Which IR Remote is very cheap and common?

[blueroomelectronics]

Looking for an IR Remote to include with my PIC kits that support IR. Velleman make an 2 channel IR remote for about $15 but I know you can get cheap universal remotes with dozens of buttons for about $7.
Looking for...

• I would like the least expensive remote that you've seen commonly available in your area.
• Supports Philipls RC5 protocol
• A 5 button joystick type area (Up,Dn,L,R,enter) would be nice
• Number pad
• Not too many buttons
• Smaller the better

I was thinking of including it with the Mongoose (Robot), Junebug (PIC Lab) as a bundle, maybe a T shirt & screwdriver thrown in for good measure.
*The IR sensor on the Junebug is 38KHz and with a simple cable you could use the 18F1320 on Junebug to control the 18F2525 on the Mongoose (TTL level serial wired)

 

[philba]

RC5 uses a 36K carrier. Will that actually work with your 38K receiver?

If it does, then I suggest you consider RC6 which is the protocol that MS MCE uses. There are tons of those remotes on ebay - there must be a volume source. Other than small, those remotes meet all your other needs,

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Those 38KHz detectors usually work well from 36KHz to 40KHz, are the RC6 remotes cheap yet?

 

[HarveyH42]

No specs on these, but definately cheap...

https://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/IR-18/280/INFRA-RED_REMOTE_CONTROL,_PRC140_.html

There are couple of comments that might point you to some more details. I bought a couple a while back. The controller is a COB (black blob), but there is a resonator (TT3.64M). The PCB has printed, PBS_PRCV02 980108, Made in China.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Wow that's cheap alright. $0.50