LF PowerGrid
Logic & Sensors

Laser Detector

Emits a 5m laser beam and detects when it's interrupted.

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Overview

The Laser Detector is a beam-break sensor that emits a visible laser beam (5.5 meters maximum range) with a 0.35-meter detection radius. It continuously renders the laser beam on the client side, providing clear visual feedback during setup and operation. When any player crosses the laser beam, the detector immediately opens its gate and allows power to flow downstream. When the beam becomes clear again, the gate closes. The red LED indicates active powered state. Perfect for creating tripwire systems, motion gates, and perimeter security without requiring line-of-sight gating like the motion sensor.

Specifications

Property Value
Type Passthrough (1 IN + 1 OUT) with gate
Beam Range 5.5 m
Detection Radius 0.35 m (around beam)
Rendering Client-side visible laser beam
Gate Behavior Open on beam interruption, closed when clear
Power Consumption 5 u/s
Output Capacity 20 u/s
Beam Color Red (visible for alignment)
Weight (placed) 800 g
Weight (kit) 600 g
Class Name LFPG_LaserDetector
Base Class LFPG_WireOwnerBase

How It Works

The Laser Detector projects a red laser beam that extends up to 5.5 meters in the direction it's facing. The beam is continuously rendered on the client side, allowing players to see and align it during setup. When the beam is clear and unobstructed (no players or objects in the 0.35m detection radius), the gate remains closed and downstream power is blocked.

When a player or object interrupts the beam by moving through the 0.35-meter detection zone, the gate instantly opens and power flows downstream at up to 20 u/s. The gate immediately closes again once the obstruction leaves the beam path. This makes the laser detector a perfect tripwire mechanism—it requires no line-of-sight back to the emitter like the motion sensor, just unobstructed beam projection.

LED Indicator

  • Red: Powered and active (beam active)
  • Off: No power available

Wiring Examples

Doorway Tripwire

Battery
Laser Detector (beam across doorway)
Door Controller

Position the laser horizontally across the doorway. When someone walks through, the door opens automatically.

Alarm on Perimeter Breach

Battery
Laser Detector
AND Gate (with armed switch)
Speaker (alarm)

Set up a tripwire laser at your base perimeter. When armed, any beam break triggers the alarm.

Latching Security System

Battery
Laser Detector
Memory Cell (set)
Alarm/Light
Manual reset required to clear

When the beam is broken, the Memory Cell latches the alarm ON. Requires manual reset button to clear.

Tips

  • The visible red laser is excellent for alignment during setup, but alerts intruders to the system—consider concealment.
  • The 0.35m detection radius is tight—position the laser at head height or at vehicle height for best coverage.
  • Unlike the Motion Sensor, the laser detector doesn't require line-of-sight back to the device, only clear beam projection.
  • Use a Memory Cell to convert momentary beam-break into sustained alarms or door locks.
  • At 5.5m range, you can create tripwires across doorways, windows, and narrow corridors effectively.
  • Test beam alignment with players walking, crouching, and sprinting to ensure full coverage.
  • Combine multiple laser detectors in OR logic to cover wide entrances with overlapping beams.
  • The 5 u/s consumption is power-efficient for 24/7 perimeter monitoring.