Line Tracker (3-pack)

A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller.

• Navigate down a marked path
• Use for light sensing
• More autonomous function

Overview

A Line Tracker mostly consists of an infrared light sensor and an infrared LED. It functions by illuminating a surface with infrared light; the sensor then picks up the reflected infrared radiation and, based on its intensity, determines the reflectivity of the surface in question. Lightly colored surfaces will reflect more light than dark surfaces; therefore, lightly colored surfaces will appear brighter to the sensor. This allows the sensor to detect a dark line on a pale surface, or a pale line on a dark surface.

The Line Tracker allows your robot to follow a pre-marked path and allows humans to indirectly control the robot while it is autonomous.

Applications

The Line Tracker enables a robot to autonomously navigate a line-marked path. By drawing a line in front of a robot outfitted with a line tracker, one can dictate the robot’s patch by showing it where to go without using a remote controller. A typical application uses three line trackers, with the middle sensor aligned directly above the intended line.

Range Limits

The range for the Line Tracker is approximately 0.02 to 0.25in (from the ground) with optimum sensitivity at 3 mm (about 1/8 inch). The minimum line width it can detect is 0.25in.

Other Info

• Sensor Type: Infrared light sensor and infrared LED
• Line width: 0.25in minimum; optimal line width is 0.5in
• Response Frequency: 50Hz
• Light Source: GaAs infrared LED with a peak wavelength of 940nm
• Receiver: Si phototransistor with a sensing wavelength of 850nm (max)

• (3) Line Tracker Sensors

• Compatible with all VEX Microcontrollers and 3-Wire Extension Cables