by jrhees » Wed Feb 26, 2003 2:50 pm
James,
The 1/8" jack on the back of the USB-UIRT is compatible with Xantech and other brands of IR STICK-ON EMITTERS. However, you need to be aware of the following limitations:
1. When using these IR emitters, you may want to avoid using the DUAL EMITTERS *WITH VISIBLE BLINKERS* (the dual emitters without the visible blinker are OK). The dual *visible* emitters may not work effectively, depending on how they are wired. If they use series wiring, the voltage drop over the four emitters (two visible, two IR) will be too large for effective operation. This is because the USB-UIRT is a 5V device, rather than a 12V device like the Xantech, etc.
The current-limiting resistors inside the USB-UIRT are tailored to single and dual emitters.
I *have* tested the Xantech 282M, 283M, 284M emitters and they all work fine.
I have also tested a ChannelVision DUAL VISIBLE emitter which I have verified does not use separate IR and RED leds. It also works fine.
I do not know if the Xantech 'visible' models do the same, or whether they have 2 LED's (one RED and one IR).
With that said, I cannot verify whether a cable could be directly connected between the USB-UIRT's 1/8" emitter jack and the Xantech distribution block products. I see no reason why it should not work, however, the Xantech is expecting a 12V signal, and depending on what circuitry they have inside it may or may not accept the 5V signalling.
-Jon