Summary of IR TRANSLATOR MAKES TRULY UNIVERSAL REMOTE
This article describes a DIY project by [Matt] to create a truly universal remote using an Arduino. When his Amazon Fire TV remote failed to control his speakers, he built a translator that captures infrared codes via a photodiode and re-transmits compatible signals using an IR LED. The project requires minimal components beyond the microcontroller and code libraries, enabling control over devices not supported by standard commercial remotes.
Parts used in the Universal Remote Translator:
- Arduino microcontroller
- Infrared (IR) photodiode
- Infrared (IR) LED
- Raspberry Pi (used for debugging)
- ESP8266 (mentioned as an alternative for similar builds)
Universal remotes are a handy tool to have around if you have many devices that would all otherwise have their own remote controls. Merging them all into a single device leads to less clutter and less frustration, but they are often not truly “universal” as some of them may not support every infrared device that has ever been built. If you’re in a situation like that it’s possible to build a truly universal remote instead, provided you have a microcontroller and a few infrared LEDs on hand.
This was the situation that [Matt] found himself in when his Amazon Fire TV equipment control feature didn’t support his model of speakers. To get around this he programmed an Arduino to essentially translate the IR codes from the remote and output a compatible set of codes to the speakers.This requires both an IR photodiode and an IR LED but little else other than the codes for the remote and the equipment in question. With that all set up and programmed into the Aruino, [Matt]’s remote is one step closer to being truly “universal”.
While [Matt] was able to make use of existing codes in the Arduino library, it is also possible to capture the codes required manually by pointing a remote at a photodiode and programming a microcontroller to capture the codes that you need. [Matt] used a Raspberry Pi to do this when debugging this project, but we’ve also seen this method used with a similar build which uses an ESP8266 to control an air conditioner via its infrared remote control capabilities.
Source: IR TRANSLATOR MAKES TRULY UNIVERSAL REMOTE
- Why build a custom universal remote instead of buying one?
Commercial universal remotes often do not support every infrared device, so a custom build ensures compatibility. - What hardware is required to make this specific translator?
The project needs a microcontroller, an IR photodiode, and an IR LED along with the necessary codes. - How does the Arduino function in this setup?
The Arduino translates IR codes received from a remote into a compatible set of codes for the target equipment. - Can you capture IR codes manually without existing libraries?
Yes, you can point a remote at a photodiode and program a microcontroller to capture the codes directly. - What tool did the creator use for debugging the code capture?
[Matt] used a Raspberry Pi to debug the process of capturing the required IR codes. - Is the ESP8266 suitable for building similar infrared controllers?
Yes, an ESP8266 has been used in similar builds to control air conditioners via infrared capabilities. - Does this project rely on pre-existing Arduino libraries?
While existing library codes were used, it is also possible to manually capture and program new codes. - What problem did [Matt] solve with this project?
[Matt] solved the issue where his Amazon Fire TV equipment control feature did not support his specific speaker model.
