Recommend me an IR Controller/Blaster

Hey guys, so I am pretty new to this IR (Infra-Red) Controller/Blaster gadget.

Any recommendations for a good brand/model or any other tips or advice on this gadget would be dope.

Thanks!

Edit: I am looking to use this in-home controlling things like the A/C, TV etc.

Comments

  • +1

    I’ve got a hard wired one from jaycar, and a 4x2 hdmi switch cat 5 matrix I think I got it from eBay. Works ok, I upgraded the repeater ir.
    I’m sure there must be a better system today, this is few years old now. I found the wireless ones lagging with lots of interference.

    • Thanks!

      If you’re just using it in-home, can I ask what kind of interferences would there be?

      • +1

        Electro magnetic interference from neighbours and my house, also issues with wall density. Can be slow to respond.
        You get what you pay for with those cheap all in one wireless devices.

    • Thanks scrim!

      Do you happen to know if Panasonic A/C and Toshiba TV are available in the Genio one?

      Also any thoughts about the cheaper Tuya one?

      https://m.aliexpress.com/item/1005002553488411.html?_randl_c…

      • +2

        I don't have own Genio's IR remote, since I already switched to using smart wifi plugs instead and most of my devices are wifi rather than IR controlled.

        My understanding with the IR remote is that it has the ability to learn commands from any remote control, if you cannot find the codes online or within the app codes database.

        i was able to do it this way with the Broadlink RM4 Pro years ago, just point your OG remote at the IR hub and have it record the IR commands. Logitech Harmony remotes also have remote learning capability.

        Many Mirabella genio products are actually on Tuya platform, and there are instructions on how to flash it with tasmota firmware. useful for people interested to get it working with Homeassistant.

        https://community.home-assistant.io/t/mirabella-genio-ir-con…

        • Just checking, when you say “flash” (in the last paragraph), it means making the Genio IR blaster work with the Tuya app right?

  • +1

    I just the one on my Poco X3, the official phone of OzBargain.

    • Do you mean the Poco X3 has an in-built IR controller/blaster?

  • +1

    Redmi note 10 pro has it too. Works well

    • Do you mean the Redmi note 10 pro has an in-built IR controller/blaster?

      • +1

        Yes. I didn't know about it before I bought. Great function.

  • +1

    Samsung S5 has an ir blaster too. Cheap and replaceable batteries.

  • +1

    I have the Broadlink RM4 Pro and it works a treat - the missus want's to get some more! Both the IR and RF on it work pretty well; have had no issues with the Broadlink itself, all pretty simple.

    I have however been having issues getting the RF to work with Home Assistant. Can't get it to learn the RF codes; IR worked fine with Home Assistant. I do have some more methods to try with the RF, but it doesn't just work "out of the box" (or as much "out of the box" as you can with Home Assistant!).

    • Ok thanks, will check them out.

    • +1

      I have a RM4 Pro too and the one sad thing is that the RF transmitter in it is incredibly low powered. I've been trying to set one up to do outdoor roller shutters at my mum's place and it needs to be within ~4m of each blind for it to work. Unfortunately there are 5 blinds all in a row and there is no place to mount the RM4 that covers all of them, despite the fact that the battery operated remote works from anywhere in the house.

      I don't really understand why they went to so much effort to put together such a nice looking and broadly functioning piece of kit, and then skimped on one of the highest usability factors for it.

      • Good to know!

        The RF on mine learnt the codes and works fine (<2m from device), just can't get it to work with Home Assistant :/

Login or Join to leave a comment