This ultra-cute tiny LiDAR rangefinder project by [gokux] can be thought of as a love letter to the incredible resources and components hobbyists and hackers of all types have access to nowadays. In fact, it all stemmed from coming across a miniscule half-inch 64×32 OLED display module that was simply too slick to pass up.
To use it, one simply powers it on and the display will read out the distance in millimeters. The VL53L0X time-of-flight sensor inside works by sending out a laser pulse and measuring how long it takes for the pulse to bounce back. We hope you’re curious about what such a sensor looks like on the inside, because here’s a nifty teardown of these fantastic devices. The device can technically measure distances of up to 2 m, but [gokux] says accuracy drops off after 1 m.
The main components besides the OLED display and VL53L0X sensor are an ESP32-C3 board (which handily integrates battery charging circuitry), 3D-printed enclosure, tiny rechargeable battery, and power switch. The whole thing is under one cubic inch. Not bad, and it even makes a passable keychain. Parts list, code, and 3D model files, including STEP format, are all available if you’d like to spend an afternoon making your own.
Too bad the VLxxL0X’s API’s are such a mess (and not open).
What is wrong with the API and how is it closed?
I found one that was relatively easy to use, I’ll tell you as soon as I can.
Well, I guess a 2 meter tape measure would not be as cute…
I proudly own a 2m mini-tape measure (4cmx4cmx1cm) which is also orange…and cute !
http://jbx9.free.fr/tmp/tape.jpg
It has worked perfectly for 40 years without recharging the battery once ;)
That said, this Lidar is a great project and also well designed.
I would never carry this little device and also opt for a tiny tape measure. That said, gokux got to hone their electronic design, CAD, graphic arts and writing skills in the production of this. My tiny tape measure sure is handy, but I’ve never learned that much from it.
It’s adorable. I have one build into my phone so I don’t need it, which is (iirc) accurate up to 40M. I use it all the time, it’s so handy. Although this is super cute, 2M isn’t helpful for me.
Cool. What phone has a 40m LiDAR in it?
Is there an alternate use for this device? I see code is mentioned, is it possible for me to hijack and use the laser to do more than just tell me distances of objects. ?
The website is called hackaday. Give them another article for us to read. Show us what this inspired you to do!