light_sensor - Ambient Brightness

On the harmonic board, there is an IR-LED which can be used in reverse as a crude brightness sensor. Values returned are in no particular unit but seem to be fairly stable.

light_sensor.start()

Turn on the ADC and start reading brightness values. (In past this function must be called before any measurements can be taken.)

light_sensor.get_reading()

Get an ambient brightness reading. The returned value is in no particular unit, though it seems to be fairly stable. The value could be between 0 and 400. Common values:

  • ~8: Very dark are

  • ~17: Typical hackerspace brightness

  • >200: Direct sunlight

Returns

A brightness reading in no particular unit

light_sensor.stop()

Stop the ADC.

light_sensor.read()

Direct readout of the light-sensor.

Use this function for low latency readout. The time between polls can have an effect on the values measures. If you do not need low latency, prefer light_sensor.get_reading().

New in version 1.8.