P3D Re: VR Surfer querys...

[Tom Hubin <thubin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Wier wrote:
> 
> >I am using a regulated power supply for the 12v DC input, but not
> >the one supplied with the set as it wants 110v input (and where
> >would I get that? :*) ? ) . I have checked that it _is_
> 
> Etc - the one I got was VERY sensitive to being in exactly the
> right place to receive the IR signals from the transmitter
> circuit. Eventually it stopped working completely, and I replaced
> the sensor with an IR detector from Radio Shack, which got me
> "back on the air". One of the problems is that you can't tell
> what's going on since the IR signals are invisible. If you can
> scrouge up a tv camera (I know b&w works  - not sure about color)
> the pickup IS sensitive to IR and you can see it flash on the
> tv screen...
>               Bob Wier

Radio Shack (and I think Edmunds Scientific) sell a credit card sized IR
test card for about $5. When the IR hits the card that spot glows. I
think it flouresces. Anyway, you can tell if the IR LED is emitting or
not.

Often color cameras have IR blocking filters in an effort to mimic the
human eye. Some B&W cameras too. A CCD camera with no filter typically
has peak sensitivity about 800nm (near IR). Even so, looking directly at
an IR LED will sometimes provide enough IR that even a IR blocking
filter will let enough through to be seen.

Tom Hubin
thubin@xxxxxxxxx