KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module: A Guide for Arduino User

The KY-008 Module is a copper head 650nm Laser Transmitter Diode that can emit a dot-shaped, visible red laser beam to used as a laser pointer, theft detection system, etc. It's compatible with a microcontroller, like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32.

In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about this laser transmitter module circuit board, including specifications, pinout, circuit & connection diagram, and how to interface with Arduino.

KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module Circuit Board

KY-008 Module Specifications

A quick specification of the KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module is as follows:

Type: Laser Transmitter
Maker: Keyes
Operating Voltage: 5V
Operating Current: < 40mA
Output Power: 5mW
Output Wavelength: 650nm
Operating Temprature: -10°C ~ 40°C [14°F to 104°F]
Board Dimantions: 18.5mm x 15mm

KY-008 Module Pinout

Pinout of KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module

The ky-008 laser transmitter module has 3 male header pins those are -

Pin (S): Signal
Pin (Middle): +5V (Optional)
Pin (-): GND

KY-008 Module Circuit Diagram

Schematic of the ky-008 laser transmitter module circuit is shown below.

Schematic of KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module Circuit

KY-008 Module Interfacing with Arduino

Connection diagram of the ky-008 laser transmitter module with an Arduino is shown below.

KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module Interfacing with Arduino

Connect the ground pin (-) and signal pin (s) of the ky-008 module to GND and digital pin 2 on the Arduino, respectively. The interface does not require this module's Power (middle) pin, so connection is optional for the user.

Arduino Source Code

The following Arduino sketch for the KY-008 Laser Transmitter Module, set the signal pin of the module as the output. The module using this interface will generate a laser blinker and, it automatically turns the laser on and off every 1-second interval.

// Start Arduino sketch
int laserPin = 2; // Define the Laser Transmitter Module KY-006 interface with Arduino
void setup() {                
	pinMode(laserPin, OUTPUT);  // Set Arduino pin as output
}
// Start the main program loop
void loop() {
	digitalWrite(laserPin, HIGH); // Turn on the laser diode
	delay(1000); // Delay one second
	digitalWrite(laserPin, LOW); // Turn off the laser diode
	delay(1000); // Delay one second
}
// End