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The Many Versions of LIDAR-Lite
Let's take a quick look at the current offerings of the popular LIDAR-Lite from Garmin!
If you have ever been interested in distance or proximity sensing, you've heard of LIDAR-Lite. Originally released in 2015, the LIDAR-Lite sensor instantly made a splash in the maker community by providing a fast, compact, high performance optical distance measurement tool. The module didn't break the bank and, at least here at SparkFun, we could barely keep them in stock long enough to grab one for ourselves!
As time went on, PulsedLight, the company that originally produced the LIDAR-Lite module, was bought by Garmin. When this happened, a few members of the community were worried that the tried-and-true design and functionality of the LIDAR-Lite would change for the worse. Luckily, the opposite was true!
Now, instead of just one LIDAR-Lite, Garmin has three: the LIDAR-Lite v3 (a familiar and mainstream version), the LIDAR-Lite v3HP (Garmin's high-power distance sensor), and the LIDAR-Lite v4 (Garmin's economical solution with only an LED). We've even made the LIDAR-Lite v4 even easier to incorporate into a project by including a Qwiic Connector that allows you to attach it to your next project in no time at all!
Personally, we love the LIDAR-Lite product line. We've been able to make fun projects like a "wand" that relied on its sensing abilities to see for you, a speed trap if you are moving too fast down SparkFun HQ's halls, and more!
If the LIDAR-Lite seems a bit too much for your current project, that's okay! We offer a wide arrange of other distance sensors that can be found in our Distance Sensing Overview and Comparison Guide. Make sure to give them a look if you aren't sure which sensor is right for you!
Interested in learning more about distance sensing?
Learn all about the different technologies distance sensors use and which products will work best for your next project.
Take me there!
oh course, thats something i know...
I got a kick out of the "speed trap" when we took the tour of SparkFun a year or so ago. Lots of great people, and LOTS of neat stuff to see there -- I highly recommend the tour if you get the chance, and BTW, it is "accessible" -- I had no real problems going through on my scooter.