Raspberry pi remote
Introduction
The Raspberry Pi has proven to be an incredibly versatile minicomputer ideal for all sorts of DIY projects. Because of its little size, minimal expense and strong capacities, it has empowered large number of individuals overall to investigate programming, gadgets and then some.
One area the Pi excels in is building customized remote-control interfaces and solutions. Using wireless technologies like infrared, Bluetooth, WIFI and other protocols, the Pi allows you to remotely operate and control various devices from short distances all the way across networks or even around the globe over the internet.
In this in-depth article, we will explore multiple exciting projects involving remote controls and the Raspberry Pi. We'll provide examples of basic to advanced builds, detail the required hardware, software options, code snippets and step-by-step tutorials. By and by, you'll have the information to begin planning your own controller frameworks utilizing this Visa measured PC.
So, without further ado, let's dive into some awesome Raspberry Pi remote control project ideas!
Basic Infrared Remote Control
As an entry-level remote project, we can use a Pi to emulate various IR remotes through infrared (IR) transmission. All we need is a Pi, IR LED and learning software like LIRC.
First, follow LIRC's guide to “learn” the IR codes from existing remotes being pointed at an IR receiver dongle attached to the Pi. Test that codes are decoded properly.
Next, wire an IR LED on the Pi's GPIO. In Python, call LIRC commands to send learned codes out the LED upon simulated button presses. Test it controls your A/V equipment!
You've built a simple programmable stand-in for dedicated device remotes. Expand it by adding buttons via code or a breadboarded interface. Stream cross-device with IR blasters per room too.
Ultimate Universal Remote Control
Taking the concept further, create a “Universal Remote-Control Hub” to consolidate remotes:
Hardware:
- Pi
- IR receiver & LED
- Encoder buttons
- OLED display (Adafruit 1.3″ 128×64)
Software:
- LIRC to learn codes
- SQLite database to organize codes
- Python GUI for display & control
Learn IR codes from many remotes and store in a database. Design GUI interface on OLED allowing selection of stored devices by room/type and custom naming.
Map button presses from encoder to send appropriate IR codes. Add conditional logic, macros and sequences for advanced functions.
Consider including HDMI-CEC, RF or IP control support to handle more device types from a single interface. Fully integrated universal solution!
Wireless Network Remote Controller
For untethered freedom, develop a cross-platform networked remote controller using the Pi:
Hardware:
- Pi running mDNS/OTA updates
- Encoder buttons
- OLED display
- WiFi/BLE dongle
Software:
- Flask web server for streaming UI
- LIRC/RF socket server to dispatch codes
- Mobile remote apps over WIFI/internet
Create an Android/iOS app interfacing with a Flask server on the Pi over WiFi. Stream UI updates and pass button presses between devices.
On the Pi, have server logic map presses to IR/RF codes or device API calls to trigger actions like changing channels remotely.
Allow multiple concurrent connections for flexible multi-user control scenarios or integrating with smart home systems. Truly intelligent remote!
Multi-Zone Home Theater Remote
Build a sophisticated home theater experience with multi-room audio/video control:
Hardware:
- Pi running Volumio
- HiFiBerry Amp HAT for multi-room audio
- IR blasters in each room/zone
- RGB encoder remote
Software:
- Volumio media streaming OS
- Node-RED for UI and logic flows
- LIRC to send IR codes
Stream audio simultaneously to endpoints while independently controlling power, volume and inputs per zone from a single interface.
Code light patterns on remote encoders to represent each room/device for intuitive feedback.
Leverage TTS, APIs or HDMI-CEC for advanced synchronization across A/V stacks remotely throughout home.
Powerful yet affordable whole-home entertainment solution with theater-grade remote control.
Raspberry Pi Kiosk with Remote Presenter Mode
Design an interactive display kiosk with remote presentation capabilities:
Hardware:
- Pi & touch display running Raspbian
- IR/BT receiver dongle
- Bluetooth remote & mouse/kb
- Webcam (optional)
Software:
- Nginx for serving web content
- Processing/Python for remote handling
- Serial communication between Pi & remote
Build simple click-based UI for navigating info slides. Develop Processing sketch intercepting IR/BT signals from remote.
Trigger slide transitions or run scripts/apps based on codes. For remote presenters, pair mouse/kb, start Pi webcam video stream display and allow full remote control.
countless applications from digital signage to conference presentations all enhanced through wireless remote-control features.
The possibilities are endless – information kiosks, classroom whiteboards, interactive exhibits and more all made more engaging.
Gesture Controlled Home Automation
Use IR proximity sensing for contactless lighting control:
Hardware:
- Pi
- Sharp GP2Y0A02YK IR proximity sensor
- Solid state relay module
- WiFi adapter
Software:
- Python library for IR sensor readings
- Node-RED for flow-based logic
- MQTT for sensor feeding across network
Mount sensor high up to detect hand gestures without contact. Stream sensor values to Node-RED flow listening for threshold passes representing gestures like swipe left/right.
Toggle relays controlling A/V equipment, appliances or smart lights in response to wirelessly sensed gestures without needing physical buttons.
Advanced computer vision could introduce training for personalized gestures to control smart home. Limitless method for remote input!
Remotely Accessible Retro Game Console
Turn your Pi into an online multiplayer retro game station:
Hardware:
- Pi
- USB controller adapters
- WiFi dongle
Software:
- RetroPie loaded with ROMs
- Steam Link for streaming UI
- Parsec for online multiplayer
Set up RetroPie on Pi then configure Steam Link app on devices to access its desktop interface remotely over network or Parsec for low-latency online gameplay.
Stream graphical interface to any device while player input is sent wirelessly back to the Pi for handling in-emulator. Supports 1-4 concurrent connections.
Endless couch co-op gaming sessions spanning any distance through wireless multiplayer capabilities. Technologies like Parsec make online play incredibly seamless and responsive too!
Conclusion
In this article we explored multiple projects utilizing Raspberry Pi's to build sophisticated and custom remote-control solutions. Whether controlling individual appliances, constructing universal remotes or designing networked whole-home control interfaces – versatile open-source operating systems, python coding skills and accessible wireless technologies empowered countless possibilities.
With a bit of learning, nearly any remote concept can be realized on budget using credit card sized single board computers like the Pi. I hope these examples have provided inspiration for your next remote project! Please feel free to experiment and let me know if you have any other questions.
