shop/ components/ dfrobot mini photo-resistor / photocell -

Measure Light and Optical Changes with a Compact Sensor

The Photocell mini photo-resistor is a ph sensor designed for light logging, optical switching, line tracking, and brightness-aware projects. It is a practical fit for makers, students, and engineers who want reliable sensor data in embedded builds.

Key details include Head Diameter: 5mm(0.2").

Important: Water-quality sensors usually need calibration solutions and regular probe care. Probe condition and temperature can affect the reading.

Why you’ll love it

  • Sensor size: 5mm(0.2")
  • Useful spec: 70mW
  • Maker-friendly build: Easy to use in prototypes, classroom projects, and custom electronics
  • Common controller support: Works well with Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and similar boards
  • Project-ready sensing: light logging, optical switching, line tracking, and brightness-aware projects

Compare with similar products

Product Sensor style Standout
Photocell mini photo-resistor pH sensor Current item
Phototransistor PT334 6C 5MM 5PCS pH sensor with digital output digital output, infrared sensing
QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack optical interrupter sensor with analog output analog output, infrared sensing
Digital Push Button button or switch input module with digital output digital output

What you can build

This sensor is a good fit for automatic brightness control, line followers, light meters, UV monitors, flame detection, and optical encoders.

Starter bundles

Pair it with an Arduino-compatible board, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi, plus a breadboard or jumper wires for quick setup and testing.

Recommended add-ons

Useful add-ons include breadboards, jumper wires, displays, enclosures, and logging modules, depending on how you plan to power, mount, and log the sensor.

Technical specifications

Product Photocell mini photo-resistor
Electricity-saving gadgets When there is enough natural light, they may be utilised to turn off lights or other gadgets, conserving electricity.
Voltage 5V
Head Diameter 5mm(0.2")
Security systems By sensing changes in light patterns, they may be employed in burglar alarms or motion detectors to identify the presence of an intruder.
Power Consumption 70mW
Storage Temperature -40~+100°C
Operating Temperature -25~+85°C
Soldering Temperature 260(<3s)°C

Wiring & usage notes

Check the pin labels on the Photocell mini photo-resistor and match them to your controller voltage, ground, and signal pins. Keep wiring short and verify the logic level before powering the module. Water-quality sensors usually need calibration solutions and regular probe care. Probe condition and temperature can affect the reading.

What’s in the box

1 × Photocell mini photo-resistor

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Photocell mini photo-resistor measure? It is designed to measure light, color, or optical changes.
Can I use it with Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi? Yes. It is well suited for common maker and embedded platforms, as long as you power it at the correct voltage and match the signal level to your controller.
Does it need calibration? Yes. Chemical and gas sensors usually need warm-up time, calibration, and periodic checking if you want stable readings.
Is it good for prototyping? Yes. It is a practical choice for learning, proof-of-concept builds, and small automation projects.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

// from blog.circuit.rocks

Ask the community

// from forum.circuit.rocks