy is required such as building a line following robot with PID control.
Below are the features of the Maker Line in summary:
- Operating Voltage: DC?3.3V and 5V compatible (With reverse polarity protection).
- Recommended Line Width: 13mm to 30mm.
- Selectable line colour (light or dark).
- Sensing Distance (Height): 4mm to 40mm (Vcc = 5V, Black line on a white surface).
- Sensor Refresh Rate: 200Hz
- Dual Output Types: 5 x digital outputs represent?each IR sensor state, 1 x analog output represents line position.
- Support a wide range of controllers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.
So, what do you think about this Maker Line? To know more about this product, please visit the link below
Stay tuned for more Maker Series articles.
