Controlling Servo Motors Using an Infrared Remote with Arduino

Controlling Servo Motors Using an Infrared Remote with Arduino

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Controlling Servo Motors with an Infrared Remote and Arduino

This project demonstrates how to control a servo motor using an infrared (IR) remote and an Arduino. This setup allows for wireless control of the servo's position, making it ideal for various applications.

Here are some project ideas using this setup:

Remotely adjusting a camera's pan and tilt.
Controlling a robotic arm's movements.
Automating window blinds or curtains.
Creating interactive art installations.
Building a remote-controlled car or vehicle.

Hardware/Components

Arduino board (e.g., Uno, Nano)
Servo motor
IR remote control (any standard remote will work, but the code is configured for specific remotes)
IR receiver module (e.g., TSOP1838)
Jumper wires
Breadboard (optional)

Wiring Guide

The servo motor has three wires: ground (usually brown or black), power (typically red), and signal (often orange or white). The IR receiver also has three wires: ground, power (VCC), and signal.

(in video at 01:46)

%%WIRING%%

Servo Ground to Arduino Ground
Servo Power to Arduino 5V
Servo Signal to Arduino Pin 8 (in video at 02:23)
IR Receiver Ground to Arduino Ground
IR Receiver VCC to Arduino 5V
IR Receiver Signal to Arduino Pin 11 (in video at 02:38)

Code Explanation

The code begins by including necessary libraries for IR communication and servo control. (in video at 03:16)


#include <IRremote.h>
#include <Servo.h>

Next, essential variables are defined. You'll need to configure these based on your specific setup. (in video at 03:44)


const char type = 'B'; // 'W' for white remote, 'B' for black remote
const boolean PCB = 0;   // 1 if the IR receiver has a PCB, 0 if it's a bare module
const int SERVO_PIN = 8; // The pin connected to the servo's signal wire
int angleStep = 10;      // How many degrees the servo moves per button press
const int ANGLE_CENTRE = 90; // The center/reset position of the servo

(in video at 05:06)

The most crucial configuration step is matching the remote control buttons to specific actions. The code includes arrays for different remote types (white/black, PCB/non-PCB) and their corresponding button codes. You'll need to identify the correct codes for your remote and assign them to the desired actions (right, left, center). (in video at 05:16)


const String RIGHT = ">"; // Replace with the code for your "right" button
const String LEFT = "<";  // Replace with the code for your "left" button
const String CENTRE = "OK"; // Replace with the code for your "center" button

(in video at 08:12)

The servoAction() function handles the servo movement based on the received IR signal. It checks the received command and adjusts the servo angle accordingly. The angleStep variable controls the increment or decrement of the servo's position. (in video at 08:06)

Live Project/Demonstration

(in video at 09:56)

The video demonstrates how to control the servo using different remotes. It shows how to adjust the code for various remote types and receiver modules. The demonstration also covers how to capture IR codes from your own remotes and integrate them into the code. (in video at 12:48)