Decoding IT TV Remote Signals

I want to build a project which will include a remote of some description controlling many devices including devices that may or may not already have some sort of IR. In this I wanted to include the ability to use this remote to control an old sanyo tv with basic functions like on/off volume up/down chan up/down and also an old aiwa stereo. What I want to know is how can I find out what signal is sent for what button, are there datasheets with this information or would I have to build a IR decoder?
Any ideas or thoughts welcome

Timmymna said:

I want to build a project which will include a remote of some description controlling many devices including devices that may or may not already have some sort of IR. In this I wanted to include the ability to use this remote to control an old sanyo tv with basic functions like on/off volume up/down chan up/down and also an old aiwa stereo. What I want to know is how can I find out what signal is sent for what button, are there datasheets with this information or would I have to build a IR decoder?
Any ideas or thoughts welcome

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You need to find out the specific coding for each device, there are a bewildering variety of different coding methods used, the most common of which is the Philips RC5 system.

One of my PIC tutorials deals with Sony SIRC IR codes, which is a nice simple system to decode or generate.

What you really need is a storage scope so you can compare the various keys used - along with a simple IR receiver IC, this strips off the 38KHz modulation, and leaves the original coding as a logic signal.

I don't have access to a storage scope, but in the past I've captured remote control signals using the parallel port, using a simple program written in DOS. If you search the net there are a number of projects about for doing similar things, including ones which use the sound card as the input.

Thanks Nigel. I'll have a look for some.
Do you have any recommendations or know any links?

Timmymna said:

Thanks Nigel. I'll have a look for some.
Do you have any recommendations or know any links?

Click to expand...

Here's one you might like to look at .

Thanks Nigel, looks like a good starting point
Will hopefully have it up and running in now time