Active Markers
Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 6:21 am
Can anybody suggest good LEDs for active markers? It seems most IR LEDs have a narrow angle.
Hello:
Yes, it can be hard to find IR LEDs with a wide FOV. In general, what I have found to be useful are LEDs that have no lens on them, some are PLCC package style and are rated at 120 degrees, but you will have to come up with some sort of way to mount them. Also, I have had success with removing the plastic dome lens from some SMT LEDs, just leaving the die exposed, seems to work well. Finally, you can try using a standard 5mm leaded LED and just cut the top off of it, leaving it to be flat. I then take some 200+ grit sandpaper and rough up the surface so that it makes for a nicer "glowing" emitter. Hope that helps.
In the future we do plan on offering custom IR LEDs just for the purpose of Active Markers. We believe we should be able to get very close to 180 degrees with a custom leaded package. This is probably 3-4 months out.