PiicoDev Distance Sensor VL53L1X | Raspberry Pi Pico Guide

Let's connect a PiicoDev Distance Sensor to a Raspberry Pi Pico and perform some distance measurements readings. This tutorial will guide you through wiring, uploading example MicroPython code in Thonny, and remixing the example to include new functionality.
The PiicoDev Distance Sensor uses a VL53L1X which can measure indoor ranges up to about 4m with 1% repeatability!
You can read the full guide here: core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
If you need help getting started with Thonny: core-electronics.com.au/tutor...
If you have any questions about this content or want to share a project you're working on head over to our maker forum coreelec.io/forum
Core Electronics is located in the heart of Newcastle, Australia. We're powered by makers, for makers. Drop by if you are looking for:
• Raspberry Pi core-electronics.com.au/raspb...
• Arduino core-electronics.com.au/ardui...
• Sparkfun core-electronics.com.au/brand...
• Adafruit core-electronics.com.au/brand...
• Pololu core-electronics.com.au/brand...
• DFRobot core-electronics.com.au/brand...
The following trademarks are owned by Core Electronics Pty Ltd:
"Core Electronics" and the Core Electronics logo
"PiicoDev" and the PiicoDev logo
"Glowbit" and the Glowbit logo

[@Mr.FarePlay]

Thank you for the amazing video 👍
I'm looking into sensors that can help me level the heating bed of a my 3d printer. I'm thinking about attaching the sensor to the nozzle's base side, and use the sensor to get the distance downward to the heat bed.
All I'll do is level one corner of the heat bed using a paper (the classic way), get the distance to the heat bed, then use that distance to level the other 3 corners.
Do you think the VL53L0X is accurate enough to get distance reading up to 1 millimeter?

Thanks, i like it ! I'm a "rookie" but i want to do that for own experience ! And can we put a sound like MP3 at 100 mm for exemple ? (I'm sorry for my poor english ! ;) )

[@SoggyCashew]

Is this a TOF sensor? I have a VL53L0X is the VL53L1X an upgraded sensor?

[@robmorrill3189]

Neat ideas here. I'm searching for help in combining a distance sensor with two hobby motors so my students can make simple robots. Seems like a natural project, but I haven't found beginner-level resources on this topic for the Pico. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[@Core-Electronics]

Hi Rob - this should definitely be doable. Our forums are the best place for technical questions - we're full time makers and are on the forums every weekday: forum.core-electronics.com.au/

[@Mikesukes]

Does this work with a pico W?

[@quovadis9900]

Do you have tutorial on breadboard instead of using your expansion board ?

[@Core-Electronics]

The four connections to make are 3v3, GND, SDA (to GP8) and SCL (to GP9). The best place for more in-depth technical support is at the bottom of the article, or on our forums forum.core-electronics.com.au/
We're full time makers and quick with a reply!

[@chetvlaun6681]

I downnloaded the code but get the following error messages when I run it on the Pico:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "", line 4, in
File "PiicoDev_VL53L1X.py", line 111, in __init__
File "PiicoDev_VL53L1X.py", line 135, in reset
File "PiicoDev_VL53L1X.py", line 124, in writeReg
OSError: [Errno 5] EIO
Any suggestions?

[@Core-Electronics]

Hi Chet - we can offer better support over on our forums where it's easier to share code and photos of your setup. Head over to forum.core-electronics.com.au/ - we're full time makers and pretty quick to respond there!

[@incognito402]

i do to

[@knusperdem]

Hi, try to power the sensor from an external power source instead of getting power from pico. That's how I solved the problem.