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Serial IR receiver problem

Hello all

I have a strange problem. I use a home built serial IR receiver attached to the com-port of my computer. I use Winlirc and Girder to perform different tasks from my remote control. It has worked very well for many years now.

The other day I installed a Skype adapter, AU-600. I trhink this device works more or less as a modem with voice capablities. It enables me to use my regular phone with Skype, making and receiving calls.

It's an USB device and after I installed it my IR receiver works very poorly. It seems that the signal received is very inconsistent. I've tried to re-learn some remote codes, but Winlirc reports inconsistent signal. When I pull the plug on the skype adapter, evereything is back to normal.

Does anyone has any ideas what can cause this? I've tried to use different USB ports on the computer, different USB cables but no change. I tried to change the IRQ channel of the com port, but that didn't have any effect.

Please help!

Kind regards /Erik

Reply to
Erk
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IR sensors sense a very small signal so they are vulnerable to interference. Just sticking an IR LED to a hi-gain amp isn't enough, it needs screening too. If you look at commercial sensors, they have a metal screen.

It may be that noise on the VCC rail is leaking into the sensor. If so you need extra local regulation near your sensor.

Do you have a link to the page you got your IR design from?

Reply to
Kryten

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