Pucks v2 IR range

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2024-10-01 by ErrorV01d

Hi, it seems that my Puckjs (V2.24) can't send an IR signal to more than ~50cm (case on) or ~80cm (case off), with "optimal" conditions (direct line of sight from IR emitter to IR receiver of led bulb).
This doesn't seem to match the info in the docs (1.5m) or other sites (4.5m) so I wonder if there is something I'm not aware off.
Thanks!

[espruino-discuss]

Posted at 2024-10-02 by @gfwilliams

Hi - that's odd - and you're definitely using 'Puck.IR(data)' to send, without specifying any pins as 2nd/3rd arguments?

Maybe you can check E.getBattery() and see what the battery level is? If your battery is low then it won't be able to put out anywhere near as much power.

But otherwise, have you tried on other devices? It might be that what you're using the Puck with isn't as sensitive as the devices we tried with? It could also be thrown off if you're in a room with lots of other IR light (eg from the sun)

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Posted at 2024-10-03 by ErrorV01d

Hi Gordon, thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Yes, I used Puck.IR(data) without extra arguments. The battery I did test beforehand because the puck sat in a drawer, still in its packaging, for years and thus despite being brand new I did wonder if it was operational.
I think your last guess it's the right one: I tried with my TV set and with that it works at over a meter distance. It's a shame the light bulbs I have around the house have such poor IR sensors, I had no idea that was a thing.
Thanks again for your help!