Why does one need RF if you have wifi from the esp33 already. Is it wall penetration and range that’s more important with RF?
1 Like
I actually went for vertical because it’s the same way I had my RM4 mounted/pointing… But so far in testing I’ve pointed it in all directions without missing a signal.
I was initially planning to bend the LEDs over and point them at different angles until it didn’t seem necessary in the tests 
Planning is over-rated 
I picked 9 LEDs half at random and half based on current/voltage drop calculations
3 Likes
It still looks good though. I havnt spent much time looking into it, but why does it seem like the IR leds that come in something like an Arduino/esp transmitter/receiver kit are nowhere near as good as your common TV remotes?
1 Like
Having done a little bit of looking into it, they basically all use very cheap LEDs. Common TV remotes always have at least one (sometimes 2) decent IR LEDs as well as some sort of cone or lens to focus the signal more
Hi, These are generally Tuya variants. The one I bought is via Amazon India, the brand name is Teqooz that costed me 10$. You can find it here
Looks like LibreTiny is opening up ESPHome takeovers for some more Tuya devices again.
Just got this one working… Code’s there in case it might help at all.
Anyone got any good ideas for improving it?
Theres a button that I havent used, and the LEDs only showing status in case of error…
You want to flash the status light after each command you send probably:
- light.turn_on: status_light
- delay: 60ms
- light.turn_off: status_light
Personally I use a lazy “on” tracker, this way:
globals:
- id: last_action
type: int
binary_sensor:
- platform: template
name: "TV Tracker Internal"
id: tv_tracker_internal
internal: true
on_state:
then:
- lambda: |-
id(last_action) = millis()/1000ULL;
- light.turn_on: status_light
- delay: 60ms
- light.turn_off: status_light
Then after each TX command I run this:
- lambda: id(tv_tracker_internal).publish_state(true);
(or false if it’s a power off command)
Thanks.
Light’s flashing with each command sent now. Probably the best use there is for the LED tbh
Added a bunch more buttons and icons for them too.
I like the idea of tracking if the TVs on or off, but the TVs own remote is used as well. I guess that’d mean it’d often end up wrong?
I like the idea of using a multidimensional array to hold the button details and their remote codes, rather than a long list of mixed code/data, but I’m still getting that working. It’d mean adding more buttons/codes would just be adding them to a ‘table’ rather than copy/pasting and then changing chunks of code for each.
It might just be complicating it unneccessarily though.
Some way to automate capturing codes would be good, but I’m not sure how to start with that yet. At least for me, capturing them is still hit-and-miss enough that it might have to stay a manual process.
I’ve settled on capturing a buttons codes maybe 5-10 times, then creating buttons for each and trying them out multiple times. The one that performs most reliably and/or fastest is kept.
There might be a way to automate that, but it’s beyond me at the moment… Learning a lot right now though, so maybe
I haven’t been able to find any existing examples of doing something like that, anyone aware of anything similar pls?
I haven’t done this myself but it might work out well to use yaml anchors for duplicating command sections actually… My templates are quite long so I should play with that
Here’s what I do as far as a better way to learn commands - needs more customisation for the various protocols though, I just use pronto and sony here.
You switch the learn command switch on, fire an IR command, then the switch will turn off and you get the data in the sensor.
switch:
- platform: template
name: Learn Command
id: remote_learn_switch
optimistic: true
text_sensor:
- platform: template
name: Learned Command
id: learned_command
remote_receiver:
pin:
number: GPIO25
inverted: true
dump: all
# on_sony:
# - if:
# condition:
# lambda: 'return id(remote_learn_switch).state;'
# then:
# - lambda: |-
# id(remote_learn_switch).publish_state(false);
# std::string log_output = "Sony: Data = 0x" + esphome::format_hex(x.data) + ", nbits = " + esphome::to_string(x.nbits);
# id(learned_command).publish_state(log_output.c_str());
# - delay: 80ms
# - light.turn_on: ir_status_light
# - delay: 500ms
# - light.turn_off: ir_status_light
on_pronto:
- if:
condition:
lambda: 'return id(remote_learn_switch).state;'
then:
- lambda: |-
id(remote_learn_switch).publish_state(false);
std::string log_output = "Pronto: Data = " + esphome::to_string(x.data);
id(learned_command).publish_state(log_output.c_str());
- delay: 80ms
- light.turn_on: ir_status_light
- delay: 500ms
- light.turn_off: ir_status_light
3 Likes
I like how that sounds, but tbh I’m not able to read thorugh that code and really understand it yet.
