Dvd Dongle Led Mod, Yet another thread Options

[KTurbo]

Yes, this is another thread about that LED MOD on this site. I've prepared everything up til the point where I should solder the led to the dongle. When I opened my dongle I was a bit confused because it didn't look like the one in the tutorial, perhaps I have a newer version of the DVD dongle I don't know.

Anyway, what I now wonder is, as the dongle doesn't look the same, could it have the same circuit as the old one with just some switched positions of the components? If so, could anyone tell me what numbers I should solder the LED to? (Eg R4, C10 etc.) A good quality picture of the old dongle could really solve my problem as I would see how the mod is done myself and maybe translate that into a mod for my dongle. Any help is appreciated.

[DarkMatter]

Here's a better picture of the DVD dongle I prepared.
NOTE: I removed the controller port connector for easier scanning and clarity:



Even if your dongle is a bit different, the solder points should still essentially be the same.
The resistor point will still be going to the 5 volt source (that will never change). And with the signal point, you just need to make sure it goes to the end pin that's offset on the IR sensor.
Please let us know how you get on.
Regards,
DarkMatter

[KTurbo]

This is what my dongle looks like:


I'll try to solders the way you showed me and we'll see.

[KTurbo]

This is how it look when I solder the LED to the dongle:


Later I hot glued the pieces together, before even trying it out. We'll see if it works when I get home, otherwise I'll just have to start over.


I must say it was hard to make the cords to attach to the solder points. But I think I manage to get them there without burning anything up.

[KTurbo]

It worked like charm, thanks for the help. Maybe I should make a tutorial for the newer dongle myself.

[DarkMatter]

It worked like charm, thanks for the help. Maybe I should make a tutorial for the newer dongle myself.

Well done. Glad its working ok.
Regards,
DarkMatter

[KTurbo]

I found a defect in the mod. (Probably not the actual mod) The LED lights up not only when I press a button on my xbox remote but my also when I press a button on my TV remote. Well actually, every remote I can find. Has anyone else experiance this? I think it's kinda wierd that the dongle record all kinds of IR signals.

Hehe, I just tried with my Wii sensor bar, that also worked. :S

[DarkMatter]

You'll find that any device that emits an infrared signal will be picked up by your dongle LED mod, regardless of what pulse code the item outputs.
If you were to permanently point an infrared floodlight used for night vision of security cameras at your dongle, the LED would remain permanently lit.
I doubt that any other remote will cause switching of the dongle other than the X-Box remote. It will only affect the LED.
You have to remember that the dongle mod was made to light up on an infrared signal. Unfortunately it doesn't discriminate on which signals it receives.
In summary, unfortunately your going to have to live with the dongle LED lighting up when ever you point in its general direction, an infrared emission source.
Regards,
DarkMatter

[KTurbo]

I pretty much figured that out when my sensor bar for the wii made it light up.

I've only heard of one case where the xbox picked up and could use another remote's IR signal. (I think he told me that it was his TV remote)

[gilbert101]

Many thanks to the Op and responses on this post. Trying this one myself.

[xboxmods2977]

This project is perfect for the next time I get bored. Now where did I put that dongle......

[GoTeamScotch]

I pretty much figured that out when my sensor bar for the wii made it light up.

I've only heard of one case where the xbox picked up and could use another remote's IR signal. (I think he told me that it was his TV remote)

FYI- XBMC can utilize other remotes besides the official DVD playback kit remote. I know RCA universal remotes work just fine.

[andyburlow]

Slightly off topic - but does anyone know if the optical receiver component can be replaced with another, smaller unit?
Im trying to relocate my dongle inside my case and do not want a big hole in the front of the case to keep the front tidy (currently no holes or slots).
Also does anyone know if I can replace the front dark shield with an opaque/clear item? Does this act as some sort of filter?
This would be to make the pickup less obvious in the front of the aluminium fronted case.