Question about RS optical

I am also interested in constructing this (as a novice, I appreciate the full layout and circuit board images).... I don't understand one thing though....

What is meant by "You need a plastic opaque shield around the phototransistors to direct the light." ? Over the transistors? Please something explain this mystery to me (the more in-depth, the better!)

http://www.oldtemecula.com/theremin/rs-opticaltheremin/rs-opticaltheremin.htm

Also... please someone respond to my latest plea for help about the Simple Theremin schmeatic (see other thread)

Thanks all

I'm new here and I don't know a lot about your project, but I do know a bit about electronics. A phototransistor is a different thing than a normal transistor. I googled it and found a good website. This explains it pretty well http://encyclobeamia.solarbotics.net/articles/phototransistor.html Basically they're more light sensitive than a normal transistor. They look a lot like leds, and even use two leads. Good luck

thanks! that did shed some light... i still don't understand the statement from above. Does that mean there should be an opaque dome around the phototransistor? if it's opaque, doesn't that block the light? Maybe it's more about diffusion and avoiding direct light..

Thanks

I'm not sure if you already saw this or not but i just went to that site and saw this "You need a black plastic sleeve around the phototransistors to block the light coming from the sides. This will make the light exposure more directional toward the phototransistors front lenses . Thanks Newbie3." But in case you didn't there it is on the page you listed for the project

Actually, that was just changed at the site.. Thanks for the clarification oldtemecula and thanks w for pointing it out!