Adding remote control volume to old amplifier.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion outlines a DIY project to add remote volume control to an old amplifier. The process involves attaching a small DC motor to the volume control using a belt or o-ring, emulating the functionality of high-end remote controls like those from Audio Research. Participants recommend using an IR remote control kit, specifically the IC from Rentron, priced around $25, along with learning to implement an H-bridge circuit for motor control. The project encourages hands-on learning and experimentation with microcontrollers for advanced functionality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electronics and circuit design
  • Familiarity with DC motors and their operation
  • Knowledge of infrared (IR) remote control systems
  • Understanding of H-bridge circuits for motor control
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to connect a DC motor to a volume control using belts or o-rings
  • Explore the Rentron IR remote control kit and its wiring instructions
  • Learn about H-bridge circuits and their applications in motor control
  • Investigate programming a PIC microcontroller for enhanced control features
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, DIY hobbyists, and anyone interested in retrofitting audio equipment with modern remote control capabilities.

staylong
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Found the site doing a Google search. Just need to know if this is possible.

I have an old amplifier that does not have any remote control. I wondered if it would be possible to do something that will alow me to at least control the volume remotely.

Any ideas.

Thanx.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
This would be a project so be prepared to learn a lot or find easier ways to do things.

Easiest way would be to emulate what even Audio Research does for their $800 remote control option on their preamp. Attach a small DC motor to the volume control with a small belt (or an o-ring) and make the small DC motor turn the control like your hand would. You could get the motor from a small toy of some type. You might need to gear it down some (more pulley's and o-rings) so it spins slower, but easier. Step 1 done.

Then buy something simple like this IC and remote and sensor:
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/IR-D14.htm

That's a little more than $25 and for the conveinence and all-in-one-place shopping a good price. Now wire up the circuit and you can press buttons on the remote and make LEDs light up. Step 2 done.

Now you need to drive the motor forward and backward. Search google and learn how an h-bridge circuit works. Here's the first link I found, seems pretty good:
http://www.robotroom.com/HBridge.html

And once you get that done, you're remote controlling. You might spend half as much a picking up a used receiver on ebay but what fun is that and you wouldn't learn as much doing it. :smile:

Then get fancy and program a PIC microcontroller to do everything for version 2. :biggrin:

Cliff
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
21K