Jim Thompson wrote:
Frustrated with IR repeaters that use RF links (like Terk)... ambient
RF noise too high for reliable operation :-(

It occurred to me that since I have a central "Great Room"
architecture, that makes for a wide open optical shot across great
expanses... as much as 60' per link... so a purely optical repeater
should work nicely... pick-up the IR from a remote and blast an LED
with an Ampere ;-)

Ceiling heights of 12' to 16' and door openings of at least 8' means I
don't have to contend with people getting in the way.

So now I need pointers on how to collimate/focus an IR beam so it
doesn't spread out too much at 60' range.


You might not have to collimate much. Some remotes in hotels really pack
a punch yet must run legal power limits, and many from Europe as well.
Once in a Marriott I couldn't believe it. You could be in the bathroom
and switch channels. So I left the door open, walked down the hallway of
at least 100ft and hit "Channel Up" five times. Came back and sure
enough the TV was five channels up.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/