# Usinig IR laser as a TV remote

**URL:** <https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583>\
**Category:** Sensors\
**Created:** [November 18, 2021, 4:52pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583 "2021-11-18T16:52:20Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![mrburnette](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/mrburnette/32/702556_2.png) [@mrburnette](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/mrburnette)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 10:46pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/23 "2021-11-21T22:46:55Z")

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> [@anon77129126](#):
>
> Also, get something that's 1-5mW. Lasers are dangerous!

General reference:

[https://www.laserpointersafety.com/](https://www.laserpointersafety.com/)

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**Author:** ![mrburnette](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/mrburnette/32/702556_2.png) [@mrburnette](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/mrburnette)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 10:53pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/24 "2021-11-21T22:53:01Z")

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> [@ec2021](#):
>
> I would recon that the internal cw laser driver will not allow to modulate the laser with e.g. 38 kHz which you need for remote contrel communication.

Just an FYI...  
Many very inexpensive (cheap) cat-toy laser devices do not have a proper constant current driver; rather resorting to just a resistor. These diodes can be modulated, at least to voice-range frequencies - I did not think to try ultrasonic!

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**Author:** ![ec2021](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/ec2021/32/997272_2.png) [@ec2021](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ec2021)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 3:52pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/25 "2021-11-22T15:52:06Z")

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Agree, but the device in question seems to include a proper laser driver circuit:

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/c/a/a/caa86a8570af5a98da20457b733b09cb56926157.png)  
The screenshot has been taken from the manufacturer's FAQ  
[https://www.egismos.com/laser-module](https://www.egismos.com/laser-module)

If jonis95's modules have been prepared for 38 kHz or external PWM input they could be used, otherwise the driver circuits had to be exchanged (or at least modified - if possible). Anyway, to have a reasonable chance to hit the detector it would be also necessary to add an optical element that widens/scatters the laser signal. Unless you use a mounting stable down to one mrad (which is about an angle of 1 degree devided by 17,4) ...

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**Author:** ![anon77129126](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@anon77129126](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/anon77129126)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 3:54pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/26 "2021-11-22T15:54:04Z")

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You should be able to modulate those at the right frequencies by using it like an LED but I'm not sure.

EDIT - Do you have soldering stuff?

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**Author:** ![mrburnette](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/mrburnette/32/702556_2.png) [@mrburnette](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/mrburnette)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 3:55pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/27 "2021-11-22T15:55:40Z")

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Thanks!  
It is rare here in my makeshift little lab that anything is "proper." But, there was a time back at Uni in research that I can remember being surrounded by massive quantities of NASA donated instrumentation. Ah, those were the days...

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**Author:** ![ec2021](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/ec2021/32/997272_2.png) [@ec2021](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ec2021)\
**Post date:** [November 22, 2021, 4:11pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/28 "2021-11-22T16:11:15Z")

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Although electronics has got exitingly cheaper every year since my university times in the end of the 70th there is still a correlation between quality and cost (and finally the price) 😉 For about 30 years I worked with engineers and physisists who developed eye safe IR laser based devices . Fortunately without any accident. Today's access to laser modules and diodes is a little bit scary as most people do neither have the knowledge and experience nor the appropriate lab incl. protective glasses to safely handle the hazard. Especially IR is quite dangerous as you will recognize the impact when it is too late without any chance to recover ... I personally do avoid laser diode usage and would only use laser modules which have been tested as unconditionally eye safe in accordance with IEC 60825-1 (or equivalent ANSI standard) by an accredited lab ...

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [November 26, 2021, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/29 "2021-11-26T18:42:18Z")

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About the PWM part should i do it with the analogWrite()?

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [November 26, 2021, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/30 "2021-11-26T18:42:51Z")

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i do yes

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**Author:** ![anon77129126](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@anon77129126](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/anon77129126)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2021, 12:52pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/31 "2021-11-29T12:52:10Z")

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Sorry for the late reply. I haven't had school which means no excuses to waste time here.

Solder the two leads of the IR laser into the IR LED's breakout board. Then use it like you did the LED.

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**Author:** ![ec2021](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/ec2021/32/997272_2.png) [@ec2021](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ec2021)\
**Post date:** [November 29, 2021, 4:51pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/32 "2021-11-29T16:51:49Z")

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Sorry for the delay. Yes, analogWrite would be the correct function to create PWM patterns on pins which are designed for analog output (check the description of the microcontroller you use). But RC codes are more complex than switching a signal on/off. You have to modulate the information (usually) on 38 kHz carrier frequency. That is already taken care of by IR libraries so no need to use analogWrite() .. unless you want to create a complete own application.

You can try it with your laser modules, but the information (see #25) given by the vendor does not sound promising ... As they say their modules **can be designed** to input TTL modulation but that seems to require a hardware change regarding the driving circuit.

