Introduction: Nexus (and Other Androids) Headset Remote With Media Controls

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After being inspired by this project to make a remote control for a Nexus One using three resistance values across pins 3 and 4 of the headset plug - 0 ohms for play/pause, 220 ohms for skip back, and 600 ohms for skip forward, I set out to make something similar. Since inline remotes are very common for Apple devices, I looked into modifying one to work with my Galaxy Nexus and came across this project.

Apple remotes have three buttons, volume up, play/pause, and volume down. While play/pause uses the same 0 ohms as Android, volume up and down use complicated signals. Fortunately for me, the method they use didn't look like it would interfere with the resistances for Android, and if it did, I could probably cut the traces.

I bought a cheap iLuv iEA15BLK inline remote from Amazon for $5.48 and cracked it open. It is ideal for this project with three discrete, surface-mount, pushbutton switches with just the right amount of room between them for two 0603 size surface-mount resistors. I ordered both from mouser.com for 5 cents each, not counting shipping. I used CR0603-FX-2200ELF and CR0603-FX-5900ELF.

With the resistors in the right places, the remote now works with my Galaxy Nexus to play/pause, skip forward, and skip back, as demonstrated in the video below. I also use JAYS Headset Control to add volume up and down using multiple taps of play/pause.

I've tested and confirmed it works on the Unlocked Galaxy Nexus, Verizon Galaxy Nexus, and original HTC EVO.

It also works on the Galaxy Note except that the fwd and back buttons actually make the volume go down and up, respectively. So if you build it for the Note, reverse the resistors and use a headset utility, like JAYS, to control fwd and back.

It doesn't work on the Xperia Play, HTC Incredible 2, Samsung Droid Charge, and Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant. It also no longer works on Apple devices...excellent.

Parts:
(1) iLuv iEA15BLK
(1) CR0603-FX-2200ELF
(1) CR0603-FX-5900ELF

Things you will need:
Soldering iron and accessories
Razor blade
Tweezers
Something to hold the circuit board
Magnifying glass (optional, but those resistors are tiny)

UPDATE TIME:

This remote doesn't work with newer Android devices like the Nexus 6, 5X, or 6P. It turns out Google has created a specification: https://source.android.com/devices/accessories/headset/plug-headset-spec that has different resistance values and different functions. The resistor values are now 240 ohm and 470 ohm and they control volume rather than forward and back. The procedure is the same, just use the new resistance values in the correct places.

Spec v1.1 Parts:

(1) CR0603-FX-2400ELF

(1) CR0603-FX-4700ELF

Step 1: Open It Up

Use a razor blade on the seam of the remote to carefully work the sides apart. 

Step 2: Place Resistors and Solder

Place the (incredibly tiny!) resistors as shown.  

It worked best for me to, one resistor at a time, put some solder flux on the pads for the switches, hold the resistor with the tweezers, solder one side, then solder the other side. Then repeat.

Be careful to use the iron sparingly and be quick, you don't want to burn the resistors.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Position the top and bottom covers with the + button towards the female jack and - button towards the male plug.  Carefully press them back together. 

You could use a few drops of glue on the tabs, but I didn't and it has stayed together thus far.

Enjoy your, now superior, hacked remote.



Special thanks to Rich Kappmeier for the pinouts and resistor values and David Carne for reverse engineering the, absurdly complicated, Apple remote.