Interfacing with a remote

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

I would like to interface the Arduino with a Ceiling fan remote control.

My question is, what will be the best way to interface the remote to the Arduino. I was thinking using relays to trip the switches. Is there a better way to do this?

There are going to be 5 switches to control, plus a 4 position DIP switch to control which fan I want to talk too.

Thanks!

2

Any ideas?

3

Typically there are two ways to interface an Arduino to an existing IR remote control. Either with small 5vdc reed relays that then wire across the remote's switch contacts you want to activate.

Another method is to utilize an analog switch IC like the 4066 which contains 4 switches in a 14 pin DIP IC package.

http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheets/320/206765_DS.pdf

Another method if you can obtain the IR frequency and codes used by your fan's remote is to emulate the IR signals in a Arduino sketch and just wire a IR LED diode and resistor to a Arduino digital output pin.

I like the simple reed relay methods myself, easy to test and check out as you go.

Lefty

4

You could also use optocouplers to trigger the existing switches on the remote.

This has the advantage that Arduino and the remote are electrically isolated from each other, and it's very easy.

Just search the forum for optocoupler and you will find info on how to do it.

5

The remote actually uses RF not IR.

I think I am going to go with the 4066. Thanks!

With the 4066, will I have to wire up anything special? Or can I just interface it with the arduino directly?

Thanks!