Unveiling Infrared Communication Standards for Remote Control Devices
High on Tech? DIY Your Own IR Remote Controller!
Over on his YouTube channel [Electronic Wizard], our favorite tech whiz has dropped a fresh video, IR Remote Controllers: From 101 to Advanced. He's decoding the secrets of IR remote control protocols, and we're here to show you the ins and outs of building your very own DIY remote!
The video zeroes in on the NEC family of protocols, big players in common consumer IR remote control devices. You'll learn how a 38 kHz carrier wave forms a binary signal and how it all goes down. Using his Rigol DS1102 oscilloscope and a breadboard jig, our Eli hitches a ride on that carrier wave to sniff signals from an example IR controller!
And for the real enthusiasts, he gives a nod to the HS0038 integrated-circuit for decoding those light waves and outputting digital signals. If lo-fi ain't your style, why mess with integrated-circuit IR receivers? You can manually craft your own device!
Before we bid adieu, there's a chat about interpreting the binary signal using a tumult of long and short pulses. Similar to Morse Code? Absolutely! But not exactly the same, so tune in to discover more!
Building Your Custom IR Remote
Gather Your Tools & Materials:- IR LED- IR Receiver (e.g. VS1838B)- Microcontroller (e.g. Arduino Uno)- Breadboard and Jumper Wires- Resistors- Power Source
First, it's essential to fathom the ins and outs of IR protocols. IR remotes mostly make use of protocols like NEC, Sony, or custom ones. Varieties have their unique encoding and decoding methods. Pick a protocol or go for a library that supports multiple protocols for microcontroller usage.
Next, sketch up the IR Transmitter circuit:- IR LED Hookup: Connect the IR LED to a digital output pin on the microcontroller through a resistor (e.g., 220 ohms). Anode to the microcontroller pin, cathode to ground via the resistor.- IR Signal Encoding: Deploy libraries or code to mold buttons into infrared signals as per your chosen protocol.
Finally, bring your IR remote to life by implementing the transmitter with a microcontroller:- Microcontroller Setup: Utilize a microcontroller, like the Arduino Uno. Populate buttons on digital input pins to sense button presses.- Software Implementation: Write or snag existing code to translate button presses into infrared signals. Libraries like ease the process for Arduino users.
Lastly, give the remote a spin to test those signals. Press buttons, triggering IR signals that target whatever device is programmed to respond!
Gotcha! You've Just Created Your Own Remote!
For an even sleeker design, print a 3D enclosure if you wish! Ensure that all components are snugly connected and maintain a consistent power supply.
Receiving IR Signals
To decode existing IR remotes, employ an IR receiver, like the VS1838B. Connect it to your beloved microcontroller, and you'll need a library to decode the received signals as well.
So, put your tech prowess to the test and rock your very own infrared remote controller! And for a closer look at our Electronic Wizard's dope IR tricks, check out his video over on YouTube!
The DIY IR Remote Controller project delves into the realms of data-and-cloud-computing technology, as it employs microcontrollers like Arduino Uno to build a custom remote.
Constructing your custom IR remote will require an understanding of various IR protocols (NEC, Sony, etc.), and the technology utilizes libraries for microcontroller usage to correctly encode and decode signals.
