Doc for hooking up to simple RF "key fob" remote?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
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Short version – I'm trying to figure out how to control my Endless Pool's swim current speed from my computer so I can make workout “profiles” that change speeds automatically for set periods of time. The unit comes with a very simple RF remote “fob” that only supports up and down to increase/decrease speed – that's it.

I'm very new to RF remotes, but from what I understand trying to “capture” and then “play back” RF signals off a remote is a bit of an arduous undertaking at best. So I figured it'd be easier to just take the little fob, hard wire it to something I could control from my computer via USB and I'd be off to the races.

The Ardunio seems to be the ticket here however I can't find any really basic (i.e. beginner level) docs on how one would go about making the connection to the remote fob here so I can send an “up” or “down” signal from a program and have it relayed. I've seen videos on You Tube with folks that have similar items already setup but there's no details anywhere about how they went about it that I can find.

Is there such an entry level document or video around someone can point me at to get started?

Thanks much

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Hi - thanks for the reply.

I'm not a complete hardware beginner - I've done several PIC chip projects (temperature monitoring, fan controls and such) - I can handle basic stuff - I've just never done anything with RF before.

Sure - I ordered two extra remote fobs just for this purpose! As soon as they arrive I'll take one apart and put some close up shots of it up.

I tried to get the hydrolic motor company (it controls the speed on the propulsion unit which forces hydrolic fluid through a propeller system) to cough up details on the remote or control and not suprisingly they indicated such information was not given out.