Which optocoupler to use for Uglyface?

[gigimarga]

Hello,

I heard some samples of Uglyface and i liked it (thx Tim Escobedo).
The only problem is that here, in Romania, it's almost impossible to find VTL5C3.
It is possible to use another optocoupler instead of it?
If yes, which are the parameters that i must to look for (i can buy some CNX, CNY, LTV, 4N)?

Thx a lot!

[signalpaths]

I just used a 5mm LDR and a 5mm LED and shrink wrapped it w/ black heat shrink wire insulation. 

Works good, is less money and from easier to find components can't be beat IMO!

[gigimarga]

The LDR doesn't have some parameters to look for?
The color of LED doesn't matter?

[gigimarga]

Between VTL5C1/VTL5C4/VTL5C10 which is the best matching?

[soggybag]

I think anything will work. I have used random cheap opto couplers, and VTL5C3s and home made LED/LDRs. They all work. They do sound a little different. But I haven't found one that did not work.

[gigimarga]

Thx soggybag!

[Mick Bailey]

I tried 3mm LEDs and they work fine, also a 5mm 'water clear' type. The LDR I use for all my opto couplers is;

http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-Components/Optoelectronics/Photodetectors/Miniature-light-dependent-resistor/34796/kw/58-0134#techspec

If you use the heatshrink tube to couple the resistor to the LED (recommended) you need to ensure that no light creeps in through the open end on the LED side. Light leakage can pass throught the LED and affect the dark resistance. If you can't get an easy octave down, check this first, especially at the breadboard stage (I used some black card at first then found a tin of blackboard paint and put a couple of drops in on the back of the LED).

The envelope control on the Uglyface has a broad enough range to cover a wide variety of LED/LDR types, so don't worry too much about getting this exact.

[ianmgull]

I used a VTL5C3. Sounds great.

[gigimarga]

For Mick: Thx a lot...i will to find one of this here!

For ianmgull: Thx too...I saw that VTL5C3 is recommanded for Uglyface, but here i can find only VTL5C1/4/10

[oldrocker]

Yellow LED works good too.

[gigimarga]

Thx...i still search for VTL5C3, but if will not found in a couple of days i will use a LDR+LED combination.

[Shepherd]

Yellow LED works good too.

John Hollis advised against Yellow LEDs because their brightness varies with production.

http://www.hollis.co.uk/john/easyvibe.html

but that's a lot more important if you're matching pairs

[gigimarga]

Thx for your advice!