This is a project that will allow you to remotely control the display of presentations on your computer.
It is very simple, but you remember, before you start you need to install two libraries in your Arduino IDE.
Technical Implementation: IR Decoding and Keyboard Emulation
The project reveals the hidden layers of simple pulse-to-command interaction:
- Identification layer: The IR Receiver acts as a high-resolution optical eye, measuring every point of the remote's NEC-protocol pulses and converting them to hex values.
- Conversion layer: The Arduino uses a digital Pin (D2) to receive high-speed binary bits for mission-critical sensing tasks.
- USB Interface layer: The ATmega32U4 (Pro Micro) acts as a high-definition virtual keyboard for each of your presentation commands (e.g., Page Down, Page Up, Esc).
- Processing Logic layer: The Arduino code follows a "lookup table" (or HID-dispatch) strategy: it interprets the HEX codes and matches them to keyboard keystrokes to provide safe and rhythmic slide transitions.
- Communication Dialogue Loop: Key hex codes are sent rhythmically to the Serial Monitor during initial calibration to coordinate status.
Hardware-HID Infrastructure
- Arduino Pro Micro: The "brain" of the project, managing the multi-directional IR sampling and coordinating the USB HID output.
- IR Receiver Module: Providing high-precision and reliable "Measuring Eye" for every point of the remote signals.
- IR Remote: Providing a clear and professional wireless interface for your first successful "Bedside Mission."
- Breadboard: A convenient way to prototype your first PC-electronics circuit and connect all components without soldering.
- Micro-USB Cable: Used to program your Arduino and provides the primary interface for the HID controller.
Explanation of the NEC protocol.
The arrow keys remain unchanged. The other keys are unused (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8).
The Pro Micro module works as a Human Interface Device and does not require additional drivers.
[!IMPORTANT] The ATmega32U4 chip (found in a Pro Micro or Leonardo) is required for native USB HID support; an Arduino Uno will not work for the keyboard emulation without extra firmware modifications!
Future Expansion
- OLED Identity Dashboard Integration: Add a small OLED display on the receiver base to show "Last Key Pressed" or "Battery (%)".
- Multi-sensor Climate Sync Synchronization: Connect a specialized "Laser Pointer" to perform higher-precision "Visual Highlighting" wirelessly via your logic.
- Cloud Interface Registration Support Synchronization: Add a specialized web-dashboard on your smartphone over WiFi/BT to precisely track and log the total slide count history.
- Advanced Velocity Profile Customization Support: Add specialized "Mouse Mode" to the code to allow the remote to move the cursor automatically for complex presentations!
IR Remote Control for Presentation PC is a perfect project for any science enthusiast looking for a more interactive and engaging PC tool!