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KY-008 Laser Sensor Module for DIY Electronics and Arduino Projects
KY-008 Laser Sensor Module for DIY Electronics and Arduino Projects
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KY-008 650nm Red Laser Transmitter Module — 5V, Arduino Compatible
The KY-008 is a compact 650nm red laser diode transmitter module designed for Arduino and microcontroller projects requiring a focused, visible laser beam. Part of the popular KY-0xx sensor module series, it provides a simple 3-pin interface (VCC, GND, Signal) and operates directly from a 5V Arduino GPIO pin or power rail — no current-limiting resistor or driver circuit required, as the onboard resistor is pre-installed.
The KY-008 is a transmitter only — it emits a laser beam but does not detect light. Pair it with a photoresistor (LDR), photodiode, or TCRT5000 reflective sensor to build complete laser detection systems.
Specifications
- Module: KY-008 Laser Head Sensor Module
- Laser Wavelength: 650nm (visible red)
- Operating Voltage: 5V DC
- Operating Current: ~30mA (laser diode + onboard resistor)
- Laser Output Power: <5mW (Class IIIa / Class 3R)
- Beam Type: Focused dot (collimated)
- PCB Size: 15 × 24mm
- Weight: 2.2g
- Connector: 3-pin (VCC, GND, S/Signal)
Pin Connections
- VCC (middle pin): 5V supply
- GND (− pin): Ground
- S (Signal pin): Digital control — HIGH (5V) = laser ON, LOW (0V) = laser OFF
The laser can also be powered continuously by connecting VCC and GND only (Signal pin left unconnected or tied HIGH). Use the Signal pin with a GPIO for software-controlled on/off.
Arduino Wiring & Code
- VCC → 5V
- GND → GND
- S → Arduino D13 (or any digital output pin)
Control with: digitalWrite(13, HIGH); to turn on, digitalWrite(13, LOW); to turn off.
For PWM modulation (laser blinking at frequency): tone(13, 1000); — useful for laser communication and detection systems that filter for a specific frequency to reject ambient light interference.
Laser Safety
- Class IIIa / 3R laser: <5mW output. Do not point at eyes or reflective surfaces directed at eyes.
- Momentary exposure to the beam is generally not hazardous for adults, but prolonged staring into the beam should be avoided
- Not suitable for use near aircraft, vehicles, or in public spaces where beam could reach eyes at distance
- Keep away from children without adult supervision
Building a Laser Tripwire (KY-008 + LDR)
- Point KY-008 laser beam at an LDR (photoresistor) connected to Arduino analog input
- Read LDR value with
analogRead(A0) - When beam is interrupted, LDR value drops — trigger alarm, counter, or relay
- For longer range or outdoor use, pair with a photodiode and bandpass filter tuned to 650nm
- For noise immunity, modulate laser at 1kHz and use a 1kHz bandpass filter on the detector
Building a Laser Distance Sensor (KY-008 + Camera)
- Use triangulation: mount KY-008 at a fixed angle to a camera module
- Measure the pixel position of the laser dot in the camera image
- Calculate distance using the triangulation formula: d = (f × B) / x, where f = focal length, B = baseline, x = pixel offset
- Accuracy: ±1–5mm at 10–100cm range depending on camera resolution and baseline
Typical Applications
- Laser tripwire security alarm
- Object counting and detection on conveyor systems
- Laser pointer for robotics and pan-tilt systems
- Laser-based distance measurement (triangulation)
- Laser communication (modulated beam + photodiode receiver)
- Laser level and alignment tool for DIY projects
- Light barrier for automatic door or gate control
- Laser tag and game projects
Recommended Companion Modules
- KY-018 (LDR module): Simple photoresistor receiver for short-range laser detection
- TCRT5000 module: Reflective IR sensor for close-range laser reflection detection
- KY-010 (light blocking sensor): Phototransistor receiver optimized for laser beam interruption detection
Package Contents
- 1 × KY-008 650nm red laser transmitter module
