Parallax ColorPAL

SKU: POLOLU-1608 Brand: Pololu

Retired Product

Search for an alternative

This product has been retired. It is no longer available, but this page has been kept for reference.

ColorPAL side view.

Overview

The ColorPAL from Parallax is a miniature color and light sensor that can double as a color generator with its RGB LED. When sensing color, the ColorPAL uses its LED to illuminate a sample one color component at a time while measuring the light reflected back with a broad-spectrum light-to-voltage converter. The amount of light reflected from the sample under illumination from each red, green, and blue LED can be used to determine the sample’s color. For the ColorPAL to detect the color of a subject, the subject must be reflective and non-fluorescent. The color of objects that emit light (e.g. LEDs) cannot be detected.

Features

Detects a wide range of colors and outputs data as 10-bit RGB (Red/Green/Blue) components.
Detects broad-spectrum ambient light with sensitivity down to 44µW/cm² per lsb.
Generates 24-bit color using onboard RGB LED.
Plugs into servo headers or cables or solderless breadboards.
Single-pin interface uses a simple serial protocol to define and initiate color detection and generation.
Color detection and generation details handled by onboard microcontroller.
Onboard EEPROM for saving custom color detection and generation programs.
Autorun feature permits running a pre-designated EEPROM program with only a power supply.

Specifications

Power requirements: 5.0 VDC
Communication: 1-wire serial (asynchronous, non-inverted, open-drain serial protocol) with automatic baud rate detection from 2400 – 7200 bps
Dimensions: 1.72 × 0.90 × 0.65 in (44 × 23 × 17 mm)

Communication

Communication with the ColorPAL takes place using serial I/O, transmitting and receiving at between 2400 and 7200 baud, using a non-inverted, open-drain protocol. The ColorPAL includes a pull-up resistor to Vdd, so you do not need to apply one externally. Because of the open-drain protocol, the pin used to communicate with the ColorPAL should always be configured as an input, except when being driven low. Also, when starting up, you should wait for this pin to be pulled high by the ColorPAL before trying to send it any commands. Please see the user’s manual (297k pdf) for more information.

This product is listed in:

Retired

Product Comments

Start the conversation

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

$3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
$6+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
$10+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

$11+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
$16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!

Write Your Own Review