The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 can be controlled using an infrared (IR) remote. Here’s how you can connect the EV3 to the remote and start controlling it:
Materials Needed:
LEGO Mindstorms EV3 brick
EV3 IR Sensor
EV3 IR Remote
EV3 motors (connected to appropriate ports, typically Port B and C)
EV3 software (optional for programming)
1. Attach the IR Sensor to the EV3 Robot:
Connect the EV3 IR Sensor to any of the sensor ports on the EV3 brick (Ports 1, 2, 3, or 4). Let's assume you plug it into Port 4.
Make sure the sensor is securely connected and facing outward to detect signals from the remote.
2. Turn On the EV3 Brick:
Press the center button on the EV3 brick to power it on.
Wait for the startup sequence to complete.
3. Place the EV3 in Remote Control Mode:
On the EV3 brick’s screen, navigate to the “Brick Program” menu.
Use the arrow buttons to scroll through the available options.
Select the IR Control mode. This tells the EV3 to listen for input from the IR sensor and remote.
4. Turn On the IR Remote:
The LEGO IR remote does not have a power button, so it's always ready to send signals.
Set the remote to Channel 1 by sliding the channel switch on the top of the remote to the "1" position. (You can choose other channels if needed, but both the EV3 and remote must be set to the same channel.)
5. Set the EV3 Brick to the Same Channel:
On the EV3 brick, navigate to the settings for the IR sensor.
Ensure the EV3 is set to Channel 1 to match the IR remote.
If the EV3 brick displays a different channel, use the buttons to change it to Channel 1.
6. Test the Connection:
Now press the buttons on the IR remote to control the EV3.
Button A: Controls motor direction on one side (Port B or Port C depending on configuration).
Button B: Controls motor direction on the other side.
Combination of Buttons: Moves the robot forward or backward, or turns it depending on which motors are engaged.
7. Optional - Program Responses to IR Remote:
If you'd like to program custom responses to the remote, you can use the EV3 software (such as the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 programming app).
Create a new program and use the IR Sensor block to define how your EV3 responds to each button press on the remote.
Download the program to the EV3 brick and test it.
8. Control Your Robot:
Now, you can drive the EV3 around using the remote. The robot should respond to the button inputs and move accordingly!
If the EV3 is not responding, check that:
The IR sensor is correctly plugged into the EV3 brick.
The remote and EV3 are set to the same channel.
There’s a clear line of sight between the IR sensor and the remote (infrared signals can’t go through walls or objects).