infrared

I've got two sets of phototransistors and infrared emitters put together to make two IR distance sensors. They are both connected in the same way, both powered by my Arduino Uno, both with the same resistor, etc. But when I check the values I'm getting from them, one of them ranges from about 980 - 1010, with the higher value closest to the sensor. The other, however, goes from about 350 - 570, with the higher value the furthest from the sensor.

With a bit of circuitry can this IR phototransistor replace the following sensor? 

IR phototransistor:http://arduino-direct.com/sunshop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=209

Sensor:http://www.robotshop.com/ca/dfrobot-flame-sensor.html

I plan to interface it with an Arduino

I've found heaps of places that sell IR emitter LEDs, like these ones: http://littlebirdelectronics.com/products/infrared-led-950nm-1pcs

But I can't seem to find any IR receiver LEDs, like the black ones used by many in their distance or motion sensors.

Can anyone point me to a place selling them, preferably in Australia?

I have a Infrared Proximity Sensor. Is there a way to debug the distance so I know how far I want it to detect something. I always see people's codes have 400 and 700 and I'm like where did they get those?

More Recent UPDATE: the competed remote can be found here. Thanks to fritsl and rik for their respective helpfulness.

UPDATE: Attached (and blurrily pictured below) is my schematic that i think will work for this remote. Yes I drew it in paint, Yes it took too long:

*The "To Breadboard" leads are included so that the remote may also serve as a portable power supply.

I'm looking to build an Beacon, IR or otherwise, that a robot can see and simply drive to. Pretty much like a docking station for the robot to be recharged or a robot that follows you. (unless that's something different...)

I did a few searches, but I've only come up with robots that use a beacon and not how to build the circuit and write the code.

Any help? 

I don't know if this helps, but I'm pretty much looking to build what CtC did here: http://letsmakerobots.com/node/6499

Guys-

The goal is to allow 2 PICAXE chips to speak with each other via IR.

What receiver and transmitter have you all had success with. Where can I purchase? (links?)

Thanks all.

Attached are photos of my circuit on a breadboard.

UPDATE IT WORKS!

I posted a video. Ignore the TV in the background. When the universal remote sends a signal it is decoded by the PICAXE (not done manually I found a setting that the sensor can read and decode itself). A LED flashes to show a signal was read. It then shows the number of the code that was sent in the debug window. In a few days I will delete this post and add a turorial. Then its off to making my robot WOOHOO.

1. Which kind of motors are compatible with PICAXE? I've read in a book that PICAXE doesn't compatible with DC motors , but Servo motors. There are many kinds of servo motors and how to choose a correct one?

2. Which kind of infrared sensors are compatible with PICAXE?