# Overview
The **Lonely Binary TinkerBlock TK57 Reflective Optical Sensor** is a compact and versatile sensor designed for precise detection of objects, surfaces, and lines in a variety of electronics projects. Featuring an infrared LED emitter and a phototransistor receiver, the TK57 detects reflected infrared light to provide reliable analog output, making it ideal for applications such as line-following robots, proximity sensing, and surface color detection. With its simple three-pin interface (VCC, GND, and Signal), the TK57 is easy to integrate with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, and other platforms, offering makers and hobbyists a robust solution for interactive projects.

# Pinout
| Pin | Function |
| ------ | ------------- |
| GND | Ground |
| VCC | VCC |
| NC | Not Connected |
| Signal | Analog |
# Dimensions

# Components
## TCRT5000
It’s an infrared reflective sensor commonly used in electronics projects, particularly with Arduino, for tasks like line-following robots, object detection, and proximity sensing.
The TCRT5000 is a reflective optical sensor that includes:
- An **infrared LED emitter** (emits IR light at 950nm).
- A **phototransistor receiver** (detects reflected IR light, with a daylight-blocking filter to reduce visible light interference).
- A compact package with two mounting clips, available in standard (TCRT5000) and long-lead (TCRT5000L) versions.
#### Key Features
- **Detection Range**: 1mm to 25mm (optimal at ~2.5mm).
- **Operating Voltage**: 3.3V to 5V.
- **Output**: Can provide **analog** (voltage proportional to reflected light intensity) or **digital** (high/low based on a threshold, adjustable via a potentiometer on some modules).
- **Applications**: Line following, obstacle detection, color detection (e.g., black vs. white surfaces), and proximity sensing.
- **Limitations**: Sensitive to environmental IR sources (e.g., sunlight), which can be mitigated with noise cancellation or baseline readings.
# Sample Code
``` cpp
const int sensorPin = A3; // TK57 Signal pin connected to A0
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication
}
void loop() {
int sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin); // Read analog value (0-1023)
Serial.println(sensorValue); // Print value for debugging
delay(100); // Short delay for stable readings
}
```
# Product Link
For product support, manuals, tutorials, and sample code, please visit our product page to access comprehensive resources.
[https://lonelybinary.com/products/tk57](https://lonelybinary.com/products/tk57)
# Support
If you encounter any issues, please go to [https://lonelybinary.com ](https://lonelybinary.com ) and click the Support button located in the bottom right corner. Our team is ready to assist you.
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# Thank You
Thank you for choosing TinkerBlock to fuel your passion for STEM! Whether you’re a student diving into coding, an educator shaping future innovators, a hobbyist bringing your vision to life, or a business seeking cutting-edge solutions, TinkerBlock empowers you to create, learn, and innovate.
**For school orders, wholesale inquiries, or custom business solutions, please contact us to discuss your specific needs.**
[office@lonelybinar.com](office@lonelybinary.com)
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