VL53L1X reading fluctuations.

I am getting approximately 1m fluctuations in my readings. I am using the Qwiic shield. What could be the issue.

Hi KPack,

Well that certainly should not happen. My first guess is the protective film the sensor ships with is still on the board. Make sure to check the film is removed. If the film is removed and you are still getting 1m fluctuations, does the issue persist regardless of which example you are using from our [Arduino Library? Also, what do you have the Qwiic Shield connected to? Finally, in case there is a hardware problem here, can you please take a few photos of the top and bottom of your Qwiic Shield and attach them to your reply? Please do your best to make sure they are clear and well-lit.](GitHub - sparkfun/SparkFun_VL53L1X_Arduino_Library: A library for the laser based VL53L1X Time Of Flight distance sensor capable of detecting a target 4m away!)

Film was taken off the sensor before operating.

Example1_ReadDistance is much better!

Is a 7mm difference the best I can expect?

10:06:31.467 → Distance(mm): 1150 Distance(ft): 3.77

10:06:31.501 → Distance(mm): 1150 Distance(ft): 3.77

10:06:31.535 → Distance(mm): 1146 Distance(ft): 3.76

10:06:31.601 → Distance(mm): 1146 Distance(ft): 3.76

10:06:31.639 → Distance(mm): 1146 Distance(ft): 3.76

10:06:31.677 → Distance(mm): 1143 Distance(ft): 3.75

10:06:31.712 → Distance(mm): 1143 Distance(ft): 3.75

That’s great to hear you were able to get better readings using the Arduino examples. The error in your readings is a bit higher than ideal and can probably be fixed with some calibration using the functions in the library. The accuracy and range also are dependent on the mode the sensor is in (short, medium or long) as well as the lighting conditions. Try playing around with the different settings and modes and see if that helps at all.

From your readings log you can clearly see a downward trend with repeated measurements. It may be some temperature effects when circuits are warming up. It would be helpful to know if the readings become more stable over time.

Sorry for the slow reply. They don’t become more stable over time. It is the opposite. They become less stable. They are mounted 14 ft off a concrete floor. Trying to detect a vehicle or no vehicle.