TV-B-Gone is a 'universal' remote control device, it is basically like a remote control but with only the "Power" button. This is a kit version of that product.
Mitch Altman (inventor of the TV-B-Gone) and his company Cornfield Electronics worked together with me (Adafruit Industries) to develop a kit version of the TV-B-Gone. Mitch thinks open source kits are awesome!
This kit is for learning how to solder and maybe even a little of how remote controls are designed. The kit version also has 2 AA batteries and 4 high power output IR LEDs to allow for much longer distances than the keychain product, more than 100 ft! It's also easier to hack and adapt for other projects. However, the kit has fewer codes (so there may find a TV once in a while that doesn't respond), is larger and heavier and requires you to put it together.
I suggest you get one of each!
We picked the 46 most common codes for North American/Asian TV's to program into the kit. However, we couldn't include every code. Field testing has shown that nearly every TV we encountered would turn off, even the most recent LCD and Plasma flat screen TVs!
Note that this kit will not work with LED signs, computer monitors (that are not also televisions) and display signs that don't have a remote-control port.
A large number of newer European TVs will work with TV-B-Gone kit, but its not as likely. For example, instead of 90% success, its more like 50%
We hope to have a European kit soon, but its not clear when that will be. Please don't email asking for an estimated date.
The closer the better, but we've found that if you have pretty good aim, you can be 100' (30m) or farther.
First, perform the test to make sure all 4 IR LEDs are firing.
Second, make sure you have fresh Alkaline batteries installed
Third, try to aim as best as you can at the IR receiver, usually a small dark plastic plate on the front of the TV
Finally, try many different TVs. Some TVs simply do not respond as well from far away as others.
Make sure you have fresh Alkaline batteries. They work better than rechargables
You can swap out the 2 AA battery holder for a 3 AA battery holder. This will give even better performance! Using C or D cell batteries will give longer run time but won't increase the power.
Do not use 9V batteries or more than 3 1.5V alkaline batteries, you can permanently damage the kit!