# CAN Color Sensor (am-5683)

### Overview <a href="#overview" id="overview"></a>

The AndyMark **Color & Proximity Sensor** is a compact, 3.3V CAN device that reports **classified color**, **raw RGB + clear**, **proximity**, and **ambient light**. It’s designed for easy integration on robots and test rigs where you need reliable color detection (game pieces, markings, LEDs) and short-range presence sensing.Use this page to understand what the sensor is good for and how to get started. Detailed electrical limits, pinout, and mechanical drawings live on **Specifications**. Programming walk-throughs and Java/C++ samples live on **Examples**.

***

#### When to use this sensor <a href="#when-to-use-this-sensor" id="when-to-use-this-sensor"></a>

* Detecting the **color** of nearby objects (game elements, indicators, tape).
* **Presence / approach** detection at short range (e.g., “object is in the mechanism”).
* Measuring **ambient light** to auto-adjust thresholds or avoid false positives.
* Classifying states (e.g., “red vs blue” or “object present vs absent”) without external optics.

***

#### What this sensor is not <a href="#what-this-sensor-is-not" id="what-this-sensor-is-not"></a>

* It’s not a long-range distance sensor; for that, use the AndyMark Distance Sensor.
* It’s not a line-scan or camera; it gives summarized color/light values rather than images.

***

#### Highlights (at a glance) <a href="#highlights-at-a-glance" id="highlights-at-a-glance"></a>

* Single sensor combining **color**, **proximity**, and **ambient light** functions.
* **Standard FRC CAN** interface.
* Works with common 3.3 V robot controllers and microcontrollers.
* **Keyed 4-pin** header for simple wiring (see **Specifications → Wiring** for pin order).
* Example code provided for fast bring-up (see **Examples**).

***

#### Typical integrations <a href="#typical-integrations" id="typical-integrations"></a>

* Place near an intake to confirm **piece acquisition** and read **team color**.
* Mount along a chute or feeder to detect **jam/flow** with proximity.
* Face the field to classify **marker colors** or read **LED indicators** on mechanisms.
* Use ambient light readings to **auto-calibrate thresholds** between practice and event lighting.

***

#### Best-practice tips <a href="#best-practice-tips" id="best-practice-tips"></a>

* **Distance matters:** closer targets give stronger, more consistent color readings.
* **Turn on the LED:** Check examples for how to control the LED to turn it on for better readings
* **Control the view:** avoid direct glare from bright LEDs; a short shroud can improve classification.
* **Re-calibrate at events:** different field lighting can shift raw values—run a quick check in the pit.
* **Debounce proximity:** treat proximity as “object likely present” and confirm with a short moving average.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.andymark.com/frc-electronics/can-sensors/can-color-sensor-am-5683.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.