The infrared commands from the handheld remote control
are received by a small chip, the Vishay TSOP4838
. Its small, boxy case and three
leads belie its complexity. Inside is a sophisticated circuit that
detects the 38 KHz infrared data stream from the TV remote
control and filters it into a series of pulses that are inter-
preted by the PICAXE [6].
Other components include indicator LEDs, a voltage regulator,
and assorted resistors, capacitors, and diodes. It is a straight-
forward circuit that works well with loads of up to 3 amps.
DC power is supplied by any filtered DC power supply pro-
viding 12-24 volts. I have had great success using old laptop
computer power supplies for this and other projects. Be sure
to use an appropriate heat sink on the L298N if current is
likely to exceed 1 amp.
5. The L298N H-bridge, the “brawn” of the PICAXE
controller.
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