There are lots of devices with tactile buttons like ceiling fan remotes that I’d like to convert into “Smart” devices.
Is it feasible to pull off the physical buttons and wire the remote in a way that the microcontroller can serve as a digital switch for those buttons to mimic the result of a physical press?
I’m thinking if I wire both parts of the switch ( to a MOSFET? ) I can simulate the button press? Am I approaching this the wrong way?
Measure the voltage across the switches. Are the voltages compatible with your Arduino?
An opto coupler is commonly used for that.
Just connect the opto transistor across the existing button (no need to remove it), and let the Arduino drive the opto LED (with current limiting resistor). Transistor (and LED) polarity matters.
Leo..
When you say it can connect across the existing button without removing. Say you have a ceiling fan controller like this: https://mobileimages.lowes.com/productimages/0aef6aec-68f2-4e89-b4a4-4f9baf3ee326/45482401.jpg
The buttons externally don't appear to provide access. I am thinking I probably have to pop them off to get access to solder the opto transistor. If it was a standard Arduino kit push button they do look like they have the metal exposed in the corners but I'm thinking in a case like the one in the link I have to pop the buttons off or am I missing an easier way to go about it.
I am a rookie at this stuff so not sure if my approach is even correct for what I am trying to do.
If you know the frequency and protocol of that remote,
then you might be able to let the Arduino transmit it without having to butcher a remote.
Plenty of projects on this site and on the net to sniff out the protocol.
Leo..
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