Working principle of wireless remote control

Television is an easy way to learn new information. TV makes it possible to watch not only entertaining programs, but also educational ones. A TV remote control is the key to watching interesting films, cartoons and various programs, as they say, without leaving the couch.

A remote control is a device for changing channels, adjusting the volume; it can be used to control not only a TV, but also audio recorders, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, and even entire robots. The remote control is a complex device, it has come a long way to end up in the form we are familiar with.

This is what the first remotes for old TVs looked like:

Often, remote controls operate using a modulated infrared signal, but bluetooth is being used more and more often, but other protocols are found and are used extremely rarely. Also, recently, connecting via WiFi has become increasingly popular.

Remote control device

A household remote control is a box with buttons on the front.
The remote control operates on batteries and sends signals in the form of infrared rays (0.75 - 1.4 microns). The wave is not recognized by a person, but is perceived by the receiving mechanism. The design contains a packaged or packaged microcircuit, which is located on a dielectric plate and filled with a polymer thermoplastic resin. The universal remote control panel has the following basic parts:

• power key, device selection;
• volume control and channel switching, date and time settings;
• numeric keys for entering numbers;
• programming buttons;
• joysticks for menu navigation;
• keys, the purpose of which is chosen by the user independently;
• LCD or touch screen showing current information.

Devices with many functions require a complex system with wave frequency regulation, which also protects the channel from interference and encodes the commands being sent. Digital conversion is used by the remote control chip and decoding by the receiver.

Important steps in setting up a universal remote control

The selection of a remote control product is often carried out after purchasing the equipment. Therefore, use usually requires manual input of the required parameters. Not all users know that universal products have an automatic setup process. To do this, you need to perform the following algorithm of actions:

• to automatically start channels, you must press POWER and hold for 5-7 seconds;
• the light on the remote control should light up, and the VOLUME button should appear on the TV;
• the appearance of such parameters indicates that the setup has been completed.

If the setup is unsuccessful, you must enter the code corresponding to the TV model. When purchasing a remote control, it is recommended to first consult with a specialist who will suggest the most suitable product depending on the type of equipment for home use.

Operating principle of the remote control

More often, devices use one frequency modulation (radiation from an LED element), to which the receiver and remote control are tuned. Frequency values ​​with constant amplitude are usually unchanged - these are 36, 38 or 40 kHz (Button, Canon, Pro Black). 56 kHz indicators are rarely used (Sharp, Runva, Doorhan). Bang & Olufsen products operate at 455 kHz, which is a rare characteristic.

If the frequency of the receiver and transmitter do not match, the remote control will work, but its sensitivity will decrease. Several modulated bursts of pulses create a coded message, and the receiver contains a demodulator, a filter circuit, and a frequency detector.

Previously, only the basic commands of the controlled device were placed on the remote control; most of the controls were located on the body of the household appliance. The situation has changed: ventilation, gates, lighting, and traffic light equipment can only be controlled using a remote device.

Implementation examples

Considering that the level of illumination of energy-saving light bulbs cannot be controlled, there is only one option left - to turn them on and off. Here are a few examples of how to organize remote control of light from a remote control.

A remote switch is the simplest option, in which an outlet (or group of outlets) is controlled using a remote control; lamps or other household appliances can be connected to it. That is, the device is not suitable for turning on or off central lighting.

Remote control with a set of controlled sockets

As another example of a simple solution, we can cite the option when the controller that receives the signal from the control panel is built into the light bulb socket.

Cartridge with controller and remote control

In this case, the control panel can simultaneously work with a group of controllers, which allows you to adjust the lighting by turning on and off a certain number of light bulbs on the chandelier. But this option also has its drawbacks:

• There is a complete lack of versatility, that is, you can only control the operation of electric lamps;
• the small size of the case leads to overheating of electronic equipment, which causes a short service life; this especially affects products from Chinese manufacturers.

The remote control and electrical equipment control controller, shown in the figure below, allows you to supply power to three channels, and the power of each of them can be up to 1000 W. That is, you can not only control the lighting, but also turn on other electrical equipment, for example, a pump.

Controller and remote control

It happens that the manufacturer does not supply the controller with a remote control; in this case, a universal remote control can be used, which is suitable for controlling the operation of a TV (Sony, Samsung, etc.), air conditioner (Toshiba, Daewoo, Philips, etc.), camera (Nicon) or even a barrier and gate lock.

Such universal remote control devices (remotes) are produced by many well-known manufacturers of electronic products, for example: JVC, Sony, Panasonic, BBK, Samsung, Thomson, Pioneer, Canon, etc.

