Introduction

The RoboSense E1R represents a high-performance solid-state LiDAR utilizing Flash scanning technology with an ultra-wide 120° × 90° field of view. For beginners, the first step after receiving the sensor involves connecting it to a computer and visualizing the point cloud data.

This comprehensive guide walks through every detail from hardware wiring to software display, addressing common pitfalls like "ping succeeds but no display" and "green light flashing" issues.

Hardware Preparation

Before beginning, ensure you have the following components:

  • RoboSense E1R LiDAR unit (main sensor)
  • Interface Box: Since the LiDAR uses automotive Ethernet connectors, the interface box converts to standard RJ45 ports
  • Power Adapter: Voltage requirement 9V-16V (12V 2A DC power supply recommended; standard DC 5.5-2.1mm connector)
  • Ethernet Cable: Category 5e or Category 6 cable
  • Windows Computer (Windows 10 or 11 recommended)
  • Additional necessary wiring (provided by supplier)

Step 1: Physical Connection

Follow this connection sequence to protect sensitive electronic components:

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

Observation: The interface box's green indicator light should illuminate.

Note: If the green light flashes, this typically indicates the LiDAR is transmitting high-frequency data—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 Configuration

  • LiDAR Static IP: 192.168.1.200
  • LiDAR Target IP: 192.168.1.102 (the LiDAR sends data exclusively to this address by default)

Computer IP Configuration

  1. Open: Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change Adapter Settings
  2. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and 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 physical link connectivity:

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

  3. Result Interpretation:

    • "Reply from 192.168.1.200" indicates successful connection
    • "Request timed out" requires checking 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 step resolves 90% of cases where point clouds aren't received: Windows Firewall blocks UDP data packets.

  1. Navigate to: Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off" on the left
  3. Select "Turn off" for both Private and Public network settings
  4. Click OK

Note: You may re-enable the firewall after testing, but it must remain disabled during LiDAR debugging.

Step 5: RSView Visualization

  1. Download Software: Obtain the latest RSView version from the RoboSense Official Resource Center
  2. Extraction Warning: The extraction path must not contain any Chinese characters, or the software will fail to open or error
  3. Run Program: Double-click RSView.exe
  4. Configure Stream: Follow the configuration wizard
  5. View Point Cloud: After clicking OK, you should see colored point cloud data in the black 3D grid space. Use the left mouse button to rotate the view and the scroll wheel to zoom.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: Ping succeeds, but RSView shows black screen?

A: Check two points:

  1. Is the computer IP strictly set to 192.168.1.102?
  2. Is the firewall completely disabled?

Q: Is the interface box green light continuously flashing normal?

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

Q: The 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, unventilated environments, and avoid direct prolonged hand contact.

Shutdown and Maintenance

Power-Down Sequence

  1. First disconnect the interface box's DC power
  2. Then close the software

Important: Avoid frequently plugging/unplugging the LiDAR's TE connector while powered.

Cleaning

If the window develops fingerprints, use a lint-free cloth with minimal alcohol for gentle wiping. Never use dry paper towels, which may scratch the optical coating.

Advanced Configuration Notes

Network Adapter Selection

If your computer has multiple network adapters (Wi-Fi + Ethernet), ensure you're configuring the correct adapter. The LiDAR must connect to the same physical adapter you configure.

Static IP Persistence

Windows may reset network configuration after reboot. For permanent setups, consider creating a batch script to automatically configure the IP address on startup.

Multiple LiDAR Operation

When operating multiple E1R units simultaneously, each requires unique IP addresses. Consult RoboSense documentation for multi-unit configuration procedures.

Conclusion

This guide enables successful RoboSense E1R exploration. The key to success lies in meticulous attention to network configuration and firewall settings. Once properly configured, the E1R provides rich point cloud data for robotics, autonomous vehicle, and mapping applications.

For additional questions, community forums and RoboSense technical support provide valuable resources for advanced use cases and troubleshooting.