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RRW1B INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the RRW1B kit (and if you don't have the time, the wired and
tested version). Let's take a moment to help you understand the basic workings
of IR remote controls and how the RRW1 pair works. This will better help you
understand what you are about to build. As simple as it may look, the RRW1
system is one of the best remote repeaters money can buy thanks to some
specialized technology we have added to restore normally unusable signals.
We will get more into that in the circuit description section.
The RRW1A and RRW1B system is used to extend the normal range of your
IR remote controls. The RRW1A receives the signal from your IR remote
control, converts it to an RF signal and then transmits it over the air. The
RRW1B receiver then receives the RF signal, reconstitutes it, and then sends it
to an IR LED to control your components.
Many stereo component manufacturers skimp on the IR receiver sections of
their equipment so the range of the remote is very poor. Have you ever thrown
your remote at the power switch because the darn thing wouldn't work from
across the room?!. This system helps to surmount that very problem. Another
common use is control your unsightly stereo components that are hidden within
a cabinet while you're entertaining. The system allows your remote to control
these items while they are tucked away inside of a cabinet (or even locked
away for security reasons) with only the RRW1A exposed so it can relay the
information!
To use my house as an example, the stereo components are positioned
behind the couch and it is very cumbersome to have to reach way up with the
remote and beam it backwards in order to control them. Half the time it doesn't
work even work for me because the batteries keep popping out of the remote (I
lost the remote's back plate a long time ago in one of the many apartments I've
rented in the past, but that's another story)! I don't want to have to re-arrange
the room (that is the Wife won't let me!) just so the remote will work better.
Instead I use the RRW1A in front of the couch someplace and have it relay the
signal back to the RRW1B to control the equipment for me.
To increase the effectiveness of this kit, we take advantage of a high-
sensitivity IR receiver element which claims on its specification sheet to work
up to 11 meters (about 36 feet) away from the remote control (that's about 10.9
meters further than my VCR remote works!). Now I can truly atrophy on the
couch when my favorite program comes on and feel the pounds start packing
on! "Hey... another bag of chips when you get a chance Honey!!"
RRW1B • 4
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