Calibrate Edison for Obstacle Detection

We now know that Edison can detect obstacles using its IR emitters and receiver. We can set how close or how far away we want Edison to detect obstacles. If we set Edison’s detection system to be more sensitive that means Edison will detect obstacles at a further distance and if we set it to be less sensitive that means Edison will only detect objects that are close by.

To set the sensitivity of Edison’s obstacle detection system, follow these steps (you can print this page or try calibrating on your device’s screen if appropriate and if you have permission!):   

  1. Place Edison on the right side, facing the barcode
  2. Press the record (round) button three times
  3. Edison will drive forward and scan the barcode

After scanning the barcode, set Edison down on a table or desk and remove any obstacles in front of Edison.

Then press the play (triangle) button. Edison is now in calibration mode.
The left sensitivity is calibrated first.

  1. Repeatedly press the play (triangle) button, which increases sensitivity, until the red
    LED on the left is flickering.
  2. Repeatedly press the record (round) button, which decreases the sensitivity, until
    the LED completely stops flickering.
  3. Press the stop (square) button to switch over to calibrate the right side.
  4. Repeatedly press the play (triangle) button until the right red LED is flickering. Now
    repeatedly press the record (round) button until the LED completely stops flickering.
  5. Press the stop button to complete the calibration.

Special Note

It is possible to set the distance that obstacles are detected. To do this, scan the ‘calibrate obstacle detection’ barcode, place an obstacle in front of Edison at the distance you want Edison to detect obstacles, press the play button and then repeat steps 1 through 5.

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