Re: Anyone have experience with infrared LEDs?


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Posted by Andrew Beley on 17, 2001 at 8:06 PM:

In Reply to: Anyone have experience with infrared LEDs? posted by Dan on 17, 2001 at 3:16 PM:

: Hi, I've built a few sensors using high-output infrared LEDs and IR phototransistors to simulate a certain arcade game's controls, but their range of detection is fairly small (maybe about 3-4 inches). Does anyone know of any way to extend the range of the IR LED?

: Here's the current layout of one of my sensors:
:


: | |
: | |
: |____|
: | |
: U U
: IR LED-------^ ^--------IR Phototransistor
:

: Basic info: When some object passes under the sensor's range, the IR signal reflects back and triggers the phototransistor.

to increase the range and sensitivity, the first thing(and easyest) you should try is maxing out the ouput of the ir led, this can be done by looking at the max current(~10-50mA) for the led and usign the right resistor

current(amps)=voltage(volts)/resistance(ohms)

also if you bought the packeage with the ir led and ir phototransistor for RS the led is probably fairly weak, they also sell high power IR leds, getting one of thous might help

you can also increase the sensitivity of the phototransistor by using a normal transistor (a 3904 is a good one, easy to find and cheap). ime not shure how the snes pad works(if th ebuttons are active hight or low or if they have to be closed like a keyboard)





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