I want to test the Start Module at home, is it possible?
Yes and the easiest way is to use the Test Remote which you can read about here and which requires no modification of your Start Module.
If you don’ want use the Test Remote you can also use a TV remote. Please continue reading for more information on this.
On the backside of the module there are two large pads, one “Home” and the second is GND if you connect these with a 1K ohm resistor the module will accept signals from standard TV remotes (TV remotes using RC-5 coding). It is Philips that has developed RC-5 but several other companies use the same protocol. However Sony and NEC have their own and will not work. The best way to figure out if your remote works it to test it with the module when it set in home mode. Pressing channel 1 on the TV remote acts as a start signal and channel 2 as stop signal. When put in this mode it will not react to the referee remote so it need to be disconnected when competing.
I need a remote
Again, the easiest way is to get the Test Remote which you can read about here and which requires no modification of your Start Module.
If the TV remote you have at home doesn’t work then you can buy one for cheap from eBay, some more details click here.
You can also build your own TV remote with just an IR LED and an Arduino, more information about that click here.
Important: remember to disconnect the “Home” pad from GND when participating in the tournament!
Tip: If you connect the home pad to GND with a switch you can simply switch between the normal competition mode and the home testing mode. This will then exclude the 1K ohm which is ok if you know what you are doing and don’t solder the wrong pads.