That’s exactly why I don’t want it. I’ve seen some terrible crashes up this way.
I’ve long looked enviously at the newer and more expensive machines with built-in non-mechanical distance meters.
I made this primitive sensor based on what you plan to make. It works very precisely but is only semi-automatic out of laziness. I have to start a Wifi connection to the sensor with my iPhone to see the water level, or lift the lid to see the small display, it doesn’t matter - it works.
I would love a compact solution with an interface to connect to the laser. I am also surprised that there is no ready-made solution on the market yet.
I also see potential applications in bed leveling / material flatness control. Being able to see the distance measurement live will be loved and will surprise some users about how crooked their machine bed is.
Also a good idea, if the frame rate and transmission speed are good enough it should also be possible and would be useful.
I’m not good at Arduino/Python programming, but I have some of the necessary components lying around here, so I’d like to play around / spar if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you just want to see if there’s a market for your ideas, I’m interested too.