Is it something like this?
If remote_learn_switch is on (done using a button?),
then take the IR command (that starts with "Pronto: Data = ") from the log and put it in learned_command?
publish_state is new to me, maybe something like ‘save and make available’?
I’ve got some reading to do 
and thanks… I don’t want to trample all over this thread with me getting my head around things though, better in the one I started while getting mine going?
Hey All,
I found a simple schematic online for a IR blaster.
I made a simple kicad drawing for it:
Dont mind the fan header
that is supposed to be the IR reciever.
The schematic:
It is based on a wemos D1 mini (this way I dont have to design the usb and such). And it can be soldered closer to the PCB for a flatter design.
If any one is interested i could put the project somewhere on GIT
1 Like
Just food for thought.
I use those cheap ($5 CAD) aliexpress tuya Wi-Fi based IR emitters that use the Beken microcontrollers and flash it with OpenBeken. They work very well and communicate using MQTT. OpenBeken works very well with HASS, the only downside is having to flash the chip which requires disassembly and soldering (or fly leads).
1 Like
Might be 5 bucks, But where is the fun in that
Also MQTT is nice, but it is yet another item in the chain.
This is just esp home - > IR Might be 10 bucks, maybe 20.
But I get to do it myself and point all the IR leds in the direction i need (from the couch to TV straight ahead )
Cheap aliexpress is not always the answer
1 Like
Neither is reinventing the wheel.
1 Like
Must be hot weather… If its not for you then so be it
Just ignore it.
1 Like
That’s fair, I was just putting info out there for thought. Injection molded cases go a long way these days. I have a plethora of esp based ‘thingies’ everywhere, some are bare some have 3d printed cases. Sometimes it’s just easier to repurpose what others have already laid down the work for.
All that said, I also enjoy building things for the sake of building them, so I understand your train of thought.
1 Like
You can also control the Kincony KC868-AG without using ESPHome using RESTful Commands. You can apparently use MQTT also, but this is easier. Regardless I’m probably going to have to use ESPHome according to the docs due to the different RF commands because it only supports 2 EF protocols but the raw data can be used. They also have some device/brand automations for learning IR/RF.
Hi All,
I have made my own IR blasterV2. It has a range of about 5 meters now.
As you can see there is still one design flaw on my pcb, but not too bad.
