David,
Thank you for following up with me. In order to answer your questions, a quick summary on what I’m looking to put together,
A Light Communication circuit with a laser (Quarton VLM-650-01 LPA) and a receiver (KY-008 & detector pair, found this on amazon, just using the receiver). I’m using ESP32-C3-Devkit-M1 microcontroller on each end. I’m using this build to alert if the garage door is opened. I’m using the laser beam pulse to initiate various inquiries to the receiver. Also using RF communication for hand-shake between mcu’s. I’m just implementing what I’m learning in C/C++ programing. I am new to the electronic world. Given that, I had to do some searching to answer your questions.
· What wavelength is your laser? __Ans: 650 nm (Quarton data sheet).
· What is your modulating frequency and/or data rate? __Ans: Right now I have it setup in microseconds range (I don’t know how to test how fast the MCU can handle the communication).
· What is your laser output power and distance to sensor? __Ans: Less than 3mW (Quarton data sheet); distance about +/-30-feet.
· What binary output voltages do you need? __Ans: I’m not sure about this. As long as the receiver can read the changes in voltage from 30-ft, given the output power ß is this what we’re looking for?
· In what environment is this to operate (indoor, outdoor, other light sources present)? __Ans: At this moment, it will be in the garage. The receiver will be above the garage opening, will face the living space’s wall. The laser will be on the living space side, and pointing at the garage door. When the garage door rolls up, it will block the free-space b/w the laser and the receiver. So, not much ambient light but the ceiling light may affect the receiver. Later, I’m looking to bring this setup outdoor for other reason.
· What power sources are available? (in particular, can you provide multiple supply rails, or just a single supply, and at what voltage(s)?) __Ans: Power source will be through the microcontrollers so +/-5v maximum. I’m too new at this so I don’t want to tryout higher voltage setup.
· How tolerant is your system to noise? __Ans: I do not have an in-depth understanding about system noise, and given my setup, I wouldn’t think it’d affect performance that much ß feel free to correct me 
· What experience do you have making circuit boards? __Ans: I don’t have much experience, but I love to learn as I go along. (LEDs need resistor )
The reason for my inquiry was to switch out the receiver. Let me know if anything else that you think would benefit my setup.
Again, thank you for your questions, as these have opened up several areas I’m looking into for more understanding.
