EV3

The MINDSTORMS EV3 (2013) is a Linux brick programmed over USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi rather than optically. Its sensor set includes two optical components, one of which — the IR Sensor and IR Beacon — forms a real optical control link.

Color sensor (sensing)

Emits R/G/B; modes: reflected light intensity, ambient light, color ID. Input only.

Infrared sensor + IR Beacon (optical remote link)

The IR Sensor and IR Beacon remote form an optical comms channel:

• Proximity — sensor emits IR, measures reflection (0–100, ~70 cm).
• Beacon — locates the beacon: heading + distance, on one of 4 channels.
• Remote — the beacon's buttons act as a remote; on a running program, channels 1–2 can directly drive motors (B/C and A/D).

EV3 IR is its own protocol: despite both being IR, it is not the same as Power Functions RC (IR) and the two are not protocol-compatible.

The EV3 is therefore partly optically controllable via its beacon and remote, while the color sensor is pure sensing. Related: NXT, Power Functions (IR).

Links

• 31313 MINDSTORMS EV3 (Rebrickable).
• 45544 Education EV3 Core Set (Rebrickable).