light sensors

Using Arduino Sensors
1

hi,

So I'm trying to pick a sensor that will be easy to collect data with, but that I can also hook up to an LCD screen. I currently have a photo cell resistor, but I was wondering if people have any other suggestions. I found this one and if any one has any experience with it I'd love to hear about it.

2

Thats an LDR. U don't need it mounted to a PCB ?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/20PCS-5MM-Photoresistor-GL5528-LDR-Photo-Resistors-Light-Dependen-t-/321503245893?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4adb163645

  • A series resistor is needed to be able to read the illumination (LUX)
  • To automatic control the backlight of a LCD-panel, a trasistor or opamp + resistor(s) can be used.
    This is without av Arduino

using a MCU - U can do whatever u want.

3

LDRs are cheap, and trivial to connect - all you need is a pullup resistor and and an arduino ADC channel. Their temporal responses tend to be a little slow, however.

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https://www.google.com/search?q=photoresistor+light+response&rlz=1C1CAFB_enUS638US638&espv=2&biw=1161&source=lnms&tbm=isch

4

I recently chose a BH1750FVI to play with.
Google it, there's plenty discussions, youtube examples, libraries, datasheet etc.
It uses the I2C interface.
3.3v

5

Have a look at the TAOS (now AMS) ex Texas TSL257 for example.
These are three lead devices 0V Vsupply and analogue out.
Easy to use in visible and IR types.
Very sensitive being a combined photodiode and transimpedance amp so need alot of attenuation (physical filter or pinhole or light pipe) to bring the output into the unsaturated range. Very fast response. All the hard op amp stuff done for you.
Nice for things like electricity meters, but might be a bit over the top for your application. Costwise, not much in it