How can I determine the IR frequency?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the infrared (IR) frequency of two IR Text Messengers designed for communication. Participants explore methods for measuring or estimating the frequency, as well as the relevance of light frequency versus data transmission frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a spectrograph to measure the wavelength/frequency of the IR light, while also noting that checking parts catalogs for IR diodes could provide a general wavelength range of around 890-950nm.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of frequency in Hertz, prompting clarification on whether the inquiry pertains to the light frequency or the data transmission frequency.
  • A participant mentions that the data frequency for communication is typically around 100-1000 bits/second and suggests using a photodiode with an oscilloscope for measurement.
  • One participant warns that the frequency of light may not be crucial for the devices, as they may be designed to send data in pulses, with the receiver tuned to a specific pulse frequency.
  • Another participant adds that attempting to intercept transmissions may not be feasible due to encryption, although jamming could be possible by emitting IR signals in the approximate frequency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of light frequency versus data transmission frequency, indicating that there is no consensus on which frequency is more relevant for the inquiry.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the devices may use encrypted packets for communication, which complicates interception attempts. There is also uncertainty regarding the exact frequency of the IR light used in the devices.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in infrared communication technologies, data transmission methods, or those seeking to understand the technical aspects of measuring IR frequencies.

shlomo127
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Hey, I found this forum on good, so I apoligize for my lack of knowledge, but I am trying to determine the IR frequency of these two IR Text Messengers.
Theyre designed to only send messages to one another, so is there any way I could test to discover their frequency? Would it be written anywhere on the inside of the device, and if so where and how.
Thanks so much, and I apoligize if i posted this in the wrong place.
Zachary
 
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To measure the wavelength/frequency of the light you would need a spectrograph.
In practice the easier way is to look for the cheapest IR diodes in a parts catalogue, that's what they will be using. Generally around 905nm but the wavelength control of these parts is poor so the output will be somewhere around 890-950nm
 
Sorry to ask a stupid question, but what's that in Hurtz?
 
About 10^16 hz, you don't normally use frequency for visible wavelengths.
Do you mean the data frequency that the code is sent at rather than the frequcy of the light?
Thats usually around 100-1000 bits/second, you could get a photodiode and hook it upto an oscillopscope.
 
Oh, ok.
Truthfully I am not 100% sure which I want, but ill forward it to my Professor.
Thanks so much!
Zachary
 
You should also be aware that, if the two devices are designed to only send messages to each other, then the frequency of light being used may not be the key you're looking for. In class, we built IR com-units that sent data in pulses. The frequenc of the light was irrelevant; the receiver was tuned to look for a specific frequency of pulse.
 
Ya. if you're thinking you can 'intercept' transmission or something that's not what you're looking for at all (however, you may be able to jam transmission but just spamming IR in the approximate frequency). To 'intercept' you're talking about cryptography. (Since packets between the two things are encrypted)
 

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