I have been trying in vein for 2 days to see some sort of indication that the led I ordered are working. I ordered 100 of the recommended SFH485 from DIGI-KEY. I am very new to this so I went and consulted the local electronics shop guy about the simplistic wiring of my set up on the breadboard. He said I was doing it fine. I have tried multiple combinations with a variety of different leds. Though it seems like none of the SFH 485 work. Though other IR ones do as well as standard ones. I have a 12 volt DC plug with 1000 w or 1.0 A.  I tried combinations such as: a series of 8 with a 1ohm resistor, a single sample with 1 led and a 200ohm resistor. Then I tried using just a 1.5 volt battery. Nothing seems to work for those leds.

Interestingly when I put another l.2 volt 100 ma ir led (in the single set up) with the 12 volt DC and 200 ohm resistor and tested the voltage on the legs of the LED I got a reading of 1.5, however, when I tested it with the SFH485 in the same set up I got a reading of 12 volts consecutively with a number of brand new LEDS.

Again I tried in vein before asking, but I really think I have a bad batch or bag of LED. Before I try to talk to DIGI-KEY I thought I would ask if anyone had any advice. Thanks a bunch.

Just for the record I am using the DF2 camera (roughly set up) to test these set-ups, as well as some of my other cameras not set up for IR adjustments just to see if I could a glimpse of light!

Thanks Cal

I’ve been across the same issue with the SFH 485P, only to discover that these leds have their anodes and cathodes legs inverted from the standard. The data-sheet states: “anode marking: short lead.” The anode is the plus.

Try inverting them, it shouldn’t damage the led if wrong. It worked for me.

Ohhh I can’t wait to get home to give that a try. I have been waiting all day for a suggestion. I so excited to get the ball rolling. I’ll let you know thank you.
Cal

It worked!!

Finally I have light. Thank you for your advice GFantini. I only hope that this can help others who may encounter similar issue before they spend 3 days on it.
Calvin

No worries, Calvin.
I hope too it will be of use to others, especially because O’Malley’s tutorial presents the standard marking and many people are using the SFH 484/5 leds.

I had the same problem and also discovered that there is a difference with the powerflow in comparement with a normal led.