My grandfather has trouble using his current TV remote because the buttons are small and there are far too many of them. I'd like to create a simpler remote with fewer, larger buttons that works with our television. I'm completely new to electronics and programming, so I'd appreciate advice on whether this is practical and where to begin.
3 Answers
A custom version is definitely possible, but it would be a multi-part beginner project. You’d need an infrared LED or transmitter, a small programmable board, and the correct IR codes for the television. Each large physical button could be programmed to send one command. You could then make a simple enclosure, possibly with 3D-printed parts, and use either ready-made buttons or custom ones. It’s a fun project, but you’ll need to learn some basic electronics, programming, and possibly 3D design first.
Before building one from scratch, check whether a large-button universal remote is available where you live. They’re usually inexpensive and may already provide the basic controls he needs, such as power, volume, channel changes, and input selection.
You might also consider modifying an existing remote rather than designing every component yourself. A cheap universal remote with a straightforward layout could be fitted with larger external button caps or a custom labeled overlay. That would let you focus on making the controls easy to see and press without having to recreate the infrared system from the ground up.
Thanks, that gives me a much better idea of the parts and skills involved. I’ll look into simpler options first and use this as a possible learning project.