Quick context: I’m working on a system designed to detect people messing with truck trailer curtains during overnight parking, using LiDAR + a spotlight instead of cameras.

I’ve now built the first workshop test setup. At this stage, the goal is simple: get the LiDAR, ESP32, enclosure, and wiring working together in controlled conditions before putting anything on the truck.

**Designing the enclosure**

I designed the enclosure in Fusion 360 to hold both the LiDAR and the ESP32.

From the beginning, I designed it specifically for 3D printing. I wanted something practical and easy to manufacture, so all parts were designed to print without supports, avoiding large overhangs and bridges.

I also added:

✅an adjustable LiDAR mount, so I can fine-tune the beam angle  
✅a removable ESP32 mount with magnets, making it easier to access the board during testing

All parts were printed in PETG Basic from Bambu Lab on the engineering plate, and it worked really well for this kind of functional enclosure and early assembly testing.

During assembly, I also used brass heat-set inserts in a few areas where repeated adjustments are expected.

**Electronics and wiring**

I added a few LEDs for system monitoring.  
Later they’ll help visualize how the system reacts in different situations. The white LED is currently meant to simulate the main output, the spotlight that will eventually act as the deterrent in the real setup.

The LiDAR was wired according to the datasheet.  
It supports 5–24V input, but at 5V it can draw up to 150 mA, so I decided not to power it directly from the ESP32 or USB.

For power distribution, I used WAGO-style lever connectors (one for +5V and one for GND) and distributed power from there to all components.

Communication between the LiDAR and ESP32 is done over UART: VCC, GND, TX, and RX.  
I removed the original connector, insulated the unused CAN lines, and soldered Dupont jumper wires to make prototyping faster and cleaner.

TX and RX are connected crosswise, as expected.  
The LEDs share a common ground, and each one is controlled from separate GPIO pins on the ESP32.

**Current stage**

At this point, the entire workshop setup is assembled and ready for its first real power-on test.

The next step is bringing the system online, validating LiDAR readings, establishing stable communication with the ESP32, and starting software development.

If you’ve built similar LiDAR + ESP32 setups before, what usually shows up once you power everything on?  
Noise? Voltage issues? UART communication problems? 

I’d genuinely love to hear what usually needs fixing after the first real test.

Built the first workshop test rig for my LiDAR-based trailer security setup — now it’s ready for testing