Lightware SF02 Rangefinder

The Lightware SF02 is lightweight laser rangefinder module that provides fast and accurate distance measurements up to 40 meters (130 feet). In tests by the development team the sensor has produced very reliable distance measurements for long and short ranges even on fast moving vehicles.

Warning

This rangefinder is only supported on the Pixhawk running AC3.2 or higher or recent versions of Plane and Rover using the sensor’s analog output much like an analog sonar.

Connecting to the Pixhawk

The SF02’s Analog Out pin should be connected to the Pixhawk’s 3.3V ADC (analog to digital converter) as shown below. The Pixhawk will provide the regulated 5V power supply the sensor requires.

../_images/rangefinder_sf02_pixhawk_connections.jpg

Setup through the mission planner

To configure Copter, Plane or Rover to use the LIDAR-Lite, please first connect with the Mission Planner and then open the Config/Tuning >> Full Parameter List page and set:

  • RNGFND_MAX_CM = “3700” (i.e. 40m max range - 3m buffer. This buffer is required so the flight code can detect when there is nothing in range)
  • RNGFND_PIN = “14” (2nd pin of 3.3V ADC connector)
  • RNGFND_SCALING = “12.12” (ie. 40m / 3.3v = 12.12) **
  • RNGFND_TYPE = “1” (Analog)
  • RNGFND_RMETRIC = “0” (non-ratiometric, shown incorrectly in the diagram below)

** The default range for an SF02 is 33m / 3.3V = 10 m/V

../_images/RangeFinder_SF02_MPSetup.png

Testing the sensor

Distances read by the sensor can be seen in the Mission Planner’s Flight Data screen’s Status tab. Look closely for “sonarrange”.

../_images/mp_rangefinder_lidarlite_testing.jpg