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SF33
Multi-beam laser sensor
The SF33 is a multi-beam laser sensor
designed specifically for UAV obstacle
detection and precise terrain
hugging. Providing up to 3052
readings per second, the SF33 is a
vital UAS component.
Available in two variants: the
SF33S creates a straight tri-beam
pattern offering a total of 10 degrees
coverage in one axis; the SF33T
creates a triangular tri-beam
arrangement tailored to match a 45
degree downwards-and-forwards
looking pattern.
Configurable features and multiple
hardware interfaces make connection
with different types of controllers
easy.
The SF33 uses a time-of-flight system
to make very fast and accurate
distance measurements to natural or
artificial surfaces.
SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1
Product manual
Features:
Very fast update rate of up to 3052 readings per
second on each beam.
Measuring range > 50 m.
Simultaneous serial and analog outputs.
USB port to change the alarm set-point, update
rate and resolution.
The host controller can change settings on the fly
via the serial port.
Compact and lightweight - 35 grams.
Easy to configure using the built-in menu and
LightWare Terminal
Fully calibrated and ready to run.
Accurate, reliable measurements in sunlight or
dark conditions.
Not affected by: speed; wind; changes in
barometric pressure; noise; ambient light; terrain
or air temperature.
1
of
15
software.
© LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016

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Summary of Contents for Lightware SF33

  • Page 1 The SF33 uses a time-of-flight system to make very fast and accurate distance measurements to natural or artificial surfaces. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Information found in this document is used entirely at the reader’s own risk and whilst every effort has been made to ensure its validity neither LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd nor its representatives make any warranties with respect the accuracy of the information contained herein.
  • Page 3: Overview

    The SF33 is virtually immune to background light, wind and noise, making it an ideal sensor to detect unexpected obstacles. Operating from a regulated 5 V DC supply, the SF33 includes analog and digital interfaces that can be easily connected to a flight controller or a standard processing platform.
  • Page 4: Quick Start Guide

    Product manual 2. Quick start guide 1. CAUTION - The SF33 laser rangefinder contains a laser and should never be aimed at a person or an animal. Do not look at the beam directly with optical instruments. 2. Download LightWare Terminal software from www.lightware.co.za >...
  • Page 5 The maximum value is limited to 190 readings per second. Only whole number fractions of 3052 will give an exact match between the entered and actual values. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 6: Powering Up The Sf33

    3. Powering up the SF33 The SF33 gets power from either a regulated +5 V DC supply on the main connector or via the USB port when it is connected to a PC. There are a number of digital and analog interfaces on the main connector and either one or a combination of interfaces may be connected to a host controller.
  • Page 7: Communicating With The Usb Port

    4. Communicating with the USB port The SF33 has a micro-B USB port that can be used to communicate with LightWare Terminal software on a PC. This connection also gives power to the unit providing a quick way to test and configure the SF33. The LightWare Terminal software will automatically detect the USB port that is connected to the SF33 and communications can be established by clicking on the “Connect”...
  • Page 8: Communicating With The Serial Port

    The Serial port update rate is reduced if this situation occurs. Both the transmitted data and any received commands are at the same baud rate. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 9: Figure 11 :: Labelling On The Sf33

    The baud rate of both the transmitted distances and the received commands is controlled by the “4: Serial port baud rate” setting in the main menu. This cannot be changed using serial port commands. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 10: Figure 12 :: Dimension Drawings Of The Sf33

    “#X:” command to the serial port. No parameters Clears the alarm latch if it is enabled using the “#L1:” command. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 11: The Analog Voltage Interface

    The “6: Analog maximum range” selection changes the value in meters that equates to 2.56 V. This can be either: 128 m, 64 m, 32 m, 16 m or 8m depending upon the requirements of the application. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 12: The Alarm Interface

    The maximum value is limited to 190 readings per second. Only whole number fractions of 3052 will give an exact match between the entered and actual values. SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 13: Instructions For Safe Use

    Make sure that the SF33 is switched OFF before looking into the lenses. The SF33 should be mounted using the four holes provided in the circuit board. Do not hold or clamp the lens tubes as this may cause damage and adversely affect the laser safety rating.
  • Page 14: Appendix A :: Specifications

    0 ... 40°C 0 ... 40°C Approvals FDA: 1610094-000 (2016/02) FDA: 1610094-000 (2016/02) Appendix B :: Dimensions Figure 11 :: Dimension drawings of the SF33 SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...
  • Page 15: Appendix C :: Main Cable Type 1, 35 Cm

    Date Authors Comments Rev 1 2016/02/23 Updated “Appendix A :: Specifications” to include FDA accession number 1610094-000 (2016/02) (page 14). Rev 0 2015/09/23 First edition SF33 Multi-beam sensor - Product Manual - Revision 1 © LightWare Optoelectronics (Pty) Ltd, 2016...

This manual is also suitable for:

Sf33s/bSf33t/b

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