It has 3 resistors (1k and 47 ohm) 1 transistor bc337, and a ir reciever
HX1838
Schematic:
It has the following code:
esphome:
name: ir-sender
friendly_name: ir-sender
esp32:
board: m5stack-atom
framework:
type: esp-idf
# Enable logging
logger:
# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
encryption:
key: !secret ir-api
ota:
- platform: esphome
password: !secret ir-ota
wifi:
ssid: !secret lot_wifi_ssid
password: !secret lot_wifi_password
fast_connect: true
power_save_mode: light
use_address: !secret ip-is-send
# Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
ap:
ssid: "Irsender Fallback Hotspot"
password: !secret ir-fbw
captive_portal:
web_server:
remote_receiver:
id: rcvr
pin:
number: GPIO33
inverted: true
mode:
input: true
pullup: true
dump:
- samsung
- sony
remote_transmitter:
pin: GPIO23
carrier_duty_percent: 50%
button:
###
# Samsung IR Remote:
- platform: template
name: "TV - On/Off"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E06798
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E06798
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E040BF
- platform: template
name: "TV - Source"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0807F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 1"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E020DF
- platform: template
name: "TV - 2"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0A05F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 3"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0609F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 4"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E010EF
- platform: template
name: "TV - 5"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0906F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 6"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E050AF
- platform: template
name: "TV - 7"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E030CF
- platform: template
name: "TV - 8"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0B04F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 9"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0708F
- platform: template
name: "TV - 0"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E08877
- platform: template
name: "TV - TTX/MIX"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E034CB
- platform: template
name: "TV - PRE-CH"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0C837
- platform: template
name: "TV - Vol Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0E01F
- platform: template
name: "TV - Vol Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0D02F
- platform: template
name: "TV - Mute"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0F00F
- platform: template
name: "TV - CH LST"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0D629
- platform: template
name: "TV - CH Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E048B7
- platform: template
name: "TV - Ch Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E008F7
- platform: template
name: "TV - Netflix"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0CF30
- platform: template
name: "TV - Prime"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E02FD0
- platform: template
name: "TV - Rakuten"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E03DC2
- platform: template
name: "TV - Guide"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0F20D
- platform: template
name: "TV - Home"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E09E61
- platform: template
name: "TV - Arr Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E09E61
- platform: template
name: "TV - Arr Left"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0A659
- platform: template
name: "TV - OK/Enter"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E016E9
- platform: template
name: "TV - Arr Right"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E046B9
- platform: template
name: "TV - Arr Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E08679
- platform: template
name: "TV - Return"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E01AE5
- platform: template
name: "TV - Exit"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0B44B
- platform: template
name: "TV - A"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E036C9
- platform: template
name: "TV - B"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E028D7
- platform: template
name: "TV - C"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0A857
- platform: template
name: "TV - D"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E06897
- platform: template
name: "TV - Settings"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E058A7
- platform: template
name: "TV - INFO"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0F807
- platform: template
name: "TV - AD/SUBT."
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0A45B
- platform: template
name: "TV - Stop"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0629D
- platform: template
name: "TV - Reverse"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0A25D
- platform: template
name: "TV - Play"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E0E21D
- platform: template
name: "TV - Pause"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E052AD
- platform: template
name: "TV - Forward"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_samsung:
data: 0xE0E012ED
###
# Sony IR Remote:
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - On/Off"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000540C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Source"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00004B0D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - TV - On/Off"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00000A90
repeat: 4
nbits: 12
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - TV - Source"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00000A50
repeat: 4
nbits: 12
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - TV - CH Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00000090
repeat: 4
nbits: 12
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Display"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000040D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - SW Vol Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00001D0C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - TV - CH Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00000890
repeat: 4
nbits: 12
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Clear Audio +"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x000F4116
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - SW Vol Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00005D0C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio Standard"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x000B8116
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio Movie"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000610D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio Game"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0001E114
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio Music"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000490D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio P.Audio"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00098116
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Audio Sports"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00018116
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Voice"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0009C114
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Night"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000020D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Mute"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000140C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Return"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x000BE110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Amp Menu"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000770D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Vol Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000240C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Vol Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000640C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Arr Up"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00000F0D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Arr Down"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00004F0D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Arr Left"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00002F0D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Arr Right"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x00006F0D
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - OK"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000180C
repeat: 4
nbits: 15
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Skipp Back"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0000C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Pause"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0009C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Skipp Forward"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0008C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Rewind"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x000CC110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Play"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0004C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Forward"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0002C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Pairing"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x000EE114
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
- platform: template
name: "Soundbar - Stop"
on_press:
- remote_transmitter.transmit_sony:
data: 0x0001C110
repeat: 4
nbits: 20
Happy to share a gerber folder if you want to order one yourself
2 Likes
Maybe the documentation explains this but, I havnt looked at it. What is the benefit of using multiple IR led"s?
It makes sense to me that increasing voltage/current close to the led max, that will increase IR range for sure but, how does just adding more led’s make it better especially when they’re all facing the same direction?
I could also see the benefits of putting IR led’s all around the circumference so it transmits 360 degrees but, whats it doing by having them all on one side and facing the same direction?