I've been using one of these IR modules on my Arduino Mega for some time now. I use it to turn on two devices hidden in a cabinet. I am now adding a 3rd device to the cabinet which is the same make and model as one of the other devices, which means I can simply just repeat the signal. However, it is not within line of sight of the module. I have a couple of IR LEDs at hand. Can I simply piggy-back another LED off the one on the module? Or do I need another module itself? I also have at hand a few of those IR extenders that come with cable boxes, so maybe I could even use one of them?
Paul_KD7HB:
A front surfaced mirror or shiny sheet of metal will do the same.
Paul
I thought of that too but the device is in an enclosed space that's impossible to get a mirror or anything in there.
While looking at this transmitter in more detail, I can see that the 5v VCC pin is actually not used, so it's drawing its current directly from the GPIO pin, which means adding another LED will exceed the amps on the pin. So I'm wondering if I can connect another LED in parallel by running it through a transistor such as a ULN2803. Thoughts?
I see a 4 pin device in the picture you posted. Sure looks like it is supposed to only emit IR if the Vcc is connected and the data signal is functioning to make the LED light up with the data signal.
Can you paint the inside of the enclosure with white paint. That also works as an IR reflector.
Paul_KD7HB:
I see a 4 pin device in the picture you posted. Sure looks like it is supposed to only emit IR if the Vcc is connected and the data signal is functioning to make the LED light up with the data signal.
Can you paint the inside of the enclosure with white paint. That also works as an IR reflector.
PAul
3 Pins. I confirmed the VCC pin is there for if you want to use a different power source. I disconnected it and it still transmits without it.
