Here’s a simple, low cost, and easy to construct infrared remote control tester. The tester is built around an easily available infrared receiver module (TSOP 1238).
IR Remote Control Tester Circuit diagram:
Normally, data output pin 3 of the IR receiver module is at a high level (5 volts)and as such driver transistor T1 is in cut-off state. Whenever the IR receiver module receives a valid (modulated) infrared signal, its data output pin goes low in synchronism with the received infrared bursts. As a result, transistor T1 conducts during negative pulse period and the.LED blinks to indicate reception of signals from the remote such as TV remote control. A miniature active buzzer is connected at the collector of transistor T1 for audio indication.
The 5V DC for energizing the circuit is directly derived from the 230V AC mains supply. Unlike the conventional resistive voltage divider, a capacitive potential divider is used here, which does not radiate any heat and makes the tester quite compact. Another advantage of this tester is no false triggering due to the ambient light or electronic ballast-operated tubelights. A suggested enclosure for the circuit is shown in Fig. 2.
