Bits4Bots - Repurpose a TV Remote TOTALLY!
by Bits4Bots in Circuits > Electronics
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Bits4Bots - Repurpose a TV Remote TOTALLY!
![rca remote.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FGA/SDZW/INS14FFA/FGASDZWINS14FFA.jpg&filename=rca remote.JPG)
There are many ways to "hack" a remote.
In this Instructable I will show you how to go a step further a Totally hack, redesign and repurpose a TV remote in a few easy steps.
Before attempting this project you should have a design in mind and a new enclosure design. 3D print access possible laser cutter.
FYI: I used a laser cutter for the top of the remote and 3D printed design for the lower enclosure. My ultimate goal was to design a custom remote for an Arduino based robot rover.
IR sensors are great and easy to use. Please vote for this project, it is entered in the Sensors contest. Thanks!
Link: Check out my rover! Follow us for more cool projects and visit us at www.bits4bots.com
Tear Down
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Once you have a remote to work with you will need to tear it down. Tools needed will include a screw driver. Having a set of different sizes will be helpful.
- Remove all screws.
- Carefully trace the edges with a plastic tool. *Some tool kits have spudgers
- Remove remote circuit from enclosure.
Hack by Design
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I call this next step hack by design. This is a true hack, it is up to you to redesign your remote to your preference.
What I wanted in my design is a typical four arrow direction. In addition, I wanted a few buttons for my robot rover to flash lights, beep a horn, and rotate. So this is how it was done:
- Using scissors, carefully remove all unwanted buttons.
- Take measurements for the remaining buttons i.e circumference of each button and its distance from the edges
- I used PowerPoint 2013, it has great aligning features.
- I started by creating a rectangle shape with rounded edges.
- Next I added the circular shapes for the all the remaining buttons.
- FYI it took a few tries to get things perfect.
- Once I was happy with my paper printed design, I saved the .ppt file to a PDF file for laser cutting.
- I laser cut my saved file on an 8 x10 acrylic sheet.
- For the bottom enclosure I used Autodesk Inventor. This was a simple rectangular shape with two screw holes the exact size of the top acrylic piece and a 1cm hole for the IR. *roughly 6 inches by 4 inches
- Next I 3D printed my design.
- I used zip ties to keep the circuit and silicon aligned.
- To change the orientation of the remote I desoldered the IR transmitter and added +/- 3cm of wire for flexibility.
- Lastly, I soldered a 3V battery holder to the coil and exposed wire (+ & -) supply.
Recase| Finished Product
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Now that the new enclosure has been laser cut & 3D printed it is time to give this circuit a new home. Add batteries and test it out.
I encourage you to test your limits and reproduce this Instructable for your cool projects!
Please leave comments and questions below. Follow me here watch my YouTube channel here.