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Infrared remote control repeater circuit

I've built the circuit shown at the following link:

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However, I seem to be having a problem regarding ambient light. I did make one change to the circuit. Since I couldn't find the SFH2030 IR detector diode, I used a Vishay BPV22NF with a daylight filter. Also, it might be worth noting that I used a wall wart to power the device instead of a battery. Anyway, the only way I can get the device to work is to completely turn all of the lights off in the room. Is there some way to get this to operate so that the circuit is insensitive to ambient light such as daylight and 60 Hz lighting? I'm new to IR circuits, but I'm guessing that this has something to do with the reverse bias levels on the IR detector diode, but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

The reason I select this circuit was because I thought it was less prone to the effects of ambient light.

Reply to
jondoeengineer
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Well, I usually use the Panasonic IR detectors with the filtering and TTL logic as a unit. PNA4612 38.0 KHz running into a microcontroller. I looked at Andy's circuit and I don't see any reverse bias on the photodioide. If the opamp is functioning correctly, both inputs should be at the same DC level meaning 0 bias on the diode. Photo diodes have better speed and linearity with some reverse bias on them but then have dark current issues. It would seem to me that the signal should be AC coupled to reduce ambient light sensitivity. You're only interested in the pulsing. Just curious, how much range are you trying to get? GG

Reply to
stratus46

I'm looking for a range of about 15 to 20 feet. That works fine as long as the lights are out and ambient light is very minimal. I tried inserting a coupling capacitor between the diode and the opamp input, but it didn't help much.

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Reply to
jondoeengineer

Well, that makes sense. Thanks for your help.

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Reply to
jondoeengineer

I can't seem to find a datasheet for the SFH2030, but found this:

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where it says that the device can be used either as a photodiode (with suitable reverse biasing), or as a photovoltaic cell. I suspect your circuit is using it as the latter. The datasheet for the Vishay part doesn't mention the same capability.

Reply to
John Smith

Samsung and Sony remotes with the PNA4612 receiver easily reach 15-20 feet, more like 25+. You do have to point it at the receive module but it is fine in normal room lights and during the day, provided direct sun is not on the receiver. Are you trying to get around obstacles? My HDTV Wonder came with the ATI remote wonder. This is an RF unit, not IR. I still have this urge to 'point' it at the computer but it makes no difference. GG

Reply to
stratus46

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