IR Infrared Line Follower Sensor (TCRT5000)

Well built and working reliably, as expected. I am using it to measure RPM. Only comment: it would have been great having some example codes on how to use it in MicroPython on Pi Pico (it took me a little while to figure it out)

I am writing to you in response to your request for feedback with regards to items I have purchased recently. I work on a voluntary basis in three local primary schools teaching computer coding. I am currently putting together a selection of resources to help with coding for physical computing using the Crumble. I can’t provide 30+ of the same item for each lesson so I’m putting together four versions of as many different items as I can, to be used on a rota basis. I bought the infrared line sensors to provide an additional input source. I include pictures of a couple of the prototypes I’ve been working on. One consists of a 32 neopixel ring, a rotating black disc with a white circular patch and an infrared sensor. The sensor can be used to record the rotations of the disc and consequently light one of the neopixels each time, for example. Other possibilities include calculating the speed of rotation of the disc and finding the relationship between speed of rotation and the percentage speed set by the code. The other prototype I’ve made to utilise the infrared sensor is a conveyor belt that enables black and white items to be deposited in different places. You will see from the picture that I have also used one of the Bi-metal TT motors which I also bought from you. The yellow ones I had struggled to move the conveyor belt. The blue one works well. I also bought the remaining stock of TT motor hubs as making a reliable connection between the motor and the driven roller was proving difficult. I’ve adapted the hub by removing the “wings” so that the square section can be inserted into a socket attached to the roller. To control the loading of the conveyor belt you will see that I have devised a rack & pinion system. The Crumble has the facility to control 2 motors and I can confirm that both motors can be controlled to run simultaneously without the need for a motor driver. I appreciate that the sensor is designed to be a line sensor but it performs well in these two applications. I have designed and built some line-following robots but have used the line follower gizmo which has two built in sensors.

Bought a pair of them for a buggy project, both arrived on time, and worked perfectly

Bought to gain experience with this sensor type. Used to measure rotation speed on a cooling fan (painted one blade white) and on a wind speed gauge. An information note would be helpful

Great little sensors, cheap too

Macht exakt was es soll und erweitert nun die Funktionen von meinem Rpi Auto.

Works fine. Slightly different logic compared to the CamJam EduKit 3 model. Have to switch high/low when line is detected. Confused a new coder.