I have a project for which I want to build an IR remote to control some devices in my house (TV, stereo, dvd, light switch). I know there's different IR communication protocol I have to use to make this happen. I found on this forum a topic regarding an api to control RC5 compliant devices (http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1209565937/5)
This is very interesting, but most of my devices are not RC5 compliant (I've Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic devices), so I have to find out about how these protocols work as long as what device ids and button codes to use... and that makes me feel pain. :-[
I've been told that there exist a kind of chip that comes with a lot of device and button codes so I can use it with my Arduino board to build a kind of universal remote. I've tried to find this kind of chip, but I don't even know how it's called.
I wonder if anyone on this forum has an idea regarding this and if someone could provide me with more information that would be great!
Sorry can't help you witht the chip but if you get desperate, you could always hook up a CRO to the IR LED of the remotes you have for the appliances and see what the signals are.
I don't know of a chip either but if you want to do it "by hand" I wrote something some time ago about it:- www.doc.mmu.ac.uk/STAFF/A.Wiseman/Acorn/BodyBuild/BB92.html
The software is for another computer but it shows you what needs to be done.
I don't know what the chip is called but I'm guessing it's the one found in every cheap programmable IR remote that comes out of china. While not strip the board out of one (after suitable programming) and use the Arduino to 'press' the buttons as needed. You're right - the diversity of ir protocols is a pain - figuring out how to press buttons looks like a much more manageable problem.
Thanks for all your comments, it really encourages me. I didn't even thought of simulating a push of buttons, maybe I'll give it a try!
I think that, at first, I would like to keep my device small, so I guess that just capturing and copying the signals I need would be enough. Actually, I just need power on/off, volume up/down and channel up/down. I'll try spankyham's CRO idea and see what could be done. I'll post an update here when it comes.
If you want small and simple (and cheap) try one of these on ebay: http://tinyurl.com/3u7dh6 I have one and the main problem I see using it in a project is cracking it open - it's surprisingly tough.
Best of luck and I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with.
