September 2013
I'm working with IR LEDs for a wireless stereo system in my living room. I'm having trouble visualizing the dead spots (shadows). Do you know any way to see the IR light distribution, short of me buying a pair of those night goggles from the military?
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You might try your digital camera, just turn it on so you can watch the display and point it at your IR source. Many digital cameras were able to do this until they discovered it would allow "seeing" underneath someone's clothing. If your new camera doesn't show any IR try an older camera or pick up an older one at a yard sale. Take some batteries with you & an IR LED you can test it with.
Alonso, all you need to see if IR LEDs are emitting is your humble camcorder or other CCD-based video recording device. Simply kill ambient room illumination (lighting, close drapes, etc.), activate your IR source(s), then use your camcorder in "night mode" to see the IR illumination.
In fact, you can use this method to determine if your IR remotes are working or not - just point the remote at the camcorder lens and press a remote button. You'll see the emitter end of the remote glowing/flashing in the camcorder's viewer if it's working.
Hope this helps.
Regarding Alonso’s question about needing to see infrared light, most digital cameras are sensitive to IR light, and it can be seen on the EV.
Most digital cameras are infrared (IR) sensitive. The simple test is to point an IR remote control at the camera and watch the LCD screen. For the "dead spots" or shadow tests, turn all visible lights off, then turn on your IR source. Look around the living room with the digital camera (I recommend lowering the screen brightness), and see where there is no illumination with the IR source.
I've found that my digital camera can see the IR LEDs and have used it for that purpose. Just point at the LED and look at the viewscreen.
