Summary of High Sensitivity Light Sensor TSL230R + Arduino
The article introduces the TSL230R Light Intensity Sensor, a highly sensitive digital component ideal for photography light metering and motion detection. It features three sensitivity settings and a unique clear chip design. The guide explains connecting the sensor to an Arduino by identifying pin 1 and pin 4 for correct orientation, noting that while output format is standard, sensitivity select pins remain available for customization.
Parts used in the TSL230R Light Intensity Sensor Project:
- TSL230R Light Intensity Sensor
- Arduino Board
- Sensitivity Select Pins (optional configuration)
A while back we covered the TEMT6000, a great little analog sensor for getting ambient light readings when you need something a bit more sensitive than a simple Photoresistor. Well in the spirit of documenting everything we can get our hands on, this week we will be taking the sensitivity to the next level with the TSL230R Light Intensity Sensor.
I actually bought this a long time ago simply because it looked awesome. I mean really… How often do you see a clear chip? That was enough, I had to have it. Well, aside from looking downright awesome, it is also an incredibly sensitive digital light sensor. This awesome guy is sensitive enough to be used for photography light metering, or be able to tell when someone walks by a lamp on the other side of the room. Also, to top it all off, it actually has 3 sensitivity settings, so if you are in a low-light situation, it has you covered!
Hooking it up
So the TSL230R is actually pretty simple, it really only has power, and signal out. But it has a bunch of extra pins so you can change sensitivity and output type if you want. We don’t care about changing the output format, but I did want to keep the “sensitivity select” open for you incase you need it.
So just connect it up to your Arduino as shown in the image. Make sure to take note of either the larger pin in the bottom left (pin 4) or the circle on the top left (pin 1) to make sure you have it facing the right way.
For more detail: High Sensitivity Light Sensor TSL230R + Arduino
- What is the primary function of the TSL230R?
It is a highly sensitive digital light sensor used for photography light metering or detecting movement near a lamp. - How many sensitivity settings does the TSL230R have?
The sensor has three sensitivity settings to cover low-light situations. - Can the TSL230R detect someone walking by a lamp across a room?
Yes, it is sensitive enough to tell when someone walks by a lamp on the other side of the room. - How do you connect the TSL230R to an Arduino?
You connect power and signal out, ensuring you align pin 1 marked by a circle or pin 4 marked by a larger pin. - Is the TSL230R an analog or digital sensor?
The TSL230R is described as an incredibly sensitive digital light sensor. - What makes the TSL230R visually distinct?
It features a clear chip design which the author found awesome. - Does the project require changing the output format?
No, the guide states they do not care about changing the output format but kept sensitivity select open. - Why might you use the sensitivity select pins?
You would use them if you need to adjust sensitivity settings for specific needs like low-light coverage.
