So it is the hardware....my UIRT transceives only 10cm.

[Zac]

Does anybody know, what I can do to improve the distance?
What IR module do you use? I use a GP1U52X - it works great - tested it up to 22m.
There might be something wrong with the IR module (defective?).
Normally they work up to about 7 to 16 meters distance. Also make sure that the light in the room is not too strong - a 20-watt hallogen computer desk light is strong enough to block IR if you put the receiver on the desk.



I guess it might be a power-issue, right? But just 10cm???

Test the voltage of DMOS BS170 gate with the IR module unpluged. If it is low then you can use a panasonic IR module PNA4701M which works at 3.3volts...you may have to put a diode at this IR module's vcc or you can put a signal amplifier transistor between the original schematic (5v) IR module's vout and PIC pin 9. Try this at your own risk... :P .

Zac.

[Zac]

I guess I misunderstood your post..... :P I just sort of scanned through it while at work... wrongly obviously.

Here is one way to amplify an IR signal. Check the schematic from this link http://www.geocities.com/nigelorr/ir_extend.html.
Parts needed from the above mentioned schematic are only
BC107, R5, R6 and one or two IR LED. Connect R5 to pin 10 and 11 of PIC16F84. You could also use D1 (visible LED) and R 680.
You could change BC107 with other NPNs, like 2N2222 or MPA series.
If you try this... try at own risk of course.... :)

Zac.

[frankbatzen]

Since I kindly got a very swift answer on my last post I am hopeful somebody can help me again.
I have taught the action-plugin an infrared code and tested the command. Whilst doing that I had a programmable remotecontrol set in learning-mode held 20cm away from the UIRT. It did not recognize an infrared signal unless I went as close as 10cm next to the UIRT. Exactly the same with Danjil Pticars Testprogram. I built it exactly to Ruud's schematic with exactly the proposed parts (i.e. for example with the blue tinted IR-Leds and shielded cable). I don't really have any knowledge in electronics, I was just able to stick to the instructions in building the UIRT. As I mentioned in my previous post, receiving works beautifully.Does anybody know, what I can do to improve the distance? I guess it might be a power-issue, right? But just 10cm???

specs:

original UIRT from Ruud's schematic
10MHz PIC/10MHz Resonator
UIRTdp121.10mhz.hex
girder 3.1.1
mainboard: Elitegroup K7VZA 3.0

Thanks in advance,

Frank Batzen

[frankbatzen]

Hello,

thanks for the swift answer!
You say in your answer that the problem might be due to a defective infrared-module. If I am not totally wrong this the part of the circuit, which receives signals as opposed to the leds, which transceive. So I am confused what the receiver has to do with the small transceiving distance.

Frank Batzen