Dirt cheap infrared transmitter? (receiver not needed)

Feb 25, 2005 7 Replies
R

In a few days I am releasing onto SourceForge a piece of Open Source software (GPL), that controls a Robosapien robot. Currently the software supports a $50 USB infrared transceiver. The current supported transceiver is an excellent product, but I am hoping to find a dirt cheap alternative for my users; especially since there is no cost for the software.



I do not need any IR receiving or learning capability at all, only transmit. A serial port device instead of a USB port device is fine, if that would reduce the cost.



Note: I am looking for a fully assembled unit from a reliable vendor so my users can simply order online and then "plug and play". I need it to work on the Windows operating system (I do intend to add Linux support in the near future).



If you know of such a product please post a link to the vendor's web site.



Thanks.


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J

pity, as making an ir transmitter is real simple, specially if the board supports an infrared module. just a resistor and ir led tied with a cable to the irtx line would do, could even use a spare cd-drive analog cable.

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R

I agree, but there will be plenty of Robosapien owners that won't even know what a soldering iron it, and I want them to be able to use the software too.

Thanks.

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J

they could twist the wires together, then just plug them into the cable, it won't be as secure, but it'd work.

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P

Hello Robert,

I'm not sure if this is usable with your software, or qualifies as dirt-cheap, but a local computer store (Computer Shop Valkenswaard) has a miniature USB IrDA dongle, type MCS7780 for EUR 20 incl. software and USB extension cord.

Another option, which I am working on myself, is to replace the IR with RF. I bought a transmitter and receiver PCB from

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article code 130428, for just EUR 15. It has the advantage that you don't need line-of-sight, but it is obviously not suitable for everybody.

I'm looking forward to your software, please let us know when you release it!

Peter

----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Oschler" Newsgroups: comp.robotics.misc,sci.electronics Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 23:06 Subject: Dirt cheap infrared transmitter? (receiver not needed)

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J

"Robert Oschler" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@adelphia.com:

We used a PDA with IR for control of RoboSapien. Admittedly not cheap, but lots of people have one anyway... See:

formatting link

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S

With no info on how your software is supposed to control hardware, I doub't you will get much info of use. The USB UIRT may be the closest thing to a ready built computer IR interface.

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R

Peter,

1) $20 EUR is still close to the $50 USD for the USB UIRT. I'm going to work hard to find something below $20. 2) I too very soon want to replace my Robosapien's IR with RF, especially so I can control multiple units separately (not possible with currently with IR link), but again, I don't think the average Robosapien purchaser will do that sort of thing.

I definitely will post a message when the software is ready, which will be in a few days.

Thanks.

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