The Infra-Red Control Set (part no. 30344) is capable of remotely controlling up to three DC motors (with forward-reverse and fast-slow) or up to six lamps or relays.

Designed primarily for use with the fischertechnik construction sets (such as the harbour cranes or industry robot kit), it can also be used with other 5 to 12 volt systems - with the use of relays almost anything could be controlled.

The 11 button transmitter unit fits in the palm of the hand and provides a range in excess of 15 metres. This high-performance unit does not require direct line-of-sight to the receiver to operate as the infra-red light bounces off the walls. At the press of a button the transmitter can be switched over to control a second receiver unit (available separately). The system uses the standard RCS code - this means that other devices employing this code can be used. For example, the social welfare services in Germany have installed voice recognition software on computers in the homes of disabled people and using a special infra-red module they can control their TV, Hi-Fi etc. Now they can control their fischertechnik models as well!

The receiver units are tiny - measuring just 30 x 60 x 25mm. They are designed to easily interconnect with other fischertechnik components. The eight sockets on the receiver allow up to three motors (M1 to M3) to be connected. Two inputs A and B are also provided. These inputs are used for the servo and traction drive functions. In the servo mode, motor M2 is used to drive a steering mechanism left and right with a microswitch used to aid the return of the steering to its central (straight ahead) position. In the traction drive mode two motors (M1 and M2) are used to drive the left and right sides of a buggy. The receiver automatically controls the direction of rotation of each motor allowing the buggy to move forward, backward and rotate left and right at the press of a button. A second receiver may also be controlled making a total of six motors that can be remotely operated.

The receiver units may also be used in conjunction with the fischertechnik computer interface units for remote ‘intelligent’ control of models. Click here for further information on using the IR Control Set.

STOP PRESS: A learning remote, such as the RR1050 Universal learning remote control, can be used to replace the fischertechnik remote unit. Please note, most universal remotes will not be as powerful and will require the remote to be pointed directly at the receiver unit. However, the advantage is that you can program the buttons on the remote as you wish ... and control your TV, VCR, DVD etc. as well! One other 'huge' advantage with the RR1050 is that a macro function allows up to 20 sequences (with 20 programmed steps) to be performed by just pressing two keys. You can even program delays of 1 to 99 seconds between steps. Imagine? You could program the Super Cranes to perform 20 operations very simply!

Click on the image above to enlarge.