[HS]

So I've got tiny solar panels, and lights to power the electronic neurons. So the power input is fine. The theory of getting them to communicate using light keeps running into problems. Lack of power (for leds), orientation of detectors & emitters, low amount of information in a blinking led...  I should probably try a different strategy.

Maybe something electromagnetic because that's short range. But then again maybe a preexisting technology because it's cheap.

I'm also toying with the idea of adding some glow in the dark powder to the gel containing the neurons. Partly because it might help during power hiccups and with light dispersion, but mostly it'll look cool. Coincidentally it'll have to be red glow in the dark powder because that's what the solar cells are most sensitive to. Jeez... Sometimes I wonder if my avatar is influencing my choices.

So yeah, if you can think of anything for signaling.

[WriterOfMinds]

If you want to stick with light-based communication, maybe look into the established designs for opto-isolators/optocouplers?  I think they're basically doing what you want, except that they are typically sold with the LED and receiver inside a single enclosed package.

[HS]

Thanks, found lots of examples of established working circuits. Maybe I'll find some useful designs.

[ranch vermin]

light based communication wouldnt have a very good bandwidth for passing signals around.  u only have rgb, and thats it,  and theres barely any difference there,  because it all has to soup together into one pool no?

[HS]

You're right. If it's isolated you can signal with light frequency (on of, on of, type of frequency). But with my set up that would be too power intensive and confusing for the receivers because there are so many lights. Electric signals and photonic power it shall be then.

[ranch vermin]

Shouldnt hurt your idea.   How do u go understanding ultrasonic?    As far as I know, something has to mechanically generate it, like a speaker, and then u pick it up off a wire,  then filters maybe,  but you wouldnt want to overcomplicate it, i think.

[HS]

Actually yeah... Sound waves are remarkably low energy. My watch has one tiny battery and I have been hearing it tick once a second for multiple years. Ok! Good idea! And if it's ultra sonic it won't interfere with regular hearing. Yes... Hopefully it can be localized so only nearby receivers detect a sound. And I might have to soundproof it from the outside world. But this is a good method if cells can't connect electrically.

[ranch vermin]

Theres some good stuff on the net on it,   have to finally take the step and work out how your remote control cars work.   I dont know for sure,  but light, sound + microwaves all are kinda like light,   its not a lazer,  its actually bouncing in all directions its just your eye is a directional reciever.   and you can make microphones act directional as well.    if you put a sound kill wall in a tube,  eventually all the bouncing waves get killed by the absorber, and only the straight waves make it to your receptor...  then theres mirrors... and refraction...    but i dont know this for sure, i was just brainstorming the other day about it.