Use an infrared sensor card to test the LED IR emitter on a remote control.
IR stands for "Infrared." Infrared is a form of electromagnetic radiation. In the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared falls within the 1 and 430 THz range (the range just below visible red light). Consumer electronic remote controls (such as TV and stereo remote controls) work by transmitting modulated infrared signals, generally produced by an LED source, to an IR sensor in the receiving device that's able to detect, decode and react to the signal. Two of the easiest ways to determine if the IR transmitter in a remote is working is through the use of an infrared sensor card or digital camera.
Instructions
Use an Infrared Sensor Card
1. Hold the sensor card approximately 1 to 2 inches away from the remote control's LED emitter. The LED emitter is located on the top, front side of the remote control. It's sometimes covered by a plastic window. Usually the infrared light emitted by the LED is invisible to the naked human eye. However, the infrared sensor card is coated with phosphor-based compounds. This substance "traps" the incoming, short wave length (infrared) light. And, when properly stimulated, it releases the stored light back out in the form of visible light. The end result, infrared light becomes visible to the human eye.
2. Press and hold the "Power" button on the remote control. Count the number of pulses you see. The pulses will appear in the form of small circular spots of light on the sensor card. If the selected button on the remote is functioning properly, you should see about eight to 12 on and off pulses per second.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2, but this time press and hold a different button on the remote control. Test each button on the remote control this way until you've gone through all of the buttons.
Use a Digital Camcorder or Camera
4. Turn on the camera. Or turn on the camcorder and open the view screen.
5. Aim the remote control's LED emitter (located on the top, front side of the remote control) at the camera or camcorder's lens.
6. Press and hold the "Power" button on the remote control. Count the number of pulses you see. The pulse will appear in the form of small, flashing, concentrated spots of light. If the selected button on the remote is functioning properly you should see about eight to 12 on and off pulses per second.
7. Repeat Steps 1 and 2, but this time press and hold a different button on the remote control. Test each button on the remote control this way until you've gone through all of the buttons.
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