Dirt cheap infrared transmitter? (receiver not needed)

[Robert Oschler]

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.

 

[jim dorey]

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".

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.

 

[Robert Oschler]

On Fri, 25 Feb 2005 17:06:03 -0500, Robert Oschler

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.

Jim,

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.

 

[jim dorey]

Jim,

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.

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

 

[Peter Baltus]

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
www.conrad.nl, 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" <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: comp.robotics.misc,sci.electronics
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 23:06
Subject: Dirt cheap infrared transmitter? (receiver not needed)

 

[Si Ballenger]

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.

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.

 

[Robert Oschler]

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
www.conrad.nl, 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

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.