BeamIR

Where To Purchase

beamIR is not currently listed in out store. However, it can be purchased via special request.

BeamIR is comprised of twin modules, one for Tx and the other for rx. It is also possible to use the Tx module as a 38kHz IR transmitter and the Rx module as a general purpose 38kHz IR receiver.

Data Sheet

The data sheet can be found by clicking here

Applications

BeamIR, the Advanced Infrared Light Barrier modules can be used in the following:

Light Barriers
Security projects
Lap Timers
Laser Tag – invisible trip wire
Photography
Photo Interrupter
Reflective sensors for hand dryers, towel or soap
Dispensers, water faucets, toilet flush
Vending machine fall detection
Virtual ‘fence’
CNC wireless Probes
Security and pet gates
Person or object vicinity activation

BeamIR can be used in both 'beam mode' where the 2 modules are placed at either end of the invisible beam and in 'reflective mode' where the IR is bounced or reflected off a target and both modules are placed side by side facing the target.

BeamIRrx Pin Out

The header pins are laid out as follows:

VCC +ve supply power 5V
GND -ve supply power Ground / 0V
OUT IR out signal directly from the IR receiver (inverted logic)
OUT2 The inverse of OUT (thus bring the signal back to normal logic.
TP2 Test Point 2 (Internal use only), please ignore unless provided with specific instructions.
TP1 Test Point 1 (Internal use only), please ignore unless provided with specific instructions.
VCC +ve supply power 5V
GND -ve supply power Ground / 0V
OC Open collector output for driving loads (Note 1)

Note 1: The OC output pin the at the collector of an NPN transistor whose base is driven by hte OUT2 signal. The emitter of the NPN is connected directly to ground.

Basic Functionality

Whne a Tx & Rx module are configured correctly and operational the outputs will be as follows:

IR Beam not broken

OUT => Logic LOW (Close to 0V)
OUT2 => Logic HIGH (Close to VCC, via pull-up resistor)
OC => Open Collector, shorted to GND via NPN/CE (Driven by OUT2)
Red LED => ON

IR Beam broken

OUT => Logic High(Close to VCC)
OUT2 => Logic LOW(Close to GND, via NPN/CE)
OC => Open Collector, Open & connected to NPN collector, which is 'turned off'
Red LED => OFF

Range

The effective range of BeamIR can be from 1m to 20m+ depending on the IR Power setting and ambient lighting. However, it is important to note:

The further the range the wider the IR Beam, So it may help to reduce the neam width, by using an opaque pipe for direction.
Sunshine can intefere with IR transmission. The carrier frequency hapls mitigate errors due to sunshine. Pulsing the Tx module at say 600uSecs can help distinguish between valid beam signals and inteference.
If sunshine is a factor, placing the receiver unit on the side pointing away from the Sun, will help.
Much longer ranges and narrower beams can be achieved by the use Optics/lenses to focus the beam.