Possible IR remote?

Super_Dork_42

42

« on: 08 / June / 2010, 01:38:16 »

Advertisements

I had asked this on another thread about building a usb remote:
"Hey i was wondering if these could be used to create a wireless remote: LED keychain light, IR LED, IR receiver module.
What do you think? (put the IR LED in the keychain light, hook the IR receiver to the usb remote cable assembly, etc.)
IR LED: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062565&clickid=prod_cs
IR receiver: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049727&CAWELAID=37890884"

I got this response from microfunguy:
"Quote from: Super_Dork_42 on 30 / May / 2010, 05:16:28
Hey i was wondering if these could be used to create a wireless remote: LED keychain light, IR LED, IR receiver module.
What do you think? (put the IR LED in the keychain light, hook the IR receiver to the usb remote cable assembly, etc.)

You have to modulate the transmitter infra-red at 38 KHz for the receiver to detect it.

You could use a surface-mount 555 timer chip to do that."

So, I came back with:
"Like this one?
http://www.westfloridacomponents.com/IC022/NE555D+NE555+D+IC+Precision+555+Timer+Surface+Mount.html
How? I don't have soldering equipment.
I was thinking about doing this project with wire glue from thinkgeek.com, but maybe I can't if I have to use a chip.
wire glue: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/b70c
also, the light I was going to use was just like this.http://www.ledlight.com/1-led-flashlight-low-profile.aspx
the led inside isn't even soldered in. a VERY simple swap out would make the remote, right? (hoping)
(can you people tell i like Google for my reference points? heehee)"

I got no response in 4 days, so I said:
"So, I think maybe this thread went dead. That's too bad, seeing as now I have chdk on my camera and received the Wire Glue from thinkgeek. I really wanted to make the remote I theorized, but don't know how. If someone could please explain it to me as if I have NO electrical experience...
(because I don't)
P.S. - My Powershot is an A460, if that helps."

That was on the 5th. As of this posting, still no response.
If anyone could help to answer my questions, I would very much appreciate it.

P.S. - Sorry about the long post, but feel free to include long, complex, yet easily understood by non electrical-engineer types, answers. I will need them.

Logged

"I don't care if he IS 8, I'm putting that kid on a milk carton!" - Anthony Bourdain.

zeno

891

Re: Possible IR remote?

« Reply #1 on: 08 / June / 2010, 07:42:07 »

The problem is that building what you want from the components you've decided to start with is not that easy even for an experienced electronics person. Getting a 555 timer to modulate an IR beam at 38 KHz is possible, but it requires several other crucial components and there's no chance of fitting it all in that small LED torch. I'd say there was little chance of you building it anyway with wire glue rather than a soldering iron.

You'd do much better to either buy an off-the-peg solution (such as the one that uses an Apple Remote) or start with something that already handles both ends of the communication (such as the wireless doorbells that many use).

Logged

A570, S100, Ixus 127
Author of ASSIST, STICK, WASP, ACID, SDMInst, LICKS, WICKS, MacBoot, UBDB, CFGEdit

Super_Dork_42

42

Re: Possible IR remote?

« Reply #2 on: 08 / June / 2010, 16:23:07 »

do you have any other ideas of how to make my own wireless remote?
and i didn't but the pieces yet i just Googled the components of a theory i had.
if you have a better list of components i should get, i am open to suggestions.
I am thinking about just going with a really long cable like this one. http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cable-Gold-plated-Connectors-Black/dp/B001CP5EP8

« Last Edit: 08 / June / 2010, 16:55:42 by Super_Dork_42 »

Logged

"I don't care if he IS 8, I'm putting that kid on a milk carton!" - Anthony Bourdain.

zeno

891

Re: Possible IR remote?

« Reply #3 on: 08 / June / 2010, 17:55:03 »

Take a look here - http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,1590.0.html - lots of advice and ideas to follow up.

Logged

A570, S100, Ixus 127
Author of ASSIST, STICK, WASP, ACID, SDMInst, LICKS, WICKS, MacBoot, UBDB, CFGEdit

Super_Dork_42

42

Re: Possible IR remote?

« Reply #4 on: 09 / June / 2010, 10:11:36 »

That was a great link but like I said before, I don't have any soldering equipment.

Maybe I should just get some.
(I didn't mean that to sound dirty.)

Logged

"I don't care if he IS 8, I'm putting that kid on a milk carton!" - Anthony Bourdain.

thepanoguy

138

Re: Possible IR remote?

« Reply #5 on: 15 / June / 2010, 01:02:16 »

If you want to build electronic equipment you have to learn the basics and get your hands dirty.

Also; there is no point trying to re-invent the wheel.

Have a look at my post http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,5320.0.html
For $5.00AUD you cannot buy the components.

If you want to go to the IR route have a look at this project
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_103012/article.html
All the software and hardware development is done.
You can also try posting at the PICAXE Forum. http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/
Apparently the project originated as a PICAXE project. Silicon Chip magazine just adapted it.

Logged