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How to Calibrate the LEGO Light Sensor

The Lego Mindstorms light sensor takes in light from the surfaces it points at. You can program the robot to perform different actions depending on the amount of light the sensor takes in, but you must calibrate the light percentages as part of the programming process. For example, if you build a Mindstorms crash derby arena on a light floor and mark the boundaries with a dark border, you should calibrate the light sensor to ensure it knows the difference between the two colors.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on the NXT brain. Plug the USB cord into your computer and into the brain. Connect the light sensor to one of the four numbered ports.
- 2
  Open the Mindstorms application on your computer. Start a new program. Click "Tools" on the menu and select "Calibrate Sensors" from the list. Click on "Light Sensor" in the list of sensors and then click the "Calibrate" button beneath it.
- 3
  Point the light sensor at a dark area, holding the sensor about an inch away from it to get an accurate reading. Press the orange button on the NXT brain to take the "dark" reading.
- 4
  Point the sensor at a light area, holding it about an inch away from the surface. Press the orange button on the NXT brain to take the "light" reading. The calibration program will finish and the program will use these two readings as the minimum and maximum light values.

Construction Toys