RE: IR circuits

["Ian Bird" <I.Bird@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Campbell

 

The IR diode used in the kits is as you say very directional. It may be worth trying a different IR diode with a wider beam pattern. Usually a wider beam means less range though. If you try adding more than one IR diode you may need t change the value of the 100 ohm resistor, come back t me if this is what you plan and I will look into it.

 

As for comfort.

There may be problems with comfort affecting the IR circuit depending on how it is connected. In my circuit the IR LED has +12 volts on one leg with the other connected t 0 volts via a 100 ohm resistor and transistor (switch). The circuit opens the transistor/switch and current flows and the LED fires IR out. My guess is that there would be problems if you tried t connect this circuit into the comfort IR LED without the comfort LED being disc nnected from comfort. This could damage comfort and/or overheat wires and start little bonfires!!!! There is no fusing in my circuit so if the 12 volt is shorted, well, need I say more.

 

Feel free to give me a call on 01264 711106 or 17740 597906 and we can discuss this further.

 

One last thought - the comfort LED may have a resistor or similar built into it which may stop it working with my circuit.

 

Regards

 

Ian

-----Original Message-----
From: Campbell Macdonald [mailto:c.macd@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 21 July 2001 01:43
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxxSubject: [ukha_d] IR circuits

I am playing with the IR extender (Ian's pcb's) but am finding the transmitter t be very directional, i.e. must point direct t the tv/video. I have tried 2 IR LED's in series which extends the range but does not widen the area.

 

I intend t break into one of my Comfort IR emitters, so I can use the existing IR led's. I have 2 concerns with doing this.

 

1 how do I stop comfort feeding back t Ian's pcb (or the IR extender feeding back t Comfort), would an led (diode) do.

 

2 How do I broaden the signal area, it seems t work fine with Comfort, but the extender does not seem t get the angle.

 

The transmitters are mounted into the wall...

 

any help appreciated

Campbell

 

 

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