Anonymous
Mar 29, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Reliable and compact
I bought five of these for a line-following car modification. They are small, lightweight, and the output signal is clean. Highly recommended for DIY electronics enthusiasts.
Description
Reviews
| Brand | - |
| Category | Robotics / STEM Teaching Tools / Sensors |
| Origin | - |
| Model Number | E18-D50NK |
| Detection Type | Diffuse Reflective |
| Detection Range | 3cm to 50cm (Adjustable) |
| Operating Voltage | DC 3.3V - 5V |
| Output Signal | Digital Switching (NPN) |
| Indicator LED | Power and Detection Status |
| Potentiometer | Adjustable Sensitivity Control |
| Response Time | < 2ms |
| Mounting Hole Distance | 14mm |
| Application | Robot Obstacle Avoidance, Line Tracking |
Anonymous
Mar 29, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Reliable and compact
I bought five of these for a line-following car modification. They are small, lightweight, and the output signal is clean. Highly recommended for DIY electronics enthusiasts.
Anonymous
Mar 21, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Standard component for a reason
This is the industry standard for beginner to intermediate robotics. Reliable performance, easy to source, and the E18-D50NK model specifically offers a nice adjustable range compared to fixed versions.
Anonymous
Mar 18, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Good value but needs calibration
Great little module for the price. It took a few minutes to get the sensitivity right using the screwdriver adjustment, but once set, it reliably detects obstacles within the specified range.
Anonymous
Mar 16, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Perfect for my Arduino robot
This sensor works flawlessly with my Arduino Uno project. The detection range is consistent, and the potentiometer makes it very easy to fine-tune the sensitivity for different lighting conditions.
Anonymous
Mar 11, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Works as described
Simple to wire up: VCC, GND, and OUT. The green LED indicates power and the red one lights up when an object is detected. Just remember it works best on non-black surfaces.
Anonymous
Mar 03, 2026
Rating: 5/5
Exceeded expectations
The build quality is surprisingly good for the cost. The IR emitter and receiver are well-shielded from cross-talk. It handles ambient light better than some more expensive sensors I've tried.
Q: How do I adjust the detection distance?
A: There is a blue potentiometer on the back of the module. Use a small Phillips head screwdriver to turn it clockwise to increase the detection range or counter-clockwise to decrease it while testing with an object.
Q: Can this sensor detect black objects effectively?
A: Infrared sensors generally struggle with black objects because they absorb most of the IR light. You may need to increase the sensitivity significantly or ensure strong lighting, but detection of matte black surfaces at long ranges is not guaranteed.
Q: Is the output compatible with 3.3V logic boards like ESP32?
A: Yes, the module operates on a voltage range of 3.3V to 5V, and the digital output is compatible with 3.3V logic levels, making it safe to connect directly to ESP32 or Raspberry Pi GPIO pins.
Q: What is the maximum current draw for this module?
A: The typical operating current is around 15mA to 20mA when the LED indicator is on and an object is detected. Please ensure your microcontroller pin can supply enough current or use an external power source.
Q: Does this work outdoors in direct sunlight?
A: Direct sunlight contains a lot of infrared radiation which can interfere with the sensor's accuracy. It is recommended to use a shield or tube to block ambient light if you plan to use it outdoors.