cheap IR detectors

[diodekid]

Just got a new Ramsey Electronics catlog and they sell an infrared beam alarm kit for just $9.95.  Ditch the buzzer add a relay to it and you have a real cheap IR train detector.  I haven't built one yet, so I can say what modifications are needed to it.  Most ICs won't drive a relay directly so a 25¢ transistor switch probably would have to be built.  Their web address is:  www.ramseykits.com or phone [phone].  Thought I'd pass this along.

[claymore1977]

Since you are already going to use a switching transistor and depending on what you aim to use this IR detector for, this might be a cheaper angle:

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/4861-QRB1114-IR-Photoreflector-Leads.aspx

-Dave L

[Mark R.]

Since you are already going to use a switching transistor and depending on what you aim to use this IR detector for, this might be a cheaper angle:

http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/4861-QRB1114-IR-Photoreflector-Leads.aspx

-Dave L

That one may be good in theory, but upon checking the specs, the nominal reflective distance is only slightly over 1/8 of an inch.  A better one, and a complete circuit is available through TCH Technologies. It has a reflective range of about 2 inches and will easily detect rolling stock passing overhead ..... and it's only $7.95 ready to go ....

http://www.tchtechnology.com/

Mark.

[claymore1977]

Good Link.  *Bookmarked*

Oh and FYI when I posted that link, I wasnt really thinking outside the bounds of N scale *Oops*