Review on 📏 Stemedu TFmini Plus Lidar Range Finder Sensor: Waterproof Micro Distance Detection Module with UART I2C IIC I/O, Anti-dust Protection at 1000Hz by Sammie Rodriguez

I bought this for a farm monitoring project where I want to know what direction something is moving, over a wide area of speeds and distances. For example, using two motion sensors wouldn't give me the data I really need. The sensor is very accurate - within a few millimeters at 1.5 to 3 meters in my testing (although I would be wary of longer ranges in use). And the sample rate is pretty high - way more than I need. Unfortunately I have two problems. Although I never intended to use it, I first tried to collect data from its built-in temperature sensor. In my room at around 18°C, I got readings in the range of 76-82°C! Second, the problem is actually not in the sensor hardware itself (I think) but in the Arduino libraries for it, but. I only get a few samples - from 2 to 40, but usually 6-8, at 100Hz, and then the Arduino resets. This is even possible without using logic - it just writes data to the serial port. One of the hypotheses is that the sensor, encased in a plastic case that we shouldn't open for fear of damaging the lens, could overheat. This would be problematic as I am testing at room temperature. If I can resolve these issues and after a few months in the field I will revise my review with more information on durability, consistency and weatherability.