73 replies to this topic

[Spider228]

Having hard time trying to find any instructions that i can understand on how to hook up an IR transmitter to turn on my playfield tv. I dont want to wire to the tv just want to use the IRremote function. The build guide is unfinished and doesn't say much of nothing about how to wire it. I did however find something on https://os.mbed.com/...RTransmitter.h/... But not sure how to do what is mentioned. To be honest i dont know what the diagram is showing. I do have an IR LED that i can use. Also how do i get the hex code for my tv's  on button? Thanks in advance

// How to wire an IR emitter
//
// Any IR LED should work as the emitter.  I used a Vishay TSAL6400 for my
// reference/testing implementation.  The TSAL6400 is quite bright, so it
// should send signals well across fairly large distances.
//
// WARNING!  DON'T connect the LED directly to the GPIO pin.  KL25Z GPIO
// pins have very low current limits - a typical IR emitter LED draws
// enough current to damage or destroy the KL25Z.  You'll need to build a
// simple transistor circuit to interface with the LED.  You'll need a
// common small signal NPN transistor (such as a 2222 or 2N4401), a 2.2K
// resistor, the IR LED, of course, and a current-limiting resistor for
// the LED.  Choose the current-limiting resistor by plugging your LED's
// specs into an LED resistor calculator, using a 5V supply voltage.  Now
// connect the GPIO pin to the current-limiting resistor, connect the
// resistor to the LED anode (+), connect the LED cathode (-) to the NPN
// collector, connect the NPN emitter to ground, connect the NPN base to
// the 2.2K resistor, and connect the 2.2K resistor to the GPIO pin.
// It's simple enough for a schematic rendered in ASCII art:
//
//       +5V   (from the KL25Z +5V pin, or directly from
//        |     the KL25Z's power supply)
//        <
//        >  R1 - use an LED resistor calculator to choose
//        <       the resistor size based on your selected 
//        |       LED's forward current & voltage and 5V source
//       ---  +
//       \ /  LED - Infrared emitter (e.g., Vishay TSAL6400)
//       ---  -
//        |
//        |
//         \|     2.2K
//          |-----/\/\/\---> to this GPIO pin
//         /|
//        v
//        |
//      -----
//       ---   Ground (KL25Z GND pin, or ground on the
//        -            KL25Z's power supply)

[mjr]

Here's a more readable version of the schematic:

 

 

That's excerpted from the expansion board schematics, which you can find here:

http://mjrnet.org/pi...rd/download.php

 

The IR_OUT connects to a KL25Z GPIO pin of your choosing - you just have tell the Config Tool which pin you're using.  IR_LED_CATHODE is the (-) leg of the LED.  Connect the (+) leg of the LED directly to +5V.

 

> Also how do i get the hex code for my tv's on button?

 

The easiest way is to also connect an IR receiver, which lets you point your TV's remote control at the KL25Z to teach it the code like a learning remote.  The receiver is fairly cheap and fairly easy to hook up - here's the schematic for that:

 

 

You might also just be able to find the code in a database somewhere online if you have a common brand.  The snag is that there isn't a standard format for the codes, so some guesswork might be involved to get it into the right format for the Pinscape software.  The learning-remote approach is much easier.

[Spider228]

Thanks for the quick response MJR. Is it possible to use these products in the link below? If not ill start putting the list you provided together.

 

https://www.amazon.c...1531841937&sr=3

Also once I do have all the hardware together and wired up. Where is the button to learn the tv remote code? Ive looked all over the config tool and cant find anything for learning codes.

[mjr]

I'd skip those and go with the parts on the my list.  The parts you found might work, but it's hard to know because they don't offer any data sheets or even part numbers that I see telling you what they're using.

 

The IR command setup is all on the Settings page.  In the IR section you'll find an area with a list of saved codes.  Each row has a little "learn" icon that you can click to program a received code.  Clicking the icon brings up a dialog that leads you through the programming process.

[Spider228]

Thanks again. Ill order the parts you had listed.

[Spider228]

Ive ordered everything you mentioned. Parts should be here today. Hope I got the parts correct. Ill keep an update if i can get it working or not. LOL.. Thanks again MJR

 

Parts List IR emitter:           Parts List IR reciever:                                          

2N4401                              TSOPS8438

2.2k ohm                            220 ohm

27 ohm                               150nf

39 ohm

TSAL6400

[Spider228]

Solved.....

