Convert a side table into a remote control

I got this idea late one night when fumbling for the TV remote and not finding it. I thought, "Hey, wouldn't it be great, if my side table had a few buttons built into it!" You may ask why would you build something like this, but I would ask, "why not?" it's a cool addition and a unique touch. Who else has a side table that doubles as a remote? Overall, this is a complex solution to a simple problem :)

Enjoy

Materials list:

Side table (one you don't mind modding)
Universal remote
Arcade buttons
Soldering iron
Multimeter
Wires ( I used an old phone cord)
Velcro, tape, super glue (misc supplies)

Here is a youtube video of the table in action

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Step 1: Hacking the remote

The first thing to do is crack open the universal remote and take a look at all the buttons and traces. Find the first button you want to export. Let's take the power button for example. find the pad that the power button touches when it is depressed. From that pad, there will be two traces leading from it. you need to scrape the green away from part of the trace to reveal the copper below. Then, solder your wires to the traces. Connect the other end of the wires to your arcade button and test it out. Repeat this step for each additional button you want to export.

paqrat says: Jul 2, 2012. 12:23 AM

Great idea but I want it modded into my recliner.

R167 says: May 17, 2012. 5:29 PM

Great Idea! Would be fun to make as well as add a box over the power button and put some crazy death/self-destruct/other cool thing on the power button...