Simple IR Remote Switch 4017IC & LM555
PART NO. 2223531
Built on a breadboard or can be soldered onto a PCB, this circuit contains a 555 timer and 4017 IC for easily switching on or off
projects/triggering projects using almost any IR remote (the one in the picture is a camera IR remote). The 555 is in mono-stable mode,
filtering out the pulses from the IR receiver coming from the IR trigger remote, then feeding a pulse into the 4017 clock input to switch
the output high from pin 2 & 3 every time the 555 sends a pulse.
Using this information, this circuit can be adapted by moving 1 wire (removing the wire that connects pin 4 to reset) to make a 10 pin
switching output, this cycles through the 4017 IC's outputs with every pulse from the 555)
You could also connect a transistor and relay together on the high output where the led would be to create a higher current switch for
turning on/off projects.
FYI: Once the circuit has power connected over ~6.5V the output of the 4017 will flick between the on/off positions because the phototransistor is rated at 5V, this is why a 5V regulator is included in the circuit.
Time Required: 30 minutes depending on experience
Experience Level: Intermediate
Required tools and parts:
-Wire
-IR remote control from a TV, camera, stereo, or other electronic device (will work with ranges around standard 940nm wavelength)
-9V battery
-If not building breadboard version, which is included, soldering tools and PCB
Bill of Materials:
Qty
Jameco SKU
Component Name
1
12749
CD4017
1
973646
lM555CN
1
2109801
Mini Breadboard
2
333227
Green LED
2
690865
1kohm Resistor
2
691104
10kohm Resistor
1
29891
10uF Capacitor
1
1913995
IR Phototransistor
1
786138
5 Volt Reg.
1
11280
9V Battery Snap
3
690742
330ohm Resistor
1
333973
Red LED
Note: Due to inventory packaging methods, you may receive more components than required for some products.
Step 1 - Review Components
First you need to check that you have all your parts and tools with the list provided on-site. The only parts that are not included are a
9V battery and wire.
You may have noticed that your IR phototransistor has 2 pins and the schematic shows 3, I will explain how to wire this in the next step.
Step 2 - Construct Circuit
Construct the provided schematic on the mini breadboard, place wires according to the diagram.
Your IR phototransistor has 2 pins and the schematic shows 3, in order to wire this phototransistor the 1k resistor must connect between
pin 2 on the 555 and negative. The phototransistor should be connected between pin 2 and positive 5V from the regulator. No harm will
result if it is placed backwards, but it must be the correct orientation. (Some experimentation will be required when the circuit is powered
up)
When building make sure to use the 330Ohm resistor provided in series (inline) with all 3 of the LEDs so they do not burn out. The
schematic says "optional" because the LEDs I used were rated for higher voltages, the green-red provided are around 2.3V. When
building the circuit, your red led should attach to pin 3 on the 4017IC as that is the '0' output or the line that represents the circuit being
off.
Step 3 - Troubleshooting Common Problems
-Most likely culprit is the IR receiver just flip its orientation and/or try a different remote control
-Check that your ICs are plugged into your breadboard the correct direction (notch pointing upward)
-Check 9V battery levels with multimeter or battery tester if you own one
-Check that your voltage regulator is not backwards. The voltage regulator should have the flat side facing away from you.
-Make sure your LEDs are the correct orientation, longer lead is usually positive or the large metal piece how inside the led casing is
negative or the flat spot on the casing is negative
-Check orientation of capacitor
-Check for broken wires, connections, and corrector power connections
-Finally check for dead components, if you saw any smoke, "popping," or blackened led insides, then you have more than likely burnt
out a component
Step 4 - Using the circuit
Point your IR remote at the IR receiver and press a button once to change the on/off state of the circuit, holding the button down will
cause the circuit to turn on then off, repeat every second or so as it activates the mono-stable 555 timer circuit.
If the remote does not trigger, then try a different remote, varying IR frequencies between remotes. I find camera flash trigger remotes
go well with this project.