IR remote control tester circuit
This is a simple and small circuit you can build in
order to test infrared remote controls, coming from audio and
video devices (e.g. television, DVDs, VCRs and more). You
can also use it to test devices which are using the famous IrDA
protocol.
Notes
Keep in mind that this tester can detect almost all
devices that use infrared radiation (even devices which are
using IrDA protocol).
The circuit has low sensitivity, so keep the remote control at a
close distance. That was done on purpose in order to keep
external interferences low. |
Components
- One 10KÙ resistor (1/4 Watt).
- Two 27MÙ resistors (1/4 Watt).
- One 1KÙ resistor (1/4 Watt).
- One transistor BC516.
- One transistor BC547B.
- A common red LED.
- One 47nF capacitor.
- A phototransistor like BPW40. You can use different types of
phototransistors without problems (e.g. BPW41N, TK19 148 etc).
- One on-off switch.
- A battery holder for two AA batteries (a battery holder with
pressure contacts is by far the best choice).
- A small piece of a Veroboard
- Wire for connections
- Solder and soldering iron
Also you will need two alkaline AA 1.5V batteries. |
Schematic Diagram
Here is the schematic diagram of the IR remote control
tester.
Attention: To avoid external interferences (ambient
noise) the circuit is designed with low sensitivity. Keep
the remote control under test, as close to the phototransistor
(ir receiver) as possible.
Pictures
In the following
pictures you see the IR tester, build on a small piece of Veroboard.
I glued the circuit on the battery holder.
You can use the circuit almost for every IR remote control, even for devices
that use the IrDA protocol like mobile phones (cellphones).
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