Increasing sensitivity of IR Receiver

[kimbear]

I purchased a surplus remote repeater (turns Infa-red remote signals into rf, and broadcasts it to a receiver) that works rather well, but the IR receivers capability to receive is raher lethargic. Unless the remote control is quite close to the IR receiver it doesnt work...move a foot away, and it doesnt receive it at all. Is there a simple preamp circuit that I can place in between the detector and the transmitter circuit.
I have tried replacing the IR photodiode with one that is supposidly more sensitive, with limited success.
Thanks in advance

 

[Sceadwian]

If it's not working beyond 1ft range there is likely something wrong with the receiver, is the repeater rated for the same frequency as your remote? That would explain the decreased range.