LIDAR Benewake TFMINI Plus Problems

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Subject: Assistance Needed with TFmini Plus LIDAR Setup for Cube Mini Carrier Board

Dear Community,

I recently purchased a TFmini Plus LIDAR with the following configuration:

  • Voltage: 5V
  • Interface: UART

I successfully tested it using a USB UART-TTL adapter and the Benewake software, where the signal responded correctly to my hand moving in front of the sensor.

Next, I connected the LIDAR to the Mini Carrier Board with the purple cube, configured for Ardurover (for a boat). I’ve already successfully installed and configured a Here4 GPS antenna (e.g., Mission Planner setup is working fine). However, after trying all wiring options for UART, I2C, TELEM2, and the I2C port, the sensor powers up, but no signal is detected.

In UART (TELEM2) mode, I followed these steps:

  1. Go to Config → Full Parameter Tree or Full Parameter List.
  2. Adjust the following parameters:
  • For TELEM2 (UART):
    • SERIAL2_PROTOCOL = 9 (Rangefinder).
    • SERIAL2_BAUD = 115 (115200 baud rate).
  • Rangefinder Settings:
    • RNGFND1_TYPE = 20 (Benewake TFmini).
    • RNGFND1_MIN_CM = 10 (Minimum range in cm).
    • RNGFND1_MAX_CM = 1200 (Maximum range in cm).
    • RNGFND1_SCALING = 1 (Default scaling factor).
  1. Click Write Params to save the changes.

In I2C mode, I adjusted the following:

  1. Go to Config → Full Parameter List and change these settings:
  • RNGFND1_TYPE = 25 (Benewake I²C).
  • RNGFND1_MIN_CM = 10 (Minimum range in cm).
  • RNGFND1_MAX_CM = 1200 (Maximum range in cm).
  • RNGFND1_ADDR = 16 (Default I²C address for TFmini Plus).
  • RNGFND1_SCALING = 1 (Default scaling factor).
  1. Save the parameters by clicking Write Params.

Despite these steps, the values for the sonar never changed (always at zero). I then returned to testing with the USB UART-TTL, sending the command 5A 05 0A 01 6A to switch to I2C. After reconnecting, it still didn’t work.

Now, the LIDAR no longer functions with the test software (though it powers on, indicated by the red circle). After consulting with Benewake, I purchased a USB-I2C board, but the issue persists.

I’ve uploaded detailed pictures and steps here:
LIDAR BENEWEKE TFMINI PLUS.pdf (872.0 KB)

I’m really frustrated with troubleshooting a product that should be straightforward to set up, especially given that it’s part of the Cube ecosystem (unfortunately, nothing seems compatible, not even the plugs!).

Is there anyone here who could offer guidance or troubleshooting tips?

Alternatively, does anyone know of another light LIDAR with JST-GH connectors that’s more user-friendly or better documented for use with the Cube mini carrier board?

Thank you in advance for any assistance!

Best regards,
George

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I JUST posted the SAME problem! Like we posted within MINUTES of each other. I have gone through the same procedures as you with the same result!

I am beginning to suspect that since my OLD TF Mini Plus is working and the NEW ones are not that maybe there is a manufacturing problem!

1 Like
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Thanks Chad! I am glad to hear that I am not alone facing this problem. Is there any other rangefinder I can purchase that works? I need to go forward with my project :slightly_smiling_face:

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Benewake has a few more for sure, but then again, there is no guarantee that the same issue isn’t in all of their rangefinders.

I can tell you to not use Maxbotix’s sonar as it is susceptible to sound interference and has a short range as well.

To get away from Benewake until we get this all sorted out I’d go Lightware as listed:

https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-rangefinder-landingpage.html