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Flirc USB
The Flirc USB allows you to pair any remote control with your computer or media center (Including the Raspberry Pi)! Just walk through the super simple cross platform pairing application, and you're done. Use your previously paired remote with no additional software on any machine with Flirc.
The Flirc USB learns from any remote control, not caring about different vendor protocols. Just walk through the super simple setup - pairing individual remote buttons with 'Media Centre Buttons' and you're done.
It's basically a universal IR receiver, so it can be used with any remote you choose, old, new or Universal! The best part about Flirc is that it can be used to mimic a keyboard so every media center application understands it without any drivers. Although Flirc's range depends on the strength of the remote control you are using, it will work up to 20 feet away with most remotes. Like all infrared (IR) devices, Flirc works best when it's placed in the line of site of the remote control.
Flirc USB Product Help and Resources
Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping
If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Noob - You don't need to reference a datasheet, but you will need to know basic power requirements.
See all skill levels
Comments
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Customer Reviews
2 out of 5
Based on 1 ratings:
works, with a significant caveat
As advertised, FLIRC USB was able to easily learn the keys for arbitrary remotes I tried, and the device could then be used deliver standard media keys in the target system. My major caveat relates to the security aspects of the device. Afaict, the programming software is only distributed as an unsigned binary (not even https download)--then you must run it as root! The firmware for the device also seems to be closed source, so in effect, you are hooking up an autonomous keyboard that can inject any keystrokes it cares to emit. Its one thing to trust Logitech or Microsoft with such a device, but another to trust a company whose support forum seems to be moribund and opsec seems to be dismal. I endded up running the programmer on an isolated system, and then blew away its disk and reinstalled the OS--quicker than studying the tens of megabytes of strace logs. My application is not networked or security sensitive so I don't worry too much about runtime security. If your systems are any more sensitive, take a pass, or get the vendor to open up the sources so we can see everything and compile it ourselves.
Do you have any plans to make a similar smart IR transmitter that can emulate remotes? Maybe with an OTG cable and Android app?
Maybe to let my phone control the TV at work since the remote here is getting worn out keys and is unreliable?
Just an idea. :)
Dave
There are already IR remote apps for Android phones.
Howevever, if you are are referring to the lack of IR capability on your phone... I would suggest looking into the IR Blaster. I programmed it so that my friends can use their sad iPhones to control my not-so-smart TV. The only draw back is that they have to connect to it over WiFi. (*I think it is a bonus... you don't get to control the TV if you are staring at your phone.)