Blog
Now that we listen to MP3s, and watch XVIDs or x264s, a computer is the entertainment center in at least one room of most homes. Unless you have a special HTPC, though, you’re probably stuck using the keyboard to pause, change the volume, and fast-forward through annoying Mythbusters recaps. PC remote control receivers range from ancient serial port designs (who has one?) to USB devices not supported by popular software. In this how-to we design a USB infrared receiver that imitates a common protocol supported by software for Windows, Linux, and Mac. We’ve got a full guide to the protocol plus schematics and a parts list. [via]
Make a USB remote control receiver - [Link]
This is the Airband Receiver Schematic. It is basically an tweaked version of Richard Anderson’s Superregen Receiver (thanks for all the tips and comments, Richard!).
See the remarks below the hand drawing. The circuit is broadband by its nature, but if tuned well enough to the ACARS frequency (131.725) it will allow decoding of the messages even if the voice transmissions will be heard in the background.
Original Circuit: http://www.tricountyi.net/~randerse/superrgn.htm
VHF Airband Receiver – [Link]
This circuitry allows you to control your computer with a simple remote, like the one you already use for your TV-set. It’s very useful when you want to control a DVD or an mp3 player without having to stay at the keyboard. Please note that this circuit is NOT IrDA compatible and it won’t help you to connect to your mobile phone or whatever IrDA device; it’s only good to control your pc with a standard remote control. I use it for VDR and now my pc is a full featured set top box connected to the television, capable to digitally record and replay satellite television, DVDs and every kind of digital content (mp3, divx). There are many softwares you can install to control this ciruit; for Linux you can use Lirc and for Windows you can use either Winlirc, Girder, IR Assistant or uIRC.
How to build a simple but cool IR receiver – [Link]
Simerec’s SIS-2 programmable infrared receiver chip seems a quick solution for adding IR control to electronics projects – [via]
The SIS-2 monitors an IR receiver, and when a certain remote code is detected, an output pin will toggle. Two outputs are available and any code on any remote can be taught to the SIS-2. This makes it simple to implement an infrared (IR) remote controllable switching solution for a wide variety of applications. When used with an inexpensive IR receiver module, the SIS-2 recognizes IR signals from 2 independent IR remote control sources, and provides 2 modes of switching for your application.
Programmable IR Receiver - [Link]
Joe writes:This project is a great way for beginning builders to hone their skills at circuit construction. The receiver plans were originally printed in a September 2000 article in QST. I built mine from scratch, not on a printed circuit board, with no ill effects due to strange parts placement. The author provides very good advice about the audio/volume and regeneration controls placement and hookup (by being careful, no shielded audio cables are necessary). [via]
Shortwave Regenerative Receiver - [Link]
This is a simple IR receiver circuit which plugs into a serial port of a computer. Althrought, there are many other circuits of this kind, and most of them are even simpler, but this circuit has two major advantages: (1) it uses an Atmel AVR RISC microcontroller (an AT90S2313) instead of the usual PIC microcontroller and (2) it uses a Maxim MAX232 for the generation of valid RS232 levels. [via]
AVR-Based Serial Port IR Receiver - [Link]
The UIR is a device that enables you to control your PC with ANY remote controller you have (TV, VCR, CD or Stereo). Original hardware & software was designed by Martinus & Ties Bos. You should check their site first. There it was, now it has either moved or is unavailable. In this article you can find improved and simplified hardware scheme, software & hints for building the device. [via]
Universal Infrared Receiver - [Link]
This is a small and cheap FM receivers that you can get almost for free. It was based on the KA22429 which is equivalent to a TDA7021. It was easy to move it higher up into the VHF band covering up to more than 160 MHz. The details were published in Sprat in the Winter of 2004. [via]
Single chip VHF receiver - [Link]
the author writes: Radio Shack Special…the name was given to it because all of the components may be purchased at your local or nearby hardware and Radio Shack store. Although Radio Shack does not carry a typical 6 lead AM/FM variable (tuning) capacitor for tuning in to all the FM stations, I have managed to come up with a simple little way of going from station to station by just stretching and sqeezing the DRAIN coil with some sort of non-metallic small stick; such as a tapered-wooden match-stick.
If you would prefer to use a variable (tuning) capacitor, you can always find these devices from any AM/FM tunable (not digital) radio or check to see if your local Wal-Mart carries a small blue portable AM/FM radio by ‘Lenoxx Sound’, which sells for around five dollars. From that radio, you can the salvage the variable (tuning) capacitor (with the plastic knob included), the headphones (in which I use for the Radio Shack Special) and the audio jack (also what I use for the project). A good buy for $5. The finished PCB in this project is adapted to either use a variable capacitor or not. [via]
One transistor super-regenerative FM receiver - [Link]
The evaluation board using the ET312 SiRF III GPS receiver is finally done! This board will allow you to play with this very small but powerful GPS receiver.
Evaluation board using the ET312 SiRF III GPS receiver - [Link]