Again **playing around with laser diodes is a dangerous thing** as long as you don't have the skills, knowledge, protective gear and infrastructure (laser lab with access control), there is no real live reset button: Damage to the eye done by lasers will never heal.

I strongly recommend to stay with IR LEDs. There are links that show how to get more power "on air" like

[super-ir-transmitter](https://iotdiary.blogspot.com/2017/09/a-super-ir-transmitter.html) or  
[ir-led-circuit](https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/309547/activity-led-in-an-ir-transmitter-circuit) or  
[adafruit ir-transmitter breakout board](https://learn.adafruit.com/building-an-infrared-transmitter-and-receiver-board?view=all)

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 4:09pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/33 "2021-12-01T16:09:48Z")

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Don't worry. Hmm that's sounds promising and clever idea, you think it's safe? I mean not to burn anything?

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 4:12pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/34 "2021-12-01T16:12:05Z")

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It;s okay no problem. What are yyou thinking about the hardware change ?  
thank you for your time

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**Author:** ![anon77129126](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@anon77129126](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/anon77129126)\
**Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 5:09pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/35 "2021-12-01T17:09:01Z")

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What laser module are you using? I assume it's just one of those brass or metal tubes with wires off the ends?

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**Author:** ![ec2021](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/ec2021/32/997272_2.png) [@ec2021](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/ec2021)\
**Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 5:12pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/36 "2021-12-01T17:12:57Z")

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Any change you do to the OEM product will infringe with the manufacturer's laser classification and make you responsible for any damage that may occur...

Actually, it is not "no problem" that you may believe laser safety is for 3-years old kids only ... No it is not. It is something that proven Physisists (Doctors in Laser Optics) and well educated engineeres take care of as they know you'll suffer for the rest of your live if something "forseeable" or - even worse -"unforeseeable" takes place ... You demonstrate more to be a responsible person if you do not take too much risk than being brave, but probably blind yourself ... 😥

However, **if you are still keen to get even more sound and trustful information** I highly recommend to contact the manufacturer via [sales@egismos.com](mailto:sales@egismos.com) . They do have an office in Canada and are the best address to tell you about possibilities, chances and risks when utilizing or modifying their products ...

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**Author:** ![anon77129126](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@anon77129126](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/anon77129126)\
**Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 5:27pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/37 "2021-12-01T17:27:08Z")

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@jonis95

Lasers can be as safe or dangerous as you want them to be. Get the 5mW or 1mW modules. Anything above that poses a threat to your eye safety, and anything above 50mW is completely stupid to use without a pair of laser glasses specified for that wavelength.

Speaking of which, the module you have listed likely won't work for a TV. TVs can use 780nm and 808nm light, but they can also use 850nm or 950nm among a few other wavelengths.

If you do want this laser, use the following specifications for optimal safety and highest likelihood of this working.

Wavelength = 808nm  
Output power = 1mW - 5mW (1mW recommended)  
Diameter = 4mm  
Pattern = Dot  
Grade = Doesn't matter  
Voltage = 5V (VERY IMPORTANT)  
Span angle = 40 degree line

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![mrburnette](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/mrburnette/32/702556_2.png) [@mrburnette](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/mrburnette)\
**Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 1:42am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/38 "2021-12-02T01:42:07Z")

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I took a look at the laser module datasheet and the optical power in the infrared is stated at \<5mW. On the surface, this sounds safe, but the real danger is humans cannot see IR.

I would encourage you to read the articles linked below. The first link is in regard to Class 4. Other links are U.S Government or NASA links, largely for higher power classes, but all lasers have health concerns.

[https://pointerclicker.com/is-a-5mw-laser-powerful/](https://pointerclicker.com/is-a-5mw-laser-powerful/)

[https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/green-lasers-a-hidden-danger/](https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/green-lasers-a-hidden-danger/)

[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799025/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799025/)

[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799025/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3799025/)

Please secure laser goggles to block IR and ensure any others who may utilize or observe the device in use also has certified safety eyeware. Just google to find a seller for the goggles. Even Amazon has 'em.

Ray

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2021, 6:53pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/39 "2021-12-04T18:53:41Z")

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What do you mean? I use the IR one that i post on my description

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/40 "2021-12-04T18:55:37Z")

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thank you for your time. Your answer was helpful..I will see what i am gonna do. I might come with another question

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/41 "2021-12-04T18:56:37Z")

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I will read the articles..thank you for your time and your answer

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**Author:** ![jonis95](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7ab992/32.png) [@jonis95](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/jonis95)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2021, 6:58pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/usinig-ir-laser-as-a-tv-remote/926583/42 "2021-12-04T18:58:45Z")

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The no problem was because of your delay. I will see how i am gonna solve it. I totally respect the product and i am aware of the danger.. i know number one rule is always safety. Thank you again

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