Color sensors for train automation - powered up vs mindstorms

[Bartosz]

Hi,

So over the years I remember people using color sensor tucked inside locomotive to detect color tiles placed on a track to be able to figure out train location. I do recall some reporting it works just fine, while some struggling with color sensor readings being inaccurate.

Now, I gather my best bet is to try it out, but there's something that I'm curious about - has anyone have experience with how mindstorms (51515) color sensor fares in this regard?

I can see that they differ in technology used, because powered up one shines colorful light on the object, whereas mindstorms one has white led (quite strong).

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by Bartosz
I don't plan to automate grain

[Lok24]

I think all the sensors have different modes (color, reclection, ambient light, distance) , therefore they might look different.

12 hours ago, Bartosz said:

struggling with color sensor readings being inaccurate.

Yes and no. The problem in most cases is the surface the tracks lay on.

[Bartosz]

4 hours ago, Lok24 said:

Yes and no. The problem in most cases is the surface the tracks lay on.

Cool, that would imply it's more like "i see color where i shouldn't" rather than "i don't see correct color of the tile you've put straight under my nose", which can hopefully be solved by avoiding certain colors (seems like there's more options in that regard when not using code blocks).