Which external hardware to buy for extend IR range ?

conradsm

Hi all,
I'm new.

Actually I would like to use TV-B-GONE as feature inside some operative system lyke NEMO, and the function works, I do the test on my TV, but I see that the range of IR is a little bit short and to turn off my tv I need to stay quite close . Due the fact, I would like to turn off the TV of my parents to joke, I would like to stay more far from their tv , without letting me see.

So, my question is: is there to buy some hardware to put into my M5 stick plus 2 to extend IR range?
thanks

yuyun2000

@conradsm To extend the IR range of your M5StickC Plus2 for TV control, here are the recommended hardware solutions based on official specifications and technical designs:

1. Official Recommended Solution: M5Stack Unit IR Module

The M5Stack Unit IR (infrared expansion module) is the most straightforward option. It integrates a transistor-based current amplification circuit to boost IR signal strength.

Key Advantages:

Plug-and-play: Connects via the Grove interface (HY2.0-4P port) on M5StickC Plus2.
Amplified发射设计: Uses an S8050 NPN transistor to amplify current, driving the IR LED with higher power than the built-in GPIO alone.
Proven Compatibility: Works seamlessly with M5StickC Plus2, requiring minimal wiring (only 4 pins: GND, 5V, IR_TX, IR_RX).

Expected Range: When used with Unit IR, the effective distance typically exceeds 5 meters (based on similar configurations like the BugC2 base test results of 5.6 meters at 180° angle).

2. Alternative: BugC2 Robot Base (SKU:K033-C)

If you need both IR range extension and mobility, the BugC2 base (a robot chassis for M5StickC Plus2) includes optimized IR hardware:

Integrates an SL0038GD IR receiver and enhanced发射电路.
Tested Range: Up to 5.6 meters (180° angle) when paired with StickC Plus2, which meets your "long-distance TV control" requirement.

3. DIY Enhancement (For Advanced Users)

If you prefer a custom solution, you can modify the IR circuit based on M5Stack’s reference designs:

Increase LED Current: Replace the built-in 100Ω current-limiting resistor with a smaller value (e.g., 10-50Ω) to boost IR LED power (ensure the LED’s maximum current rating is not exceeded).
Two-Stage Amplification: Use a MOSFET (e.g., AO3401A) alongside a transistor (like the M5GO Bottom base design) for higher power output.

Connection Notes:

Use GPIO19 (shared with the built-in red LED) to control the external IR circuit.
Power the external circuit via the Grove interface’s 5V pin (requires USB or external battery for stable 5V supply).

Summary of Recommendations

Solution	Complexity	Estimated Range	Best For
M5Stack Unit IR Module	Easy	5-6 meters	Plug-and-play extension
BugC2 Base (SKU:K033-C)	Moderate	5.6 meters	Mobile + long-range operation
DIY Circuit	Advanced	6+ meters	Custom power optimization

All these options should resolve your short-range issue. The Unit IR module is the simplest and most cost-effective choice for standalone range extension. Let me know if you need help with wiring diagrams or code adjustments!

https://chat.m5stack.com/

conradsm

@yuyun2000 Thank you very much.

For sure for the first I buy the Unit IR .

But if I would build the option n.3 I have not understood well if I need to complete both options :

increase led current
Two stage amplification
or only on of them.