 

Safe to say i do have the IR power on feature working great. I used the products in the link below to make it work. Works great with very minimal wiring. Used the Receiver to get the tv on code. Then connected the transmitter and works like a charm. I did purchase all the other components in case the product in the link didn't work. I'm using the cmd file to turn on tv at startup. Cant thank MJR enough for the awesome support and great product.

 

https://www.amazon.c...1531841937&sr=3

[mjr]

Glad to hear the Amazon parts worked!  I'll add a link to them to the build guide for other people who want to build the IR feature without the expansion boards.

[BoltBait]

Solved.....

 

Safe to say i do have the IR power on feature working great.

 

I would love to see detailed instructions on how to get this working.  (Written to the level of a beginner, like me.)

 

That's the one thing I don't like about my pinball cabinet, I have to use a TV remote to turn the playfield screen on when I turn the machine on.  I would love to solve this problem, but I don't have the electronics background to solve it myself.  Teach me!

[Spider228]

 

Edited by Spider228, 22 July 2018 - 08:31 PM.

[BoltBait]

Hmmmm.... I didn't realize you were using the Pinscape controller which I'm not using.

 

Can the same function be done with the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Controller?

[mjr]

Hmmmm.... I didn't realize you were using the Pinscape controller which I'm not using.

 

Can the same function be done with the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Controller?

 

Afraid not - it's a feature of the Pinscape software.  However, there's nothing stopping you from adding a second KL25Z to your setup and installing Pinscape on it; it'll coexist peacefully with another plunger/nudge device as long as you turn off the plunger/nudge features on the Pinscape unit.  The KL25Z is only about $15, so it's a relatively cheap add-on even if you just want a one-off feature like the IR support.

[hlr53]

 

 

Are the receiver, transmitter pair all I need? I have the Pinscape in my cab that I no longer use since I switched to Zeb's kit (I was too lazy to build the CCD plunger - I still have the parts).

[hlr53]

Hmmmm.... I didn't realize you were using the Pinscape controller which I'm not using.

 

Can the same function be done with the VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Controller?

 

If you get a KL25 trust me, MJR's software makes it PAINLESS to flash and use his Pinscape controller. Finding an XP computer is no longer necessary. This is now on my TO DO list (which will be probably December because I procrastinate pincab hardware upgrades - LOL). 

 

Yep, I too have to use the TV remote. In my case I have to open the coin door to turn on my TV.

[Spider228]

 

 

 

Are the receiver, transmitter pair all I need? I have the Pinscape in my cab that I no longer use since I switched to Zeb's kit (I was too lazy to build the CCD plunger - I still have the parts).

 

 

I had the zebs and switched to the pinscape. Much happier. You can use the plunger from the zebs and connect right to the pinscape. All you need is the reciever and transmitter for the TV ON feature. Follow the wiring and your good to go. I also have the pinscape controlling my rgb inside cab lights with the transmitter. Its awesome. So many features now.

Edited by Spider228, 06 August 2018 - 03:33 PM.

[hlr53]

Thanks! Now officially on the TO DO list. 

[dopdahl]

I have used a USB-UIRT before with great success.  Using EventGhost (free software) and the USB-UIRT to get it all done.

[solrac21]

I got the parts from amazon and the IR receiver got a code but something is not working correctly. The Samsung power code it received was 2.0.70702FD  the transmitter blinks but nothing happens.  I've tried different ports and its now sitting on PTA2 (which was the receiver port before).  any ideas? 

[STV]

Did you install the voltage sensing circuitry?

 

Alternatively you can map one of the inputs to send the IR signal just click on the remote icon next to the input.  Connect a button to that input and see if that works.  That's what I've settled on for now while I collect and build the voltage sensing circuit.  I wired the input to one of my hidden buttons on bottom of the cab so I might not be arsed to change it, reaching down to turn on that tv screen is a fine solution. 

wait - I re-read and might be jumping ahead.    Does it not even work when you click the test button? 

[solrac21]

I bought the premade units. Reciever seemed to work and captured the code but when I progemaned the pinscape and tried the test button..the transmitter flashed with the test button but the tv did not turn off as it was on already.