Last Updated on 21 November 2021 by Suffocation
I needed a remote control and found this interesting board with a receiver for under 5€. Let's see what it can do.
Facts
Joystick board
| Description | Worth |
| Operating voltage | 3V – 5.3V |
| Workflow | 42mA (max) |
| Controller | ATmega8A |
| Onboard sender | RF 315 / 433 MHz |
| Transfer rate | 2000 bps |
| Range at 5V | up to 150m |
| Battery socket | 2.54mm pitch |
Receiver module
RF 315 / 433 MHz (Likely RFM83C)
| Description | Worth |
| Operating voltage | 3V – 5.3V |
| Work current | 2 milliamp |
| Operating frequency | 433 MHz |
| Sensitivity | -110 dB |
| Transfer rate | 2000 bps |
| Control | VirtualWire Library |
Areas of application
- Remote-controlled toy
- Control unit
Views
OPEN-SMART Remote Control Front 
OPEN-SMART Remote Control Back 
OPEN-SMART Remote Control Receiver Front 
OPEN-SMART remote control receiver back
Programming
Libraries
https://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/VirtualWire/
Remote control test
There is a vehicle from OPEN-SMART and the corresponding Program files for this. I took the code for the receiver from them and left the remote control untouched. The code assumes that the receiver is connected to port A3 and is powered by the Arduino.
21.11.2021 Test program code modified again
Output will now be generated during initialisation to show what is currently pending. Additionally, a note will be written to the console every 2 seconds if no message has been received.
Problems
Unreliable RF connection
In the beginning, I had the problem that the connection wasn't particularly reliable. Button presses weren't transmitted and the joystick values were very digital.
Finger on the aerial
The main problem is that the remote control is designed in such a way that you automatically grab the antenna when you pick it up. I taped over the antenna with Sellotape, but it didn't help much. The best thing is to avoid touching it. It might be worth considering attaching an external antenna.
More power
I had previously operated the remote control with 3.7V (LIPO). As a test, I supplied it via an Arduino with 5V. The transmission seems to be better afterwards.
Play in
It seems like the transmitter and receiver always have to calibrate themselves a bit. So after startup, the connection is poor but gets progressively better. (I'm not so sure about this anymore; since I stopped fiddling with the antenna, it doesn't seem to be a problem.)
Conclusion
A very inexpensive remote control with everything you need. An additional advantage is that you only need a PIN to operate the receiver.
The antenna isn't particularly well-mounted, and an external one would certainly be better here. A voltage regulator to also operate the remote control with 7.2 volts would be practical, as 5-volt LiPos are not standard. However, 4 AA batteries will suffice for me.
I had to request the circuit diagram and a test program from the dealer, that is still pending, possibly there will be new information here.
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Sources
https://www.instructables.com/id/RF-315433-MHz-Transmitter-receiver-Module-and-Ardu/
http://stefanfrings.de/avr_tools/
https://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/VirtualWire/
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/165f_72hYv0BfzqsM-8aNZV_CUyNK8v6m
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1erXeRAHAdsv7dMubP0oy1Bkq4knRVDn3
Hello,
I'm not quite clear on your setup yet, do you have a link to the China car? Is it the same FB?
Hello
Stefan
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32864937005.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dS5Afaf
I have connected the receiver to my Uno and wanted to transmit a signal with the remote control.
Hi Siegfried, ok that's the same part.
I've unpacked the code and my hardware and tested them again. I've now also uploaded the code with the VirtualWire lib to GitHub:
https://github.com/sfambach/arduino/blob/master/projects/OpenSmartWirelessJoystickTest/
Otherwise, I'd only know trivial stories like:
Cables swapped
Analogue ports start with A0, making A3 the 4th analogue port.
You mustn't touch the aerial on the transmitter, otherwise it won't work (top and bottom). Electrical tape won't help 🙂
Sender powered on, green LED lit.
I am supplying my transmitter with a 3.7V LiPo via the GND/VIN programming pins.
You've surely checked all of that already, otherwise, I unfortunately can't think of anything else.
I had to approve your post from this morning because it contained a link. It's for my own protection, otherwise I get spammed by Russian porn sites ;). I've deleted the second one, I hope that was okay.
Hello
Stefan
Hello Stefan, ok I'll use the code again tomorrow. The cable (it's only a signal cable) is definitely connected to the Arduino. The LED on the joystick is also on. The 3.7v battery is also connected correctly.
My receiver has no display, but I have an oscilloscope and can't detect any reaction on the data line, at least when actuating the joystick.
The Chinese seller also has no idea, which is why I ordered a new joystick.
Siegfried
Hello Stefan, I tried your test on my remote control today, but I'm not getting any reaction on the monitor. I suspect the transmitter isn't working or the chip is faulty.
I bought a car from a Chinese seller with a joystick remote control, and unfortunately, I can't use the remote.
Are there any other testing options?
Yours sincerely