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TonyNo
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| Posted: December 12 2001 at 23:03 | IP Logged
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I just whipped up the CIR circuit and am severly disappointed in performance with the transmitter section. I'm using two 16mW rated IR LED's.
Anyone know of specific diodes that work well or mods to the circuit? I know of two LED's that I know work well, but, they are in my One For All!
Thanks,
Tony
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didi
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Joined: November 29 2001
Location: Belgium
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| Posted: December 13 2001 at 04:52 | IP Logged
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After 2 weeks of strugling with the CIR I threw it all away and bought the Redrat2.
This one really works like a breeze, no problem at all.
I dont think the problem is your transmitter. It's what it is sending that's not right.
If I aimed a remote at the CIR and learned a specific button's code a few times in a row, I almost never got the same code for the same key.
I think it's a timing issue. The Redrat2 has a variable time base so it can synchronize with the frequencies of the different remotes en thus get a perfect sample of the infrared signal that's being transmitted.
The CIR relies on a fixed PC timebase, wich makes sampling a whole less accurate.
In know the Redrat2 is rather expensive but after two realy frustrating weeks, believe me, it's worth every Euro.
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dhoward
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| Posted: December 13 2001 at 10:03 | IP Logged
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Tony,
I have had success with the High Output IR LED's from Radio Shack...part no: 276-143. I have to agree with Dirk on the RedRat2 however. It is an excellent IR controller and very easy to use. Highly recommended.
Dave.
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TonyNo
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| Posted: December 13 2001 at 23:32 | IP Logged
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Didi & Dave: Thanks for the info.
I'm using the same LED's you mentioned, Dave. I've also seen the never-the-same-code-twice thing and wondered.
My One for All must be using some *really* high-power LED's, though, because my IR detector really lights up from it, and the CIR is barely noticable. I would guess the range of my CIR would only be a few feet, if that.
Hmmm. I'll have to look into this RedRat2...
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dhoward
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| Posted: December 14 2001 at 15:36 | IP Logged
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Tony,
When I was using the CIR, the best distance I could get was about 10 feet. What I ended up doing because of equipment location was to use a couple of the X10 IR pyramids. The CIR was only a few inches away from the transmitter and this in effect amplified the IR signal.
As far as the never-the-same-code-twice...this is normal with the CIR. If you actually analyze the differences between the codes, they amount to nothing more than minor timing differences. These differences can be due to the machine but also are due to the critical distance between the IR detector and the remote.
That said, you will be much happier with a RedRat2 from a usability standpoint.
Dave.
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TonyNo
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| Posted: December 14 2001 at 23:28 | IP Logged
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Dave,
The IR Pyramid is a good idea for later! I almost forgot about those!
Thanks,
Tony
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hollis
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Joined: February 09 2002
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| Posted: February 09 2002 at 02:12 | IP Logged
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I'm primarily automating my house with X10 modules, but I might be interested in expanding now that I have PowerHouse. I'm looking for a cheap way of experimenting. Sounds like the reliablity is dubious at best with CIR, but don't want to dish out the big bucks for the RedRat2 just yet.
Any other affordable alternatives would be welcomed if anyone has info.
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dhoward
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| Posted: February 09 2002 at 17:45 | IP Logged
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Currently PowerHome only supports IR via the RedRat2, CPU-XA/Ocelot, and the CIR. If anybody knows of an IR device that they would like support added for and programming specifications are available, let me know and I'll look into adding it. As far as cheap goes, the CIR cant be beat. The only problem is that the results are mixed. Some people have no problem and others cant get it to work at all. I know of a source that manufactures the CIR and sells it pretty cheap. They can be found here: http://cir-ii.midondesign.com
however when I just checked the site, it seemed to be down.
Dave.
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Topic: CIR
