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HS0038 IR Receiver Not Powering LED With Samsung Remote—Wiring or Compatibility Issue?

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  • #1 21663675
    George James
    Anonymous  
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  • #2 21663676
    George James
    Anonymous  
  • #3 21663677
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
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  • #4 21663678
    Frank Bushnell
    Anonymous  
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  • #5 21663679
    George James
    Anonymous  
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    George James
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    George James
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  • #8 21663682
    George James
    Anonymous  
  • #9 21663683
    George James
    Anonymous  
  • #10 21663684
    Frank Bushnell
    Anonymous  
  • #11 21663685
    Steve Lawson
    Anonymous  
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    Dip Gajmer
    Anonymous  
  • #13 21663687
    Steve Lawson
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    Steve Lawson
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on using the HS0038 infrared (IR) receiver module with a Samsung TV remote to power an LED and its application in a final year project involving a population counter using IR sensors. The HS0038 is designed to receive and demodulate IR signals modulated at approximately 38 kHz, filtering out other frequencies. If the Samsung remote does not emit IR signals at this carrier frequency, the receiver will not respond, which may explain the initial failure to power the LED. The HS0038 itself does not power LEDs but outputs demodulated signals that can be used to drive an LED indicator. Testing the IR output frequency of the remote with a PIN photodiode and oscilloscope or frequency counter is recommended to verify compatibility. The project aims to use multiple IR receivers as sensors to detect individuals passing through sensor lines, incrementing or decrementing a counter. A challenge is that the receivers respond to all IR signals indiscriminately, lacking frequency selectivity to differentiate between multiple IR sources. Suggestions include sharing circuit diagrams for troubleshooting, using visible LEDs at each stage for diagnostics, and considering the wavelength compatibility between IR transmitters and receivers. Additional troubleshooting tips include viewing IR LEDs through a digital camera to confirm emission and using logic probes or oscilloscope apps on smartphones for signal detection. The discussion highlights the importance of matching modulation frequencies and proper wiring to ensure correct operation of IR receiver circuits in sensor applications.

FAQ

TL;DR: The HS0038 is a demodulating IR receiver that expects a 38 kHz carrier; “carrier frequency must be at or very near 38 kHz.” Use a compatible remote, wire output to drive logic, and verify with a camera or scope. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677] Why it matters: This FAQ helps students and hobbyists fix HS0038 + remote-control LED tests and design reliable beam-break counters.

Quick Facts

Why won’t my HS0038 light an LED with a Samsung remote?

The HS0038 outputs a demodulated logic signal; it isn’t a high‑current LED driver. Drive a transistor or logic input, not an LED directly. Ensure your remote uses a 38 kHz carrier; off‑frequency carriers are filtered. Wire Vcc, GND, and OUT correctly, then use the OUT pin to switch a transistor that powers the visible LED. This confirms reception without overloading the receiver. “It’s used to receive and demodulate IR transmissions,” not to power loads. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

Is a Samsung TV remote compatible with the HS0038?

Yes, if the Samsung remote transmits near 38 kHz, the HS0038 will receive it. Many TV remotes use ~38 kHz, which the HS0038 is designed to accept while rejecting other frequencies. If your LED test fails, verify carrier frequency and wiring. You can validate the remote by observing the HS0038 output on a scope or by driving a logic‑level indicator circuit. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

How should I wire the HS0038 to test reception safely?

Power the HS0038 per its pinout, then buffer the OUT pin. 1) Connect Vcc and GND correctly. 2) Route OUT to a transistor or logic input with a pull‑up. 3) Use the transistor to drive a visible LED with a resistor. This avoids sourcing current from the receiver and shows activity reliably when the remote is aimed. Keep leads short and decouple supply. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

How do I check if my IR LED or remote is actually emitting?

Point the IR LED or remote at a phone or digital camera and view the screen. Most cameras show IR as a white or pinkish glow, which confirms emission even if you can’t see it by eye. This is a fast, practical bench test before deeper debugging. It’s a common trick that saves time. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663687]

My LED glows dim only when ground is disconnected—what’s going on?

