Remote troubles
 

What would work better, acoustic or infrared frequencies for sending a message to the robot?

Also, is it a better idea to make your own remote or cannibalize an existing remote to perform your functions?

Re: Remote troubles
 

You would not need to cannibalize an existing remote... most any $2 multibrand remote control that you pick up at a surplus store (or any $10 one you pick up at an electronics store) will have at least one protocol that will work with the receiver.

As to which is the best way to communicate with your robot... well, that's the crunch, isn't it?

Jason

Re: Remote troubles
 

To test your infrared signals use the camera in your cellphone. If its aimed at the IR transmitter you can actually see the infrared light in the screen. I dont know if this will assist you but its just a helpful hint.

Re: Remote troubles
 

I would guess infrared, but with acoustic the problems are pretty much the same because the frequencies are still quite high ... the frequency ranges involved, reflected signals, and interference from other IR sources. I would go with infrared though, can you imagine someone bringing their dog and the room full of conflicting acoustic sources?

With infrared, you have the wavelength of the light ... different infrared sources and detectors operate at different wavelengths, by means of filters/etc.

IR remotes don't just turn on the IR beam, they modulate it with a chosen frequency (say, 10 KHz). The detector circuitry has it's own 10 KHz reference frequency, and rejects IR signals with different modulation frequency.

Re: Remote troubles
 

infrared would be better and you could make a transmitter that has only 4 buttons, you don't have to use a television remote.