Color Sensor (am-5636)

Overview

The AndyMark Color & Proximity Sensor is a compact, 3.3 V I2C 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 Blocks/Java 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 I2C interface (7-bit address; see Specifications for the exact value and bus speed).

  • 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.

  • 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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