Project Hub /IoT & Connected Devices/Predictive Maintenance/TFMini TOF Laser Precision Gauge

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

TFMini TOF Laser Precision Gauge

A portable precision measuring gauge built using an ESP32 and TFMini TOF LiDAR sensor for quickly measuring long pipes in industrial settings.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

ESP32 WiFi+Bluetooth CP2102 Development Board Rs. 858.00
0.96 Inch I2C/IIC 4pin OLED Display Module White Rs. 349.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Battery (generic / unspecified)
Laser / LiDAR / ToF Sensor
AA / AAA Battery + Holder
Voltage Regulator IC (7805 / LM317 / 1117)
Capacitors
HT7333-A

Browse all components

How It Works

The TFMini TOF Laser Precision Gauge is a portable measuring instrument orchestrated by an ESP32 microcontroller. At its core, the system utilizes the TFMini LiDAR sensor to calculate distances using Time-of-Flight (TOF) principles, emitting modulated infrared laser pulses and measuring the time taken for the light to bounce back from a target surface. Because the TFMini sensor requires a 5V power supply while the ESP32 logic operates at 3.3V, the hardware architecture incorporates a 1.5V~3V to 5V mini boost converter to step up the portable battery voltage, alongside an HT7333-A / S1113 3.3V regulator and stabilizing capacitors to deliver clean, regulated power across the circuit. Users interact with the device via a push-to-on push button, which initiates or logs measurements, while real-time distance data and system status are visually rendered on an attached OLED 64*128 display. Additionally, a 5V red laser diode is integrated to provide a visible sighting guide, helping operators precisely align the invisible TOF beam with their target, such as the ends of long industrial pipes.

Why Build This

Develop a specialized, portable metrology tool capable of verifying long industrial pipe lengths in manufacturing and plant maintenance environments.

Implement a custom power management circuit utilizing boost conversion and linear regulation to power mixed-voltage components from a single portable battery.

Integrate optical sensors, microcontrollers, and graphical displays into a cohesive embedded IoT prototyping package suitable for field deployment.

Real-World Application

Measuring lengths of ERW pipes for ash slurry discharge pipelines in power plants and other industrial manufacturing or construction verification tasks.

Skills You'll Learn

Time-of-Flight sensor integration

power supply design with boost converters and linear regulators

microcontroller display interfacing via OLED

serial communication protocols

portable battery system management

Safety Precautions

Avoid pointing the laser directly into eyes. Be cautious of operating electrical electronics in extreme outdoor temperatures.

Technology Tags

LIDAR

TOF LASER

ESP32

OLED

MEASUREMENT

SENSORS

PORTABLE ELECTRONICS

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the circuit need both a boost converter and a 3.3V regulator?

The TFMini LiDAR sensor and red laser diode require a 5V supply, which is provided by stepping up the portable battery voltage using the mini boost converter. Meanwhile, the ESP32 microcontroller and OLED display operate on 3.3V, requiring the HT7333-A / S1113 regulator to step down or stabilize the voltage safely for the logic components.

Can this gauge be used outdoors in direct sunlight?

While TOF sensors can function in various environments, intense ambient infrared radiation from direct sunlight can occasionally affect optical distance measurements and sensor accuracy.

What is the purpose of the capacitors included in the parts list?

The two capacitors are used for power supply decoupling and filtering, ensuring voltage stability and minimizing electrical noise when switching power to the laser and sensors.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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