Note that mobile phones may have a “universal infrared remote control” option; for example, some Nokia and Apple models have this function.

All that is required after purchasing a universal remote control is to configure it; the codes for this are contained in the instructions for the device.

Philips universal IR remote control

Speaking about lighting control using a remote control, one cannot fail to mention such a concept as “Smart Home”; it is based on a controller, which is programmed via a USB connection using a laptop or computer.

With this implementation, several programmed lighting modes for the house and area can be displayed on the remote control, for example:

• emergency lighting;
• night mode;
• holiday lighting mode;
• lighting of certain rooms, etc.

To select one mode or another, just press certain buttons on the remote control.

Types of wireless remote controls

Built-in remote control
The devices are powered by 2 - 4 removable batteries of type AA, AAA, less commonly used 9 V Krona batteries. The IR LED requires 2.5 volts to operate, so several elements are required to ensure the remote control level. Experts recommend alkaline or salt batteries.

Depending on the type of power supply, there are remote controls:

• autonomous;
• devices powered from a 220 V electrical network or with a 360 V converter.

They produce portable devices that are often used in everyday life for wireless control of lamps, chandeliers, gate opening, tail lift operation, and other switches. The built-in IR remote control is installed to control complex smart home systems or installed in industrial complexes to control, for example, a crane.

Control devices are classified according to functionality:

• with a limited number of teams;
• with a choice of the number of orders (universal option, for example brand ABCD);
• with the ability to train a set of signals (trainable models, for example, DC V).

ABCD remote control

DC V remote control

Communication with the controlled equipment is established mechanically or wired, using a radio channel, WI-FI, ultrasonic and infrared methods. The Trodfrey driver controls the light in a home remote control, and Wireless USB replaces standard wired transmissions.

Criteria for choosing a suitable device

Modern remote controls contain a wide variety of functions. Therefore, before purchasing a product, you need to decide what it will be used for in the future. If the product is intended for a TV, there is no point in spending money on expensive types. It is important to consider the following criteria:

• Quick response to commands. One of the most important features when choosing. After pressing the required button, the specified function should be performed without delay. The presence of a pause may indicate a malfunction or inconsistency with the selected type of household appliance.
• Quality – almost all products are made of plastic. However, when choosing, you must carefully inspect the product for defects. Since this is an item that is used very often, poor assembly often leads to breakdowns.
• Device compatibility.
• Synchronization zone – for large rooms it is necessary to give preference to products that operate over a large range.
• Form. The design should fit comfortably in the hand. For this purpose, streamlined products are selected. There should be no force applied when pressing the buttons.
• Size – Bulky remote controls can cause discomfort, especially during use. Therefore, preference should be given to small sizes that fit in the hand.

You should also take an individual approach to the choice of functions, such as voice control or backlit keys.

Remote control diagram

An encoding method is used to distinguish the commands of the transmitting block. Before broadcasting the signal, the remote control issues one or more synchronous packets so that the touch receiver sets up the receiving circuit and synchronizes with the transmitter in phase and degree of sensitivity.

Two schemes have been developed for this purpose:

• The first system is used in the Philips remote control (in accordance with the RC5 and RC4 protocols). The sending of signal 0 is supplemented by the number 1, and sending 1 requires the addition of 0. Signal 001 arrives in the form of 010110 and is read sequentially, and a simulated packet is sent into space.
• The authors of the second encoding scheme are representatives of Sony. One is transmitted in a modulated burst, and zero means a pause. Zero transmits encoded information at the same time indicator of one.

Studies have shown that the duration of signals varies by time deviations at the level of +-10%. Transmitted packets are modulated by changing the frequency, which affects the operating range of the device.

Remote control application for LG Smart – where to download and configure

The TV remote control for this brand of TV is presented in the form of a remote control. This application is called “LG TV Remote”.

Anyone can use it, because it is presented both for Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quanticapps.remotelgtvs&hl=ru&gl=US) and for iPhones (https:// apps.apple.com/nz/app/smartify-lg-tv-remote/id991626968).

There are two versions of this application, one for TVs older than 9 years, the other for TVs younger than this age. This is due to the peculiarity of the new models.

You can download the remote control application for LZh TV via the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=roid.spikesroid.tv_remote_for_lg&hl=ru&gl=US

Controlling your TV using the app

Remote control application for lg tv:

After installing the application, you need to do the following: connect the TV to your phone/tablet. For proper operation without failures, an Internet connection is required; there must be one network for operation. This application has a number of individual functions:

1. Output to second screen.
2. Using various TV applications.
3. Ability to search for content.
4. Sound control.
5. Media launch.
6. Screenshot.

