HOW REMOTE CONTROL WORKS
There are two main types of remote control. Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF) or Radio Control. The most common one used today is the IR remote control, the ones we use for TVs.
IR remote requires a clear line sight with the device being controlled and a range of up to 30 feet. It uses light to transmit data.
IR remote requires a clear line sight with the device being controlled and a range of up to 30 feet. It uses light to transmit data.
Radio Frequency requires radio signals to transmit data. The sight is not important, it control the device through walls and other barriers since it is through waves not light. You can usually identify a radio remote control from the long antenna it has on the device and the controller. These transmit and receive information needed to perform the command
The range is usually up to 100 feet, if it is a remote controlled car or boat that you are using. However, there is a wide range of radio waves. The distance may vary depending on the type of radio signal being used.
The range is usually up to 100 feet, if it is a remote controlled car or boat that you are using. However, there is a wide range of radio waves. The distance may vary depending on the type of radio signal being used.
How does it transmit information?
The remote control's light is the transmitter. Once a button is pressed on the remote control, the command is translated to binary code. Then, the signals transmit this binary code to the receiver of the device that applies the command on it. There are different types of radio and infrared signals that may differ in the range and complexity of the commands.
The receiver usually understand one type of code, usually from that specific remote control. Therefore, it is not possible to control an AC via the TV remote control visa versa. In most cases, you cannot even control the TV unless if the remote control is made by the same brand. As said earlier, Steve Wozniak had developed a universal programmable remote control that would change this.
It is very important for safety that the devices have different codes. You can't unlock someone's car with the remote car lock you have or suddenly open someone's garage thanks to these different codes.