X-10 powermids w/lirc transmitter

[Scott B. <ba...@ui...>]

	I built a transmitter, and it works great for 3 of my four devices, but
i'd like to increase the range (right now only about 4-5 feet).  I'm trying
to use those powermids that x-10 makes (actually radio shack brand).  I can
point my transmitter at one pyramid.  When I transmit, the led on the
pyramid lights, indicating that it recieved an IR signal, and is sending an
RF signal.  Then led on the other pyramid also lights, indicating that it
recieved an rf signal and is sending an IR signal. Unfortunately, my stereo
does not respond to the signal. If I point my remote control at the
pyramid, everything works properly.  If I point my transmitter directly at
the stereo, it also works properly. any suggestions on what i could try to
get this to work?  (frequency, duty-cycle, bit lengths??).  Has anyone used
their transmitters with this type of device?

I've tried the transmitter both powered by the serial port only, and
powered by a 9 volt (with a couple resistors and a transistor).  the range
doesn't change significantly.  I'm using two IR LEDs, and i've tried adding
a third, but that didn't make much difference either.  Although, having two
LEDs was definately better than one.  since the range not only increased a
little, but I could aim one at each device I want to control.
I should also add that my learning remote control would not learn codes
from my transmitter, even when i used the 9 volt for power.  Using the 9
volt makes a visible LED much brighter when it's left on continously, so i
would have expected it to help my range a lot.