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Re: Strange IR emitter problem



Lewis Gardner <lgardner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>Dave Houston wrote:
>> Lewis Gardner <lgardner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>If changing the
>>>placement of the IR receiver cannot solve this problem then the 291-80
>>>CFL friendly receiver is your next step.
>>
>>
>> Lewis,
>>
>> How much of a problem do CFLs create for IR receivers? Is the interference
>> filtering on the +12V or in the IR circuits? IOW, do the CFLs emit high
>> level IR in the frequency range typically used by remotes or is it just the
>> conducted noise that's also a problem for powerline carriers that's an
>> issue. I can see how filtering the +12V can be done but not how any
>> filtering can tell spurious IR emissions from legitimate ones.
>
>Haven't given much research to the cause of the problem.
>
>During installs I put a Xantech 291-10 in place first and if it works
>fine. If not I replace it with a Xantech 291-80 and in most cases the
>problem goes away. Usually the 291-10 will exhibit flashing of the
>talkback LED and the 291-80 won't. In many cases there are no CFLs in
>the vicinity.
>
>I would assume it is not a power supply issue since the same power
>supply works in either case.
>
>I would use the 291-80 exclusively but 291-10s keep finding their way
>into my IR install box. The 291-80s are about $20 more but save a bunch
>of frustration. Here is the PDF:
>
>http://www.xantech.com/products/i_folder/i_29180.pdf
>
>Overall I have found Xantech stuff to be quite reliable and well worth
>the money. Other that the issues listed in my last reply the only other
>problems I have found are:
>
>4. The power supply needs to be 12 volts. Regulated supplies required.
>Currently I am using CUI part number DPS120100UPS-P5P-SZ switch mode
>power supplies from Digikey. They are small and usually take only one
>outlet space. On review I may get some EPS120050-P5P units since 500 mA
>is more than enough for a small system and they cost about 1/3 of the 1
>amp units.
>
>5. Mis wiring. I recall a problem where the ground and signal wires (I
>think...) were reversed and while the talkback LED flashed IR
>communication was flaky at best.
>
>Other than these 5 issues (common to all repeater systems) I have only
>had 1 normal piece of equipment that could not be reliably controlled
>with a repeater system. Of course this is normal equipment. Some high
>end stuff like B&O use a very high carrier frequency and need special stuff.

Thanks for the PDF link.

Fluorescent lights have always emitted IR light and many IR receivers are
bothered by strong RF emissions (e.g. from a plasma screen or nearby TV) so
I'd be surprised if they are using "CFL friendly" in reference to those.
Conducted noise could still be an issue - it might be that the 291-80 merely
has better internal filtering on the +12V. It might be interesting to see if
a standard unit would work in the same environment when powered from a
battery.

I have no need of and thus no experience with Xantech but I haven't seen
many complaints so your views seem to be the consensus.

http://davehouston.org
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/roZetta/
roZetta-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


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