I purchased a Garmin LIDAR-lite v3 a couple of weeks ago and connected it to an Arduino Uno R3 using the schematic on the Hookup Guide:
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/li … 1668395358
I only got a “nack” response and only a number on the 100th take (no bias correction) when using that sample code that had no correlation to my hand’s distance to the lens.
I used Arduino’s i2c_connect example to see if I could even detect the LIDAR, and no device could be found. After probing voltages and connections throughout, wiggling wires, measuring component values and voltages, I decided to probe the input current to the laser’s 5 V line with a multimeter and measured a current of 78 mA, not the expected 105 mA idle current. I was wondering if this low current indicates that the device is not working properly. Does this signify a hardware issue?
I have tried using both a USB cable and a 12 V power supply attached through the barrel connector to power the Arduino (thinking that maybe the difference was in supply current from a laptop), and measured the same 78 mA input current to the laser. I used an electrolytic 680 uF capacitor in the correct orientation across the Vcc and GND lines (and removed it as well), with no change. I have also used and removed the 4.7 k-ohm pull-up resistors as well on the SDA and SCL inputs with no successful connection. I can see a flashing light inside the LIDAR chassis when powered, however…
I have searched for help on hardware solutions to no avail. Most issues posted seem to be code or connection issues, but since I am using the default code that works for others, the connections were wired in their default configuration, voltages measured to be 4.7 - 4.9 V where they should be, capacitor measured to be ~ 700 uF, resistors were the correct resistance, then I am concerned the device may be defective and wish to rule that out.
I am hoping someone has sufficient insight of its hardware to help rule out this possibility. Thank you.