Remote control (IR) Tester

Description: Here is a handy gadget for testing of infrared (IR) based remote control transmitters used for TVs and VCRs etc. The IR signals from a remote control transmitter are sensed by the IR sensor module in the tester and its output at pin 2 goes low. This in turn switches on transistor T1 and causes LED1 to blink. At the same time, the buzzer beeps at the same rate as the incoming signals from the remote control transmitter. The pressing of different buttons on the remote control will result in different pulse rates which would change the rate at which the LED blinks or the buzzer beeps. When no signal is sensed by the sensor module, output pin 2 of the sensor goes high and, as a result, transistor T1 switches off and hence LED1 and buzzer BZ1 go off. This circuit requires 5V regulated power supply which can be obtained from 9V eliminator and connected to the circuit through a jack. Capacitor C1 smoothes DC input while capacitor C2 suppresses any sudden spikes appearing in the input supply. Here, a plastic moulded sensor has been used so that it can easily stick out from a cut in the metal box in which it is housed. It requires less space. Proper grounding of the metal case will ensure that the electromagnetic emissions which are produced by tube-lights and electronic ballasts etc (which lie within the bandwidth of receiver circuit) are effectively grounded and do not interfere with the functioning of the circuit. The proposed layout of the box containing the circuit is shown in the figure. The 9-volt DC supply from the eliminator can be fed into the jack using a banana-type plug.

The described circuit serves as an IR remote control tester, capable of detecting signals emitted by various remote control devices, such as those used for televisions and VCRs. The core component of this circuit is the IR sensor module, which detects infrared signals and generates a corresponding output. When an IR signal is received, the output at pin 2 of the sensor module transitions to a low state, activating transistor T1. This activation causes LED1 to blink, providing a visual indication of the received signal. Simultaneously, the buzzer (BZ1) emits sound pulses that correspond to the frequency of the incoming IR signals, allowing for auditory feedback regarding the operation of the remote control.

The circuit operates on a regulated 5V power supply, which can be derived from a 9V DC eliminator. This power supply is connected to the circuit through a jack, facilitating easy connections and disconnections. Capacitor C1 is employed to smooth the DC input, ensuring stable operation, while capacitor C2 serves to suppress voltage spikes that may arise from the power supply, protecting sensitive components from damage.

The design incorporates a plastic molded sensor, which is advantageous for compact installations, as it can protrude from a cut-out in the metal enclosure housing the circuit. Proper grounding of the metal case is critical, as it minimizes interference from electromagnetic emissions generated by nearby electronic devices, such as fluorescent lights and electronic ballasts, which could otherwise disrupt the sensor's functionality.

The layout of the circuitry and components within the enclosure is optimized for space efficiency and accessibility, ensuring that the IR sensor is unobstructed and easily positioned for effective signal detection. The use of a banana-type plug for the power connection enhances the convenience of using the circuit in various testing scenarios. Overall, this circuit provides a practical solution for evaluating the functionality of remote control devices through both visual and auditory indicators. Here is a handy gadget for test- ing of infrared (IR) based re- mote control transmitters used for TVs and VCRs etc. The IR signals from a remote control transmitter are sensed by the IR sensor module in the tester and its output at pin 2 goes low.

This in turn switches on transistor T1 and causes LED1 to blink. At the same time, the buzzer beeps at the same rate as the incoming signals from the remote control transmitter. The pressing of different buttons on the remote control will result in different pulse rates which would change the rate at which the LED blinks or the buzzer beeps.

When no signal is sensed by the sensor module, output pin 2 of the sensor goes high and, as a result, transistor T1 switches off and hence LED1 and buzzer BZ1 go off. This circuit requires 5V regulated power supply which can be obtained from 9V eliminator and connected to the circuit through a jack.

Capacitor C1 smoothes DC input while capacitor C2 suppresses any sudden spikes appearing in the input supply. Here, a plastic moulded sensor has been used so that it can easily stick out from a cut in the metal box in which it is housed.

It requires less space. Proper grounding of the metal case will ensure that the electromagnetic emissions which are produced by tube-lights and electronic ballasts etc (which lie within the bandwidth of receiver circuit) are effectively grounded and do not interfere with the functioning of the circuit. The proposed layout of the box containing the circuit is shown in the figure. The 9-volt DC supply from the eliminator can be fed into the jack using a banana-type plug. Tech. Editors note: In fact, the complete gadget can be assembled in the eliminators housing itself and a cut can be made in its body for exposing the IR modules sensor part.