remote_heater_switch

A remote-controlled switch for a wall heater knob, built using the ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Super Starter Kit.

An IR remote controls a stepper motor connected to the heater knob by a pair of meshing gears. One click of VOL+ turns the knob enough to kick on the heat; one click of VOL- shuts it off. A small gear on the stepper drives a larger gear attached to the knob, providing gear reduction to increase torque.

Built during the winter of 2024/25, used again in 2025/26, and documented before final disassembly.

Source

This project is based on Lesson 24, Controlling Stepper Motor With Remote, from the ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Super Starter Kit.

Getting Started

Parts

• 1x UNO R3
• 1x UNO R3 USB cable
• 1x 28BYJ-48 5 V stepper motor
• 2x lego technic gears (or similar)
• 1x ULN2003 stepper motor driver module
• 1x IR receiver module
• 1x IR remote control
• 9x female-to-male Dupont wires
• 1x breadboard power supply module
• 1x breadboard
• 1x 9 V DC center-positive wall adapter
• 1x 9 V power splitter

Software

Tested with:

• Arduino IDE 2.3.10
• Stepper 1.1.3
• IRremote 4.4.1

Setup and Assembly

1. See wiring.md and photos/ to assemble the electronics.
2. Upload remote_heater_switch.ino to the UNO R3.
3. Build a contraption to fasten the stepper motor to the heater knob.
4. Use the IR remote to spin the knob from the comfort of your bed.