Introduction

The RoboSense E1R is a high-performance solid-state LiDAR featuring Flash scanning technology with 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 guide will walk you through every detail from hardware wiring to software visualization, addressing common pitfalls like "Ping succeeds but no display" and "green light flashing" issues.

Section 1: 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 connectors, you must use the interface box to convert to a standard Ethernet port
  • Power Adapter: Voltage requirement 9V - 16V (recommended: 12V 2A DC power supply with standard DC 5.5-2.1mm connector)
  • Ethernet Cable: One Cat5e or Cat6 network cable
  • Windows Computer (Windows 10 or Windows 11 recommended)
  • Additional necessary cables (typically provided by the vendor)

Section 2: Step One - Physical Connection

For protecting precision electronic components, follow this connection sequence:

  1. LiDAR Connection: Insert the LiDAR's large TE curved connector into the corresponding interface on the interface box. Ensure it's firmly seated.
  2. Network Connection: Connect the interface box's RJ45 Ethernet 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.

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

Section 3: Step Two - Computer Network Configuration (Critical Step)

For the LiDAR and computer to communicate, they must be on the same network segment, and the IP address must match the LiDAR's transmission target.

LiDAR Default Information:

  • LiDAR Static IP: 192.168.1.200
  • LiDAR Transmission Target IP: 192.168.1.102 (the LiDAR by default only sends data to this .102 address)

Configuring Computer IP Address:

  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

Section 4: Step Three - Connectivity Verification (Ping Test)

Before opening the software, first confirm the physical link is functioning:

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

  3. Result Interpretation:

    • If it displays "Reply from 192.168.1.200," the connection is successful
    • If it displays "Request timed out," check the network cable and whether the computer IP is configured correctly

Successful Output Example:

C:\Users\Z>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 milli-seconds:
    Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 3ms, Average = 1ms

Section 5: Step Four - Environment Cleanup (Disable Firewall)

This is the reason 90% of users cannot receive point cloud data: Windows Firewall is blocking UDP packets.

  1. Go to Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall
  2. Click "Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off" on the left side
  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)

Section 6: Step Five - Using RSView for Visualization

  1. Download Software: Visit the RoboSense Official Resource Center to download the latest version of RSView
  2. Extraction Note: 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: Follow the configuration prompts
  5. View Point Cloud: After clicking OK, you should see a colorful point cloud display in the black 3D grid space. You can rotate the view with the left mouse button and zoom with the scroll wheel.

Section 7: Common Troubleshooting

Q: Ping succeeds, but RSView shows black screen?

A: Check two things:

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

Q: Is it normal for the interface box green light to keep flashing?

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

Q: The LiDAR housing feels very hot to touch?

A: The E1R is a high-power solid-state LiDAR, and heat generation during operation is normal. Avoid running for extended periods in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments, and avoid prolonged direct hand contact with the housing.

Section 8: Ending Experiment and Maintenance

Power-Down Sequence:

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

Cleaning:

If the window has fingerprints, use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with alcohol to gently wipe. Do not use dry paper towels to avoid scratching the optical coating.

Additional Technical Notes

Understanding LiDAR Data Transmission

The RoboSense E1R transmits point cloud data via UDP packets. Each packet contains distance measurements, intensity values, and timestamp information for multiple points. The 10Hz frequency means the sensor completes a full scan and transmission cycle 10 times per second.

Network Configuration Best Practices

For production environments, consider these additional network optimizations:

  • Static IP Assignment: Instead of manually configuring each time, set up a static IP reservation in your network router
  • Dedicated Network Interface: Use a dedicated Ethernet port for LiDAR to avoid conflicts with other network traffic
  • Jumbo Frames: Enable jumbo frames on your network interface for improved throughput with large point cloud data

Data Recording and Playback

RSView typically includes functionality to record point cloud data for later analysis. This is useful for:

  • Capturing specific scenarios for algorithm development
  • Sharing data with team members for collaborative analysis
  • Creating datasets for machine learning training

Look for the recording function in the RSView interface, usually represented by a record button or found in the File menu.

Conclusion

This guide has walked you through the complete process of connecting and visualizing RoboSense E1R LiDAR data on Windows. From hardware preparation through network configuration to software visualization, each step is critical for successful operation.

Remember the key points:

  • IP configuration must be exact (192.168.1.102)
  • Firewall must be disabled during operation
  • No Chinese characters in paths for software extraction
  • Proper power-down sequence protects equipment

With these fundamentals mastered, you're ready to begin exploring the capabilities of solid-state LiDAR technology. Whether for robotics, autonomous vehicles, mapping, or research applications, the E1R provides a reliable foundation for your projects.

If you encounter additional issues not covered in this guide, consult the official RoboSense documentation or reach out to their technical support team.