Line Sensors: Gaffers Tape versus Carpet Reflectivity

[daneelshof]

Today, we got our shipment of gaffers tape in to test our line sensors.

A couple days ago, we had our line sensors and software working like a dream. However, we used duct tape as a stand-in until the proper tape was received.

No matter the height of the sensor or the adjustment of the gain, we could not get any differentiation between the gaffers tape and the carpet.

Unfortunately, we ordered the gaffers tape before FIRST added the specific brand of tape they use. We have Uline 2" Grey Gaffers tape instead of Pro Gaff. Also, our carpet is similar, but not identical to FIRST's specification (it's standard-issue school carpet.) I'm speculating the reflectivity is the same without the carpet and tape being identical to spec.

Any insight? Has anyone got the sensors working with gaffers tape and carpet?

P.S. The sensors gain adjustment is very delicate and we have broken one sensor already!