I am new to arduino and would like to have some opinions on what the best angle of attack is on this:
Want the module to have wifi connectivity and IR cabability.
Must have a learn mode (like how you would teach a universal remote)
WiFi must interface with the IR sensor so that if I send a command via WiFi it will trigger the IR sensor.
It would look like this:
Command sent via WiFi --> Arduino picks up --> IR sensor triggered --> command executed --> Feedback to WiFi that command has been executed.
Practicality
App to turn TV on ---> Press button on App ---> Transmits to Arduino via wifi --> Arduino sends IR signal to TV ---> TV turns on ---> Feedback to app that TV is now on.
So I am wondering:
Is it possible with Arduino
If so, is it possible to do with a low footprint (not many steps)
Do you need absolute feedback? An IR remote control is generally a send-only device. It doesn't know or care if the TV actually turns on. It is using your eyes/ears and hands for feedback: if the TV does not turn on you aim better and press the button again. If you need feedback that the TV actually did turn on you will need some specialized hardware to detect that and report it back to the Arduino.
weedpharma:
Learn how to do each part on its own then put them together. It is too big a program to learn in one program.
There are many steps to getting this going. If you do not have experience in electronics and programming this will present a big project.
Thank you - I do have a EE helping out. We are chipping away. Just wondering the best board to use, etc.
johnwasser:
Do you need absolute feedback? An IR remote control is generally a send-only device. It doesn't know or care if the TV actually turns on. It is using your eyes/ears and hands for feedback: if the TV does not turn on you aim better and press the button again. If you need feedback that the TV actually did turn on you will need some specialized hardware to detect that and report it back to the Arduino.
This is an excellent point. Perhaps the sound sensor could be set and rules applied. (eg: if sound is noticed for 1 minute then feedback is given that command has been executed). But you are right, IR sensor is one way and doesn't give any feedback...
You need to "teach" the codes for the instructions. But the code read does not always work being sent. You will probably need to read and send raw IR codes.
Use the Search box at the top of this page to look for "IR raw code".
Member AnalysIR has provided a lot of help in these types of projects, do a search for his posts.