Don’t lift ground. Removing ground creates undefined return paths and makes circuits behave erratically. That dim glow often comes from leakage or floating references, not correct operation. Reconnect ground, follow proper pinout, and observe output with a scope. If you lack a bench scope, consider a smartphone oscilloscope solution, noting its bandwidth limits. Stable grounding is mandatory for valid tests. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663688]

Can the HS0038 ignore other remotes and respond only to mine?

By default, it accepts any signal near 38 kHz with valid bursts. To discriminate, give your transmitter a unique keying pattern or data frame and make your code recognize only that pattern. Alternatively, choose a receiver tuned to a less common carrier. “Include some sort of keying system” for uniqueness. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

What is the HS0038, exactly?

It’s a 3‑pin, demodulating IR receiver module. Internally it has a photodiode, automatic gain control, a narrow 38 kHz band‑pass filter, and a demodulator that outputs logic‑level bursts matching the remote’s data. It’s meant for decoding, not driving loads. Use its OUT pin to feed logic or a transistor. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

What is a PIN diode and when would I use one here?

A PIN diode is a photodiode with an intrinsic layer used as a fast IR sensor. Unlike HS0038, a bare PIN diode does not demodulate or filter; you pair it with an amplifier and scope or frequency counter to observe the raw IR carrier. It’s useful for verifying the remote’s carrier frequency directly. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

How can I avoid cross‑talk in a multi‑beam people counter?

Modulate each IR LED with a distinct code or time slot, then have each HS0038 listen for its assigned pattern. Alternatively, stagger beam activation so only one beam transmits at a time. Unique keying prevents one receiver from responding to all beams. This improves reliability in counting applications. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

Can I build a simple indicator to confirm each stage works?

Yes. Add a visible LED indicator at each stage to speed troubleshooting. For sensors, use a pulse‑stretcher or a transistor driver so short demodulated bursts become visible blinks. This helps isolate wiring or logic errors early and reduces guesswork during debugging. A staged approach accelerates fault‑finding. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21663684]

How do I verify the remote’s carrier without a bench oscilloscope?

Use a smartphone oscilloscope app with a simple probe or preamp, understanding bandwidth limits. Monitor the HS0038 output for burst activity while pressing remote buttons. This confirms reception and approximate timing, even if you can’t see the 38 kHz carrier directly. It’s an affordable diagnostic path for students. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663688]

What’s a quick three‑step method to debug an HS0038 LED test?

  1. Confirm wiring: Vcc, GND, and OUT, with a decoupling capacitor.
  2. Aim a known 38 kHz remote and observe OUT on a buffered LED.
  3. If no response, validate the remote with a camera, then check OUT with a scope or app. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

Can wavelength mismatches cause issues between IR LEDs and receivers?

Yes. IR components come in variants for remote control versus photography, with different wavelength peaks. Mismatched parts reduce sensitivity and effective range. When selecting parts, choose IR LEDs intended for remote‑control systems to align with demodulating receivers like HS0038. This ensures better detection and cleaner signals. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21663684]

Does the HS0038 accept only one frequency?

It is tuned for a narrow band around 38 kHz and rejects carriers far from that. That selectivity reduces interference but requires a correctly modulated source. If your transmitter isn’t near 38 kHz, the HS0038 will not respond, even if IR light is present. This is by design. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663677]

Why did my setup start working only after replacing the receiver?

The original receiver could have been faulty, miswired, or incompatible. Replacing it with a proper 38 kHz demodulating unit aligns with a common TV remote’s output. That change often resolves no‑blink conditions and validates your wiring. Always confirm pinout and supply before declaring parts bad. [Elektroda, George James, post #21663679]

Expert tip for students building a counter project?

Use modulated beams and demodulating receivers for robustness. Add unique keying and visible indicators for each stage. As one expert put it, “You’re acting suspiciously like an engineer”—keep iterating and instrument your tests. This mindset reduces ambiguity and speeds success. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663685]
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