In a message dated 25/05/01, travis5765@........... writes:

> Although I have not tried it, it seems like it should work. You would have 
> to make sure NO excess light fell onto the sensors though.
> By the way, I missed the page in scanning that told that the output needs 
> only minimal amplification though it varies with the rated output of the 
> solar panels and the consistency of the light output.
> My idea for a modification would be to use a laser pointer as a light 
> source. make sure to have a well regulated power supply for it.

       The larger area silicon photocells as opposed to 'solar cells' tend to 
be better matched as to sensitivity, change with temperature and reverse 
leakage. Solid state Lasers are very noisy indeed. LED's are also noisy and 
their output is quite temperature dependant. A tungsten bulb driven from a 
voltage stabilised source at about 3/4 it's rated voltage will give good 
performance. You also benefit from the Infra Red sensitivity of the Si cell. 
You can get good performance by butting two cells end to end and using a slit 
which exposes about half each cell.

       Regards,

       Chris Chapman
In a message dated 25/05/01, travis5765@........... writes:



Althou
gh I have not tried it, it seems like it should work. You would have 

to make sure NO excess light fell onto the sensors though.

By the way, I missed the page in scanning that told that the output needs 

only minimal amplification though it varies with the rated output of the 

solar panels and the consistency of the light output.

My idea for a modification would be to use a laser pointer as a light 

source. make sure to have a well regulated power supply for it.




       The larger area silicon photocells as opposed to 'solar cells' tend to 

be better matched as to sensitivity, change with temperature and reverse 

leakage. Solid state Lasers are very noisy indeed. LED's are also noisy and 

their output is quite temperature dependant. A tungsten bulb driven from a 

voltage stabilised source at about 3/4 it's rated voltage will give good 

performance. You also benefit from the Infra Red sensitivity of the Si cell. 

You can get good performance by butting two cells end to end and using a slit 

which exposes about half each cell.



       Regards,



       Chris Chapman