Hi, I have recently dug out an old helicopter that is broken and I am wondering if it is possible to use the IR receiver out of it, and if it is how do I identify it ?
Thanks
Ben
Should be
and if it is how do I identify it ?
It normally has three leads and a hemispherical black dome on it.
Alternatively you can post a high res photo here and we will all take a shot at it.
http://picasaweb.google.com/me.makins/HelicopterIRReceiver#slideshow/5408130195113610130 Not sure if this link to the pics will work but its worth a try 
Yep like I said it is the one with three leads and a half a sphere bump.
Now you need to find the +, - and signal leads, try tracing the connections back to the battery to find that.
Then all that remains is to find the modulation frequency it uses. Look for part numbers on the device.
okay I think I have found the modulation frequency which is 0j81o7ae1aaf (I think it is anyway, tell me if that doesn't make sense ) . As for finding the plus and minus I don't think I can do that because the circuit boards to small to follow and I don't have a magnifying glass ...
Thanks for your help !
Ben.
tell me if that doesn't make sense
It doesn't make sense.
The modulation frequency will be something like 32KHz, anyway an even number between 30 and 40KHz.
It won't be marked on the unit it will be found on the data sheet when you find what it is.
I am not sure what you found, it looks like a hex number but it has a j in it.
okay thanks, I found that on the back of the receiver. I still can't find the frequency though ... I now know that it's on channel B but I can't find anywhere on either controller, circuit board or the manufacturer website as to what frequency it is !
It looks like Channel B has nothing to do with the modulation frequency:-
Do you have the remote for this. The best way would be to shine the remote at a photo transistor and look at the output on an oscilloscope.
Okay thanks, I don't have the remote either any more sorry. Are there any other ways of finding the frequency or should I just buy a receiver new ? Also I do have the remains of an rc car (not infra-red just the normal kind) , including transmitter and receiver. Is it possible to use that with arduino ?
Thanks