IR sensor distance apart vs power?

[0118999]

USB supplies 5VDC. Wired Wii sensor bars get ~7VDC from the Wii, IIRC. The intensity of the output of the infrared LEDs is related to the voltage applied to them. The higher the applied voltage, the greater the intensity. I don't think you're ever going to get the range you want out of a USB powered sensor bar unless you modify it. You could try buying a 6 or 7VDC adapter and connecting it to your sensor bar. You'd have to cut the cord to connect it, but this would probably improve your range.