tsl2561

Overview

The tsl2561 node reads light intensity from the TSL2561 sensor. This sensor has two photodiodes - one for visible+IR and one for IR only - allowing accurate lux calculation and separate visible/IR readings. Great for grow lights, photography, and scientific applications.

Properties

Output

{
  "payload": {
    "lux": 542.3,
    "visible": 12450,
    "infrared": 3200,
    "fullSpectrum": 15650
  },
  "lux": 542.3,
  "timestamp": 1640000000000
}

Example: Grow Light Optimization

Monitor light spectrum for indoor plants and control supplemental lighting.

// Function node: Grow light control
var lux = msg.payload.lux;
var visible = msg.payload.visible;
var ir = msg.payload.infrared;

// Calculate visible/IR ratio (plants need more visible)
var ratio = visible / (ir + 1); // +1 to avoid divide by zero

var recommendation = "";
var lightAction = "off";

if (lux < 2000) {
    recommendation = "Very low light - turn on grow lights";
    lightAction = "full";
} else if (lux < 5000) {
    recommendation = "Low light - supplement with grow lights";
    lightAction = "partial";
} else if (lux > 50000) {
    recommendation = "Too bright - consider shade";
    lightAction = "off";
} else {
    recommendation = "Good light levels";
    lightAction = "off";
}

msg.payload = {
    lux: lux,
    visibleIrRatio: ratio.toFixed(2),
    recommendation: recommendation,
    lightAction: lightAction
};

return msg;