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CAN Color Sensor (am-5683)

Overview

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

  • 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

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

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