Automation Using TSOP 1738 Sensor And Arduino

Automation Using TSOP 1738 Sensor And Arduino

Automation with TSOP1738 IR Sensor and Arduino UNO

Infrared (IR) remote control has become a staple in modern electronics, and integrating it into DIY automation projects is both fun and practical. The TSOP1738 IR receiver module, paired with an Arduino UNO, allows hobbyists to control LEDs—or even larger appliances—wirelessly. Techatronic’s tutorial on automating three LEDs using this setup provides a solid foundation for beginners in home and industrial automation

🔧 Hardware Setup

You’ll need:

Arduino UNO

• Arduino UNO

TSOP1738 IR receiver module

• TSOP1738 IR receiver module

Three LEDs (different colors)

• Three LEDs (different colors)

Three 220 Ω resistors

• Three 220 Ω resistors

16×2 LCD display + 10 kΩ potentiometer

• 16×2 LCD display + 10 kΩ potentiometer

Breadboard and jumper wires

• Breadboard and jumper wires

Follow the schematic closely: VCC and GND from the TSOP1738 go to Arduino's 5 V and GND, while the data output pin connects to digital pin 12. LEDs attach via resistors to pins 9, 10, and 11. The LCD is wired in 4-bit mode to pins 3–8, with the potentiometer adjusting contrast.

🧠 Software Essentials

Begin by installing the IRremote and LiquidCrystal libraries. The sketch starts by including these libraries, then initializing variables (val1, val2, val3) to track the state of each LED and Data to store incoming IR codes

In setup(), the serial port (baud rate 9600) and the LCD are initialized. A start-up message appears for 5 seconds, and the TSOP1738 receiver on pin 12 is enabled. Finally, LEDs are set as outputs

The loop() continuously checks:

cpp

CopyEdit

if (irrecv.decode(&results)) {
Data = results.value;
irrecv.resume();
// Process Data to toggle LEDs
}

cpp

CopyEdit
if (irrecv.decode(&results)) {
    Data = results.value;
    irrecv.resume();
    // Process Data to toggle LEDs
}

Each time an IR signal is decoded, its hexadecimal code is printed and shown on the LCD. The code toggles the corresponding LED using digitalRead() / digitalWrite(), and updates the LCD to reflect the ON/OFF state

For example, if Data == 18615, LED1 toggles; Data == 22695 controls LED2; and Data == 2295 controls LED3. There's a brief delay to debounce the signal How It Works

Pressing remote buttons emits IR pulses at 38 kHz.

• Pressing remote buttons emits IR pulses at 38 kHz.

The TSOP1738 demodulates these pulses into digital signals.

• The TSOP1738 demodulates these pulses into digital signals.

Arduino reads the decoded value and identifies the button pressed.

• Arduino reads the decoded value and identifies the button pressed.

Depending on the received code, the Arduino toggles the designated LED state.

• Depending on the received code, the Arduino toggles the designated LED state.

The LCD provides real-time feedback (e.g., “LED 2 ON”)

The LCD provides real-time feedback (e.g., “LED 2 ON”)

Practical Applications

This project is more than just blinking lights—it’s a mini demonstration of automation. The concept scales well:

Home Automation: Remote-control lamps, fans, or appliances.

• Home Automation: Remote-control lamps, fans, or appliances.
• Industrial Automation: Operate machinery remotely.
• Industrial Automation: Operate machinery remotely.
• Security Systems: Toggle alarms, locks, or cameras.
• Security Systems: Toggle alarms, locks, or cameras.

Robotics & Agriculture: Remotely activate mechanisms or sensors.

• Robotics & Agriculture: Remotely activate mechanisms or sensors.
• Healthcare / Automotive: Control devices without touching them

Healthcare / Automotive: Control devices without touching them

🛠️ Extending the Project

Replace LEDs with 5 V relay modules to switch higher-voltage devices.

• Replace LEDs with 5 V relay modules to switch higher-voltage devices.

Expand control to more devices—just map additional IR codes to new outputs.

• Expand control to more devices—just map additional IR codes to new outputs.

Implement stateful behavior: Use different buttons for distinct commands (e.g., lighting scenes).

• Implement stateful behavior: Use different buttons for distinct commands (e.g., lighting scenes).

Conclusion

Leveraging the TSOP1738 IR receiver with an Arduino UNO is a powerful yet accessible way to learn about automation. Thanks to straightforward wiring, simple coding, and immediate visual feedback via the LCD, this project serves as an excellent entry point. Whether you're controlling LEDs or an entire smart-home setup, the core process remains the same: decode → interpret → act.