Video source for setting up the LG Smart TV application remote control - controlling the TV using the LG TV Remote application:

How to make a remote control with your own hands

4-channel remote control circuit
The remote control is a device that can be assembled by converting a smartphone. You need to purchase infrared diodes or remove them from unnecessary remote controls (2 pieces) and a plug from old headphones. For assembly you will need sandpaper, electrical tape and superglue; the work is carried out with wire cutters and a soldering iron.

The following steps are performed for manufacturing:

• On one side, the elements of the IR diodes protruding from the sides are cleaned using sandpaper.
• The diodes are connected using superglue so that the ground side is inside.
• The legs of the diodes need to be bent and the excess protrusions removed with pliers.
• The anodes are soldered to each other using a soldering iron.
• Similar processing of the second diode is carried out;
• Both LEDs must be connected to the plug lugs without observing polarity.
• The soldering area is coated with glue and protected with insulating tape.

The connection mode is done via IR Port or WI-FI, IR Blaster. The TV modification is selected and the action is confirmed. The converted smartphone is sent to the IR receiver of the home screen, and the functions are controlled.

What features should a modern remote control have?

It's best to choose a remote control that combines a couple of common technologies. It can be a combination of Bluetooth + IR or radio remote control + IR.

At the same time, the infrared module can learn commands in order to replace other remote controls in the house. On such models, you can reassign 5-10 buttons to duplicate functions from standard remote controls.

Some models are equipped with a built-in microphone . This will allow you to use voice input on some TVs or set-top boxes. The easiest way to get this to work is on AndroidTV; you will have to tinker a little to connect the chip to TV boxes from Xiaomi.

Don't forget about the feature called Air Mouse . Nowadays, most set-top boxes and smart TVs support this option.

With its help, you can move the cursor on the screen by changing the location of the remote control in space. Initially, this control is very annoying and seems quite abrupt, but after a couple of days you get used to it and moving the cursor with smooth movements becomes easier than endlessly scrolling through the menu with arrows.

The last important option for the remote control is the presence of a qwerty keyboard . With it you can quickly search for the necessary data on a TV or set-top box, enter commands or use a browser.

It is not advisable to hold a full-size wireless keyboard for this; it is better to be able to sometimes enter text from the remote control.

I often use the remote control in conjunction with a single board Raspberry Pi . KODI shell installed, the device turns into a multimedia omnivorous processor with IPTV.

Even for initial setup and installation, it is convenient to connect a remote control with a mouse and a qwerty keyboard. You can enter several necessary commands without having to look for a wired keyboard.

Scope of use of remote control

A universal remote control controls several types of consumer electronics. Such a device differs from a local device, which is sold together with a washing machine, X-box or camera. UP is sold as a separate product and purchased separately.

Different manufacturing technologies affect the final actions of the device and its cost. Remote controls control one or more units, the range of application is determined by the manufacturer. Trainable models make it possible to specify a list of coordinated equipment through programming.

In everyday life, the IR remote control works with all modern models of household appliances, is used in a complex home automation system for climate control, organizing burglary protection, opens and closes entrance openings, and adjusts the operating mode of cooking and heating units.

Connecting remote switches

The installation diagram of such devices often depends on the light bulbs with which the device will work, as well as on other factors, so before starting assembly you should carefully study the instructions included with the model.

As a rule, products are designed for a standard voltage of 220 volts, however, with the specific requirements of the lamp, this figure may be underestimated.

When connecting any model of switch with a remote control, you must follow safety rules. Do not touch exposed wires without turning off the power

If the system includes a voltage-reducing device, the control unit must first be installed, and only then the transformer. When you press a button on the remote control, the power unit supplies power either directly to the light bulb or to a step-down transformer (depending on the light source). Most often, a similar scheme is used when lighting rooms with LEDs.

Depending on the model, the power unit may have one or more channels: the latter option allows you to simultaneously control several devices at once.

Experts recommend connecting the remote device through a traditional mechanical switch, which can be used if the remote-controlled device fails.

Advantages of remote controls

The transition to remote control provides convenience for the user, since there is no need to move around the home to turn on the lights and set the microclimate parameters in the room. In an automated system, a person can use a remote control to ensure high-quality work at home without leaving his seat.

Remote response works successfully when objects are remote from the operator, for example, when coordinating aircraft, airplanes, and cars. Beacons, repeaters, and radio communication stations are controlled at a distance and do not require the direct presence of a person.

Games like Xbox previously used a wired communication system, but the change to wireless remotes gives players more options.