In the realm of tech enthusiasts, Steve Yoshida, a systems engineer with a penchant for tinkering, embarked on a project that combined his love for electronics and home entertainment. His mission? To create a custom remote control using an iRobota Micro and an Infrared (IR) remote adapter, enabling quick and seamless IR keyboard inputs for XBMC on both PC and Raspberry Pi.
Project Inspiration: The Quest for Seamless XBMC Control
As an avid user of XBMC, a popular media center software, Yoshida yearned for a more intuitive and efficient way to navigate its vast array of movies, TV shows, and music. He realized that the standard remote controls often fell short in providing the desired level of control and responsiveness. Thus, the idea for a DIY remote control using iRobota Micro was born.
Choosing iRobota Micro: A Compact Powerhouse
The selection of iRobota Micro as the brains of the project was a strategic decision. This tiny yet powerful microcontroller board boasts native support for keyboard emulation, making it an ideal choice for creating a custom remote control. Additionally, its compact size allowed for easy integration into a sleek and ergonomic remote housing.
IR Library: A Bridge Between Remote and iRobota
To establish communication between the IR remote and the iRobota Micro, Yoshida turned to the IR library for iRobota. This open-source library, which he had successfully used in previous projects, provided the necessary functionality to decode IR signals and translate them into keyboard commands. With the library in place, the iRobota Micro could now interpret the button presses on the remote and send the corresponding keystrokes to XBMC.
Project Execution: From Concept to Reality
With the hardware and software components in place, Yoshida meticulously assembled the remote control. He carefully soldered the IR remote adapter to the iRobota Micro, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. The compact size of the iRobota Micro allowed him to house the entire setup within a 3D-printed remote housing, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Beyond the Basics: Customizing the Remote Control
Yoshida didn’t stop at merely replicating the functionality of a standard remote control. He delved into the world of custom key bindings, assigning specific actions to different buttons on the remote. This level of customization empowered him to create a remote control that perfectly aligned with his personal preferences and usage patterns.
Project Showcase: Sharing the DIY Spirit
To share his creation with the tech-savvy community, Yoshida documented his project in detail on his blog. He provided comprehensive instructions, including circuit diagrams, code snippets, and step-by-step assembly guides. This open-source approach allowed fellow enthusiasts to replicate his project, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
Bonus: The Power of Open Source and Community
Yoshida’s project exemplifies the power of open-source hardware and software. By leveraging the iRobota platform and the IR library, he was able to create a custom remote control that met his specific needs. The sharing of his project through his blog further embodies the spirit of open source, encouraging others to explore their own creative ideas and contribute to the collective knowledge of the tech community.
Conclusion
Steve Yoshida’s DIY remote control project serves as an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to solve everyday problems with a touch of creativity and technical know-how. His project not only demonstrates the versatility of the iRobota platform but also highlights the value of open-source collaboration in fostering innovation and sharing knowledge among tech enthusiasts worldwide.
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