IR vs RF

[Perseus]

Hello

I am looking to make an exterior light remote control so my wife can turn on some exterior lights when she drives up the driveway, maybe 200 foot distance. (We live in rural area and she gets nervous)

I am not sure what way is best. From what I have read through these forums, IR seems to be limited in distance and obviously line of sight, but easier to implement.

RF seems to be longer range but more involved.

I am willing to take on either way if I can get some opinion on what method to use.

Thanks

Scott

[audioguru]

Hi Scott,
Ir is simpler and if your wife has a good aim, then a laser pointer will go pretty far. ;D

[SupeR-NovA]

but you have to be quite good to aim at a sensor which is 200 foot away, WHILE DRIVING!!
you should use the RF method...
there is quite alot info on this on the web, it shouldn't be to complicated...

[Perseus]

LOL good aim huh?

Guess I better stick to the RF.

Thanks for the input, time to roll up the sleeves!

[Shahriar]

Hi

If you want to build a RF Remote control, i Think theis project will work fine. I have not build it yet but its design looks perfect. It belongs to 27MHz Toy Car.

http://jap.hu/electronic/rf.html

HTH - Shahriar

[wood_workur]

What if you had a light sensor on a tree near the front of drive way?

[Perseus]

Shahriar

Good link, thanks. I will have to study those for sure. When they state a 500 mm Antenna, can that be wound or does it have to be straight?

A remote light sensor? I had not even thought about that. interesting.

Thanks again for the tips.

[Shahriar]

Dear Perseus

Antenna theory is very complicated and any Shape antenna has its own specification and uses, but as I have seen in some SIMPLE remote controls, the Antenna shape does not have very Specific impression on the range. I am going to build it for some one, If I did it, I will tell you about the antenna shape....

HTH - Shahriar