Design Team : Advisor: Dr. Edwin Project Web Site: Client: Paul ISU Engineering Distance Learning 1364 Howe Hall The Multiple VCR Control Unit will be designed to allow banks of VCRs to be controlled simultaneously from a single control computer via infrared LEDs. This solution will consist of a graphical software package, which interