In the last week or so I had to dismantle a.. something (homely) in order to repair it.
I know you all like a bit of a mystery or quiz, so... Can you tell what it is yet??
This is the actual faulty item dismantled from the main unit, the PCB has an IR LED and IR Sensor. It's the LED that's dud according to the self test procedure, but I'm dubious (unfortunately it can't be powered once dismantled).
Hmm,
I'd like it to be part of a "Giga Sender" with remote control link, but it looks more like something that would be more at home in washing machine, or air conditioner.. Never come across a remote control washing machine, and can't imagine why that, or an A/C unit would need an IR emitter. 
It has to be part of the control unit from Wallace & Gromit's wrong trousers - ex NASA! 
If the prize is a dog chew, I guess my mutt goes hungry tonight?..... 
A position sensor from something - a washing machine? LED used to sense when swinging arm is in right position?
Jeremy
Jeremy
G8MLK, BVWS member, BVWTVM Friend
For Pamphonic information have a look at http://www.pamphonic.co.uk
Hi Wolfie,
looks like some sort of new fancy door interlock from a washing machine. 
Although having infra red is a new one on me if it is an interlock
Marc.
Marc
BVWS member
RSGB call sign 2E0VTN
You should be telling me... 
I'll give everyone a good chance before more pictures come along.
First prize might be a week in Blackpool, second prize might be two weeks in Blackpool.. but somehow I doubt it. 
It looks like a reflective sensor with a mechanical gate to shut it off.
Whatever might need such a device is anybodies guess.
The moving shutter arm would have to be operated by something like air flow in a location where there is not a cost effective to do it with a simple switch.
Paper out detector from a printer?
Al
Yes it is a mechanical / opto sensor as above, it detects when something physically comes into contact with the entire unit.. here's the one and only PCB
I feel a bit mean for not saying in the above post that..
It isn't a washer, printer or Aircon.
Is it one of those automatic lawnmowers or Hoovers?
Jon
BVWS Member
Is it one of those automatic lawnmowers or Hoovers?
I think you might be right! 
I *knew* I recognised it from somewhere ... the board gave it away. It's the bumper sensor from a Roomba. Mine had duff sensors in. Easy fix though.
That didn't last long... you're all just too good. Yeah, our faithful Roomba bit the dust, oh haha.. Literally.
I'll put up some more pics when I can get to the main PC (through the piles of dust)
All the Google searches say that the IR LED in the sensor (ahem) "burns out" and during the diagnostic you operate the bumper and a light comes on to say that it has been pressed then stays on instead of going out when the bumper is released.
So my argument with Google is... how does it know I've pressed the bumper if the LED is out already??
The main chassis, bump sensors at the front L & R, one dismantled and one still assembled.
The sensor bar at the top also wraps around the front, it has several pairs of IR LEDs and Detectors to detect approaching objects and reduce the speed before contact.
Then the contact bumper that actually presses the switches behind.
I'm very impressed with the build quality, everything fits, snaps or screws together perfectly, no gaps or holes, although the fine dust can get into the main body underneath it was spotless above.
Our problem is dog hair, we have three long haired big moulty doggies, poor thing just can't cope, so it's relegated to non doggy areas these days.
No sign of me LEDs yet (Come on, come on RS).
