Summary of ARDUINO COMPATIBLE IR BLASTER KEEPS TVS AT BAY
The article describes a programmable IR development board by [Djordje Mandic], an enhanced version of the TV-B-Gone. Unlike its predecessor, this device allows direct computer control via a CP2104 chip's serial connection using a plain-text protocol, enabling custom code execution on its ATmega328P microcontroller. It features onboard battery support for portable use and potential smartphone integration.
Parts used in the Programmable IR Development Board:
- CP2104 chip
- ATmega328P microcontroller
- Onboard battery
- Arduino IDE compatible platform
The TV-B-Gone is a well known piece of kit in hacker circles: just point it at a noisy TV in a public space, hit the button, and one of the hundreds of IR remote codes for “Power Off” that it blinks out in rapid succession is more than likely to get the intended response. Unfortunately, while a neat conversation starter, its practical use is limited to a single function. But not so with this programmable IR development board that creator [Djordje Mandic] describes as a “TV-B-Gone on steroids”.
Sure you can point it at a random TV and turn it off with a single button press, but you can also plug the board into your computer and control it directly through the serial connection provided by its CP2104 chip. Using a simple plain-text control protocol, the user can modify the behavior of the device and monitor its status. [Djordje] imagines this feature being used in conjunction with a smartphone application for covert applications. To that end, the device’s support for an onboard battery should keep it from draining the phone during extended operations.
Of course you could do something else entirely with it simply by firing up the Arduino IDE and writing some new code for the device’s ATmega328P microcontroller. As with the IR-enabled ESP8266 development board we looked at a few months ago, there are plenty of applications for an all-in-one board that allows you to communicate with the wide world of IR devices.
Source: ARDUINO COMPATIBLE IR BLASTER KEEPS TVS AT BAY
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What is the main difference between this board and the original TV-B-Gone?
This board is programmable and can be controlled directly through a serial connection rather than just turning off TVs with a single button. -
How does the user modify the behavior of the device?
The user modifies behavior by connecting the board to a computer and using a simple plain-text control protocol over the serial connection. -
Can this device be powered independently without draining a phone?
Yes, the device supports an onboard battery which prevents draining the phone during extended operations. -
What microcontroller is used in this development board?
The device uses an ATmega328P microcontroller that allows users to write new code using the Arduino IDE. -
Is it possible to use this board with a smartphone application?
Yes, the creator imagines using the device in conjunction with a smartphone application for covert applications. -
Does the board communicate with other devices wirelessly or via cable?
The board communicates via a serial connection provided by its CP2104 chip when plugged into a computer.
