So I'm researching IR repeaters and I'm trying to build a basic one. I've found a few examples and I understand what they do but I'm confused at why one is better than the other. Wouldn't the most basic one work fine, why the need to add IC's in the mix? What does the TL594CN add that the 555 does not?

 

Any thoughts?

 

Hello,

The first one is the simplest. One mistake is made, there is no current limiting for the leds.

The second one is unclear. It is a drawing how to connect the things, but not a schematic.

The third one is a detector / modulator setup.
The signal is taken by the TSOP wich delivers pulses on its output.
The 555 is used to "remodulate" the signal again.

Greetings,
Bertus

 

One thing that is not addressed in a simple IR repeater similar to the one you have provided in your first example circuit is that often an extraneous source of IR light can interfere with the performance. To help avoid this, the IR transmitter and the IR receiver are AC coupled and then the IR signal is modulated. This improves perfromance in adverse lighting conditions.

hgmjr

 

I plan on using this (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8554) so this already has demodulation built in so could I use a basic circuit like the first one if I'm using this part?

 

You will need the corresponding transmitter to go with it.

hgmjr

 

You will need the corresponding transmitter to go with it.

hgmjr

I plan on using a remote.

 

That sounds like fun. What is your overall project?

hgmjr

 

That sounds like fun. What is your overall project?

hgmjr

I'm trying to solve a problem. My media rack is off the right of my couch and some of the components are high so I have to get up to use it. I want to build a circuit that I can put near the tv that accepts the ir signal and then repeats it but at a different height and angle so I don't have to get up.

 

Would a mirror work?

 

Would a mirror work?

What fun is that?

 

I'm trying to solve a problem. My media rack is off the right of my couch and some of the components are high so I have to get up to use it. I want to build a circuit that I can put near the tv that accepts the ir signal and then repeats it but at a different height and angle so I don't have to get up.

You think you could have a problem or the media rack actually does not work properly while you are sitting in the couch?

IR signal detector are so sensitive that IR signal bounces off the wall will work without any difficulty.

 

You think you could have a problem or the media rack actually does not work properly while you are sitting in the couch?

IR signal detector are so sensitive that IR signal bounces off the wall will work without any difficulty.

It works for the receiver and dvr box but my popcorn hour has a weak IR receiver and you pretty much have to point the remote directly at it.

 

Can't you move your popcorn machine to a more advantageous point in the room? Nice man-cave by the way.

hgmjr