Introduction: Increase the Sensitivity of IR Remote Control

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This instructables is to guide you on how you can improve the sensitivity of the IR Remote Control. The model of the remote control is AXD7461 for your information.

Step 1: The Casing Is Blocking the IR Signal

The common reason that IR Remote is not so responsive is because the casing is blocking the IR Signal. You can see from the image that the IR LED is like a bit too “deep” into the casing that even the cap of the IR LED is not so visible from the side of the remote control.

Step 2:

So, to make the IR LED expose more outside the case, you will need to de-solder the IR LED from the PCB board. A de-solder sucker should help you easily remove the IR LED.

Step 3:

Now, reshape the legs of the IR LED using a plier.

By reshaping the legs, you are actually making it “longer” that it will be expose more outside the casing. If the IR LED’s leg is too short, you can get a new IR LED from any electronic store, and make it as “long” as you want. Then solder back the LED to the PCB, make sure you follow the correct polarity as how it is when you de-solder it. If you are putting the LED in the reverse polarity, your IR remote will not work.

Step 4:

Put on the casing and the batteries, and have a try on the new modified remote. For mine, it really improve the sensitivity, that I don’t have to point the device to the HIFI to adjust the volume.

Let’s have a look at the before and after comparison for the IR LED placement.

Step 5:

For other models of IR remote, you will have to use your creativity to improve the sensitivity. The IR LED placement might not always be the reason for your weak IR remote. You can get the answer by opening the casing and try to run the remote without the casing (but with the batteries), or maybe only one side of the cover, where you need the battery housing. If the sensitivity improve when you run your remote without the casing, then you can continue with this IR LED placement trick.

Source: http://www.bustatech.com/increase-the-sensitivity-of-ir-remote-control/