DIYables TCRT5000 Infrared Reflectance Sensor Module for Obstacle Avoidance, Line Tracking and DIY Robotics
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Quick Overview
This DIYables TCRT5000 infrared reflectance sensor module (2-pack) is ideal for obstacle avoidance, line tracking, and DIY robotics projects with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi. The module uses an infrared LED transmitter and phototransistor receiver to detect reflected light from surfaces, making it perfect for line-following robots and object detection.
The sensor provides both analog and digital outputs, offering flexible integration with various microcontroller platforms. The built-in potentiometer allows adjustment of detection sensitivity, enabling fine-tuning for different surface colors and ambient lighting conditions. The compact form factor with mounting holes makes it easy to integrate into robot chassis and tight spaces.
Ideal for line-following robots, obstacle avoidance cars, edge detection, color/contrast sensing, automation projects, smart vehicles, and any DIY robotics application requiring surface or object detection. The TCRT5000 sensor is widely used in educational robotics and maker projects.
Key Features
- TCRT5000 IR Sensor — Reliable infrared reflectance detection
- 2-Pack — Perfect for dual-sensor line tracking or obstacle detection
- Dual Output — Analog and digital signals for versatile applications
- Adjustable Sensitivity — Built-in potentiometer for threshold tuning
- Obstacle Detection — Detects objects and surfaces via infrared reflection
- Line Following — Perfect for track-following robots and line detection
- Compact Design — Small form factor with mounting holes for easy installation
- Wide Compatibility — Works with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi
- Surface Detection — Detects color contrast and surface reflectivity
- Fast Response — Quick detection for real-time robotics applications
- Easy Integration — Simple pinout (VCC, GND, AO, DO)
- Versatile Applications — Smart robots, automation, edge detection, color sensing
SPECIFICATION
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Infrared Reflectance Sensor Module |
| Sensor Model | TCRT5000 |
| Infrared Component | IR LED transmitter + phototransistor receiver |
| Output Types | Analog (AO) and Digital (DO) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment | Potentiometer for threshold tuning |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V DC |
| Detection Method | Infrared light reflection from surfaces |
| Detection Range | Short-range (typically 1-5mm for optimal detection) |
| Response Time | Fast (suitable for real-time robotics) |
| Mounting | Holes for easy chassis installation |
| Form Factor | Compact module design |
| Quantity | 2 pieces |
| Compatibility | Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, any 3.3V or 5V microcontroller |
| Applications | Line-following robots, obstacle avoidance, edge detection, color/contrast sensing, automation |
COMPATIBLE HARDWARE
- Arduino boards (UNO, Mega, Nano, etc.) — Analog and digital pin connections
- Arduino Uno R4 WiFi/Minima — GPIO for line tracking and obstacle avoidance
- ESP32 development boards — ADC for analog reading, GPIO for digital
- ESP8266 boards (NodeMCU, Wemos D1, etc.) — Analog and digital input
- Arduino Nano ESP32 — Compact robotics projects
- Raspberry Pi (all models) — GPIO for digital, ADC for analog (with converter)
- Raspberry Pi Pico — ADC and GPIO for sensor reading
- Any 3.3V or 5V microcontroller — Universal compatibility
- Line-following robots — Track detection and following
- Obstacle avoidance cars — Surface and object detection
- DIY robotics projects — Smart vehicles and automation
- Edge detection systems — Prevent robots from falling off surfaces
- Color/contrast sensing — Detect dark vs. light surfaces
- Automation systems — Industrial and DIY automation
- Educational robotics — STEM learning and maker projects
