Infrared: build your own remote

Understand it

Infrared is light outside our visible range. A remote switches an IR LED in a timed pattern; the receiver recovers the command. The Flipper’s built-in learning receiver demodulates a 38 kHz carrier. That number describes the modulation of the light, not a Sub-GHz radio frequency.

A decoded capture identifies a supported protocol and its fields. A RAW capture stores timings when the protocol is not recognized. Neither label guarantees that an appliance will respond: carrier compatibility, aim, button choice, and signal quality still matter.

Make one small, observable change

Use volume-down on your own TV at a comfortable volume. Work away from other IR-controlled appliances. A learned button is easier to reason about than a universal remote that tries many commands. A Bluetooth-only remote will not produce the expected IR capture.

Lab: build the evidence

1. Start with your TV working normally. Note its model, the chosen button, and what you expect to happen.
2. Open Infrared → Learn New Remote. Aim the original remote at the Flipper’s IR receiver and press volume-down once.
3. Save the button as Volume_down in a remote named for your TV. Record whether the capture was decoded or RAW.
4. Open the saved remote, aim the Flipper at your TV, and send the saved button once. Confirm one expected change. Stop if another appliance responds.
5. Add one other harmless button. Change one variable, such as angle, and record success or failure. Restore the original TV settings.

Show that you can do it

• A two-button remote with meaningful labels and observed results.
• An explanation of IR light versus Sub-GHz radio and why a 38 kHz carrier is not 38 kHz RF.
• One failed attempt explained with evidence, rather than a guess about firmware.

Record the result in your learning notebook. Repeat the explanation tomorrow without looking at this page.

Check yourself

Sources

Read the primary sources: Flipper: learning infrared remotes. Course review: 10 September 2026.