Measure Light and Optical Changes with a Compact Sensor
The QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack is an optical interrupter sensor with analog output 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 Output voltage range: 0 to supplied voltage; Operating voltage: 5.0 V; Output format: analog voltage.
Why you’ll love it
- Key feature: Use a microcontroller’s analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to measure the voltage.
- Controller output: analog voltage
- Power range: 0 to supplied voltage
- Current draw: 17 mA
- Compact size: 0.3" x 0.5" x 0.1" (without optional header pins installed)
- Useful spec: 0.125" (3 mm)
Compare with similar products
| Product | Sensor style | Standout |
|---|---|---|
| QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack | optical interrupter sensor with analog output | Current item |
| QTR-8A Reflectance Sensor Array | optical interrupter sensor with analog output | analog output |
| QTR-3RC Reflectance Sensor Array | optical interrupter sensor | model QTR-3RC |
| QTR-1RC Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack | optical interrupter sensor with digital output | model QTR-1RC |
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 and 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 | QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack |
|---|---|
| Output format | analog voltage |
| Output voltage range | 0 to supplied voltage |
| Operating voltage | 5.0 V |
| Supply current | 17 mA |
| Dimensions | 0.3" x 0.5" x 0.1" (without optional header pins installed) |
| Optimal sensing distance | 0.125" (3 mm) |
| Weight without header pins | 0.008 oz (0.2 g) |
| Maximum recommended sensing distance | 0.25" (6 mm) |
Wiring & usage notes
Many modules in this style expose both analog and digital pins. Use the analog pin for raw readings and the digital pin for threshold-based switching, if available.
What’s in the box
1 × QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor 2-Pack
Frequently Asked Questions
Pololu QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor - Analog IR, 2-Pack
Pololu QTR-1A Reflectance Sensor - Analog IR, 2-Pack
Out of stock
Product Code
SKU:POL2458
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