EDIT UPDATE: After looking more closely at the diode and the legs i noticed one of them was very loose, i must of bent it too much and its came of, from inside as well. Right so i dont think i can fix this so can this sensor replace it:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2242
Thanks
Liam
It does seem the same as Hobby Boards replacement…
http://www.hobby-boards.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=1572
You would need one without a focusing lens end, "Half angle:
Thanks for your replies. I have just gone and picked that one up and will file it down flat. Would this one of been any better, it is flat : http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=2256 i dont know much about these, i was lucky to find the first one. I did not check the HB site i just assumed their replacement would be the one that is actually on the board (CLD140).
Will give it ago anyway, and try and find the proper diode somewhere in the UK. Let me know if that other one will work.
Thanks
Liam
No, “black infrared transmissive plastic package” = only passes IR, and this application needs full spectrum.
Hi, thank you niko, i really dont know much about these. Im gonna have a go at filing the other one now. If i post a picture of it done do you mind telling me if its correct or if i need to do anymore.
Thanks
Liam
p.s dont have any spare, maplin only stock 1 at a time. :?
You just want to get the rounded end off it, see the yellow line on the attached, be very careful not to get down near the bond wire that connects the top of the chip to the lead (black line points to that).
Thanks for that niko, i should be able to di it. Do you recommend any type of file that is smooth. Will i be ok with a smooth nail file or some very fine sandpaper, or something else?.
It’s pretty hard plastic, I’m not much of a nailfile user but I doubt one would do the job. Here they sell sanding blocks, like a hard foam block with two grades of sand paper on 4 sides, I would probably start with one of those. Try not to put too much force on the leads, that will kill it.
OK, i have a sanding block and some coarse and medium sand paper.When i get to the last bit i will use fine to smooth it off. Yes i will try to be gentle as i broke the original, i fix one thing and break another 8O.
Thank you for your help its greatly appreciated.
Will post pics
Liam
See attached, i suppose i need to level it off a bit more. Ive cleaned the dust off after this pic, still murky and has very fine scratches, does this make a difference?
EDIT:ive levelled it off more now and its flat.
Should be good. No, a “frosted” top is fine 
Ok, thanks, im glad thats right, Think i will pick a few more up as spare as well. Will solder that on and give it a test. Will have to test it properly tomorrow as its dark now.
Thanks for all you help, im sure this thread will be usefull to other poeple as well.
Liam 
Only if it works :lol:
Be sure you get it connected the right way round…
Well, not too sure at the moment, the one that i broke gave some reading indoors but this is showing 0. Ive tried it both ways to make sure. Does not seem to be working. Im either going to have to order one from HB or i have found this one and it seems to be the only one i can find: http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/14970-photodiode-sfh203p-osram.html has the same model no. but looks different.
Thanks
Liam
You should get a decent reading under a 60 watt incandescent lamp.
Hard to tell but that looks like it could be a black one.
Thats what i thought. What do you mean by a black one, a dud. Well i have tried it both ways, and still nothing. Just a thought but it is on the end of my extended wire and the one i broke worked in it, of course until i broke it (damn).
If it is a dud i can pick a few more up tomorrow. I have also found this in Maplins: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=17936 to me that looks ok but im not too sure. I could file the top off it. If none of them work then my only option is this: http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/14970-photodiode-sfh203p-osram.html same model but looks different and they charge stupid delivery. Or this one: http://www.radionics.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=1934825 only accross from me.
These are the only two i can find in the UK, it would actually be cheaper to order a few from HB if i had too.
Thanks
Liam :?
OK, let’s back up a bit…
Bad - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=17936 = phototransistor = wrong type of sensor
Good - http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/14970-photodiode-sfh203p-osram.html = SFH203P = correct part - but the picture is of a different part the SFH203PFA which is in black plastic - that’s what I was referring to as “black”.
Good - http://www.radionics.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=1934825 = also SFH203P = correct part, but once again the picture is wrong :roll:
Hi, ok, i have the clear one they do, do a black one but i have not got that one. you can see them here: http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=2242 and i bought the clear plastic one. Thats what i dont understand they are the correct model but a different picture and black.
Bit confused of what to do now. I cant find any other diodes. I guess my only option is to buy a bunch from HB. But shouldnt the one i picked up yesterday work?, or at least give some reading.
Thanks for your help
Liam
