I'm working on a project to illuminate a set of stairs via an atmega328 and a TLC5940 and leds. This project is being prototyped using an Arduino Uno. Eventually it will be constructed either on an etched pcb or wire wrapped. I'm seeking some advice on triggering the action of the function that illuminates the leds. My current idea is to hack some cheap remotes I have and, by using code, emulate the depression of a button at a frequency of 2 hz. with a 50% duty cycle. I've read that some remotes will time out the transmission of pulses while a button is depressed; the remotes I have will continually emit pulses while a button is depressed.The pulses will be received by a 38khz infrared receiver and decoded. If a threshold percentage of pulses is not received, the function is triggered. I believe the infrared transmitter led uses quite a bit of power, thus the reason for cycling the led is meant to keep the led cool. All power will be from an ac powered dc supply. Please comment on this method or perhaps suggest a different method. - Scotty
IR remotes usually have a pretty wide beam, the receivers are also have a pretty wide acceptance angle. So even if you block the direct path you still may get a good reception. At least that's what I see using a TSOP38238 receiver and a pretty weak remote. You will definitely have to make this setup quite directional, e.g. by placing the senders / receivers inside a tube.