I have two components with 12 Volt output signal capability. I cannot get a meter reading on either one to verify their functioning but, one does work and the other seems not to. I am using an analog RS meter set to 5 and 12 volts DC. Is this not the right way to check?
Also, is there a particular brand or design type of IR receiver that is more sensitive than others. I am using a typicl 3"w x 2"d x 1"h table top. Not sure the make. I think it is rather 'numb'.
By the way, anyone know why they cost so darn much?
Thanks for any help.

rick,
what? Please supply specific information to get specific answers.

What are the components? what is the type of signal that is put out at 12 volts? is it DC? Is it a 12V current limited signal that is supposed to power LEDs? Do you not know (that is just fine, but TELL US!!!)

Okay, one is working and the other seems not to. How do you know? What did you do to figure out that one does? Are these the same brand, so you logically think they should work the same? What if one is in English volts and one is in Metric volts?

What is an RS meter? What brand and model is it? I have heard of a VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter), and have used one for YEARS, but I can't really think of any other analog meter types..except for the now-antique tube types.

Yes, there are particular IR receivers that are more sensitive than others. Describe what you are trying to do. Does the one you are using have ANY markings? A round output cable? A flat cable? A plug that looks like a stereo headphone plug?

Is the box made of plstic with its edges rounded, and a cable coming out of it? That is likely a Xantech. Is the box made ofm etal, with its edges squared off? this is likely a Niles. Check nilesaudio.com or xantech.com and let us know. For my money, the Niles has issues, and the Xantech is a lot better.


They cost so darn much because there is an IR sensor inside, pretty well shielded from RF interference, with amplifiers and filtering circuits to reject IR signals that are not in the right neighborhood of frequencies. Open one up sometime -- then think about making one. I once thought I could do just as well for half the price, and a look told me otherwise.

Ernie, I could be wrong, but I think a RS meter is Radio Shaft.....or maybe really small....or...

Deco

yeah, deco, I figured that out a minute ago while reading another thread. I know what RCA and GE are, but I have not found it within my soul to elevate Rad Schlock to initials only.

Not that they are at all bad. Their only problems are that the salesplebes often know very little, the stores often do not stock enough SKUs (want 5 female quick disconnects? Just buy this package, 5 female and 5 male!!), and that the constant hope that they will have what I need makes me go there too often, with about 20% exact satisfaction, 50% buy too much in order to get what I need, and 30% "huh?"

Depending on how good your RS meter is you may be able to do the following:
Set you meter on the most sensitive AC volts scale you have. Blast the IR receiver with your remote and look for any response on the meter. In order for this to work your meter will have to respond to about 30 KHz or above, don't know if the RS meter will or not. The best way to test is with a scope.



In volume the IR receiver would cost less than $5.00 to make which would mean an end price to the customer of less than $15.00. The reason they cost so much is that they are a small niche market item. If home automation ever becomes popular the price will fall accordingly.

rickp,
several times I have thought of writing this since my post, and here it is:

It has been ten days since you wrote, and we see no response from you. Are we spinning our wheels trying to help, but you are not checking in?