PC as a Universal Remote?

[bicostp]

http://www.hackaday.com/entry/8558991576722978/

If Phillip Torrone can do it, why not me?

I've got a convenient line-level output connector on my desk, so I guess it wouldn't bee too hard to rig up a universal remote system with my PC...

I figure a simple VB program would work. All it would need is a "Device" menu where you could change what you're controlling, and an array of buttons which correspond to "Mute", "Volume up", etc... and the channel buttons. Each button would play a corresponding WAV file, which would be a recording of the IR signal.

I know he uses a PocketPC and the TotalIR software/hardware bundle, but sadly I have neither. Would it be possible to just use the IR transmitter/reciever LED set from RadioShack (cat # <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... 276-142</a>) and an amplifier circuit of some sort (probably either the audio amp IC or a transistor) to accomplish the same task?

This would be kinda cool to do.

(I'm also researching ways to control servos with a PC through the parallel or serial ports, too, because I want computerized blinds for some reason. (maybe a light-sensor element, such as the ones on night-lights, could shut blinds in direct glaring sunlight to a certain position? Of course there would have to be open/close override settings...)

EDIT: http://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/mringwal/lirc/ Yay info! Thanks Google (a hint to all newbs)

[marshallh]

That should work, just make sure not to overdrive the LED. But with the extremely fast pulsing of IR codes, that's probably not a problem. In fact, the manufacturers do that on purpose.

[Lucretius]

If Phillip Torrone can do it, why not me?

A bad question, indeed...

[Triton]

my palm VII can do remote fnctions, it has piss poor range tho, a few feet at best. i have an app called "remote" and it can learn codes from other remotes, pretty cool im thinking of swapping the LED out for a better one from an old remote i found

[Foxx373]

google CIR or Computerized Infrared Remote, and the software to use is called Monster Clicker. If you cant get your hands on the schematics, PM me and i can send you everything you will need. Schematics and software. The interface is really simple to build.

[xriverfalconx]

That's awesome! I was going to sell my pocket pc but with this...no way! I'm keeping my pocket pc and doing this with it...especially with my pc project moving along.