Introduction

The RoboSense E1R represents a high-performance solid-state LiDAR utilizing Flash scanning technology, featuring an ultra-wide 120° × 90° field of view. For beginners, the first step after receiving the sensor is connecting it to a computer and viewing the point cloud display. This comprehensive guide walks you through every detail from hardware wiring to software visualization, addressing common pitfalls like "ping succeeds but no display" or "green light flashing" issues.

Hardware Preparation

Before beginning, ensure you have the following components:

  • RoboSense E1R LiDAR unit (main sensor body)
  • Interface Box: Since the LiDAR uses automotive Ethernet interfaces, connection requires an interface box to convert to standard Ethernet ports
  • Power Adapter: Voltage requirement 9V-16V (recommended: 12V 2A DC power supply with standard DC 5.5-2.1 connector)
  • Ethernet Cable: Category 5e or Category 6 cable
  • Windows Computer: Windows 10 or Windows 11 recommended
  • Additional necessary wiring (provided by manufacturer)

Step 1: Physical Connection

Follow this connection sequence to protect sensitive electronic components:

  1. LiDAR Connection: Insert the LiDAR's large TE curved plug into the corresponding interface box port, ensuring firm connection
  2. Network Connection: Connect the interface box's RJ45 port to your computer's Ethernet port using the network cable
  3. Power Connection: Finally, connect the power adapter

Observation: The green indicator light on the interface box should illuminate.

Important Note: If the green light is flashing, this typically indicates the LiDAR is performing high-frequency data transmission—this is normal operation.

Step 2: Computer Network Configuration (Critical)

Communication between the LiDAR and computer requires both devices to be on the same network segment with matching IP addresses.

LiDAR Default Information:

  • LiDAR Static IP: 192.168.1.200
  • LiDAR Target IP: 192.168.1.102 (The LiDAR defaults to sending data only to this .102 address)

Configuring Computer IP:

  1. Open: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change Adapter Settings
  2. Right-click your Ethernet adapter, select Properties
  3. Double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"

  4. Select "Use the following IP address":

    • IP Address: Manually enter 192.168.1.102 (must be this exact address)
    • Subnet Mask: Enter 255.255.255.0
  5. Click OK to save

Step 3: Connectivity Verification (Ping Test)

Before opening software, confirm the physical link is functional:

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter
  2. Enter command: ping 192.168.1.200

  3. Result Interpretation:

    • If displaying "Reply from 192.168.1.200": Connection successful
    • If displaying "Request timed out": Check network cable and computer IP configuration

Successful Output Example:

C:\Users\User>ping 192.168.1.200

Pinging 192.168.1.200 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.200: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=255
Reply from 192.168.1.200: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=255
Reply from 192.168.1.200: bytes=32 time=3ms TTL=255
Reply from 192.168.1.200: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=255

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.200:
    Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss)
    Approximate round trip times in milliseconds:
    Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 3ms, Average = 1ms

Step 4: Environment Cleanup (Disable Firewall)

This is the cause of 90% of users failing to receive point cloud data: Windows Firewall blocking UDP packets.

Disabling Windows Firewall:

  1. Navigate to: Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off" on the left panel
  3. Select "Turn off" for both Private and Public network settings
  4. Click OK (you can re-enable after testing, but firewall must be disabled during LiDAR debugging)

Step 5: Visualization Using RSView

Software Setup:

  1. Download: Visit RoboSense Official Resource Center to download the latest RSView version
  2. Extraction Warning: The extraction path must not contain any Chinese characters, otherwise the software will fail to open or produce errors
  3. Run Program: Double-click RSView.exe

  4. Configure Stream:

    • Set data source IP to 192.168.1.200
    • Set local IP to 192.168.1.102
    • Click OK

Expected Result: You should see colored point cloud data in the black 3D grid space. Use left mouse button to rotate perspective, scroll wheel to zoom.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: Ping succeeds, but RSView shows black screen?

A: Check two items:

  1. Verify computer IP is strictly set to 192.168.1.102
  2. Confirm firewall is completely disabled

Q: Is interface box green light flashing normal?

A: Yes, this is normal. Flashing typically indicates the LiDAR is continuously transmitting UDP point cloud data packets at 10Hz frequency.

Q: LiDAR casing feels very hot?

A: The E1R is a high-power solid-state LiDAR; heat generation during operation is normal. Avoid prolonged operation in enclosed, non-ventilated environments, and avoid direct prolonged hand contact.

Experiment Conclusion and Maintenance

Power-Down Sequence:

  1. First disconnect the interface box's DC power
  2. Then close the software
  3. Do not frequently plug/unplug the LiDAR's TE connector while powered

Cleaning:
If the window has fingerprints, use a lint-free cloth with small amount of alcohol to gently wipe. Never use dry tissue paper to avoid scratching the optical coating.

This comprehensive tutorial should help you successfully begin your RoboSense E1R exploration journey. For additional questions, feel free to leave comments for discussion.

Understanding the proper setup procedure prevents common configuration errors and ensures reliable operation. The key is methodical verification at each step—physical connection, network configuration, firewall settings, and finally software visualization. Following this systematic approach guarantees successful LiDAR integration with your Windows development environment.