RR1 Introduction

Welcome to the RR1 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 RR1 works. This will better help you understand what you are about to build. As simple as it may look, the RR1 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 RR1 has multiple uses. A common application is to extend the normal range of your remote control by receiving your remote’s signal and then re- broadcasting it a distance away via a wired IR element. 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 kit helps to surmount that very problem. Another common use is to control your unsightly stereo components that are hidden within a cabinet while you’re entertaining. The unit 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 RR1 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 RR1 in front of the couch someplace and have it relay the signal back to 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 36 feet (11 meters) away from the remote control (that’s about 30 feet 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!!”

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