//FreeHand - $1 circuit for controlling a computer with TV Remote
What?
FreeHand, an IR Receiver circuit allows one to control computer actions, programs and launch scripts using a TV Remote. This low-cost ( $1 ) IR receiver circuit is tuned to 37 KHz as most of the TV remotes transmit at this frequency hence allowing household TV remotes to control customized computer actions.
The receiver circuit connects to the computer via the USB port providing binary data input. The software provides the GUI to associate custom actions, programs and scripts with the remote buttons. The software is currently coded for Linux and Windows.
Why?
The costly computer remote control available in the market and their lack of support for linux were the reasons that led me to explore other means of achieving the goal. Since the TV remote is available in every home - it turned out to be a smart choice to design a circuit which would accept the TV Remote frequency. The GUI allows one to record macros, launch scripts, scripts can have executable code as well as keystrokes hence opening up an almost limitless possibilities for automation.
How?
The serial port version of the circuit has a 78L05 voltage regulator which fixes the power supplied by the RTS line of the Serial Port to a stable 5 volts. The 1N4148 diode protects the serial port from inverse current. The capacitor 1.7muF helps to keep a stable voltage; all the grounds are bound to the GND line of the serial port. The data output of the IR receiver TSOP 1738 is connected to the DCD line of the serial port together with a pull-up resistor 4K7 coming from the power line.
And..
I was in freshman year when I conceived the idea and it took about 3 hours to figure out the circuit and get it working. I open sourced the design and made a quick buck by selling the circuit for $1.50 a piece :)
//FreeHand - $1 circuit for controlling a computer with TV Remote
What?
FreeHand, an IR Receiver circuit allows one to control computer actions, programs and launch scripts using a TV Remote. This low-cost ( $1 ) IR receiver circuit is tuned to 37 KHz as most of the TV remotes transmit at this frequency hence allowing household TV remotes to control customized computer actions.
The receiver circuit connects to the computer via the USB port providing binary data input. The software provides the GUI to associate custom actions, programs and scripts with the remote buttons. The software is currently coded for Linux and Windows.
Why?
The costly computer remote control available in the market and their lack of support for linux were the reasons that led me to explore other means of achieving the goal. Since the TV remote is available in every home - it turned out to be a smart choice to design a circuit which would accept the TV Remote frequency. The GUI allows one to record macros, launch scripts, scripts can have executable code as well as keystrokes hence opening up an almost limitless possibilities for automation.
How?
The serial port version of the circuit has a 78L05 voltage regulator which fixes the power supplied by the RTS line of the Serial Port to a stable 5 volts. The 1N4148 diode protects the serial port from inverse current. The capacitor 1.7muF helps to keep a stable voltage; all the grounds are bound to the GND line of the serial port. The data output of the IR receiver TSOP 1738 is connected to the DCD line of the serial port together with a pull-up resistor 4K7 coming from the power line.
And..
I was in freshman year when I conceived the idea and it took about 3 hours to figure out the circuit and get it working. I open sourced the design and made a quick buck by selling the circuit for $1.50 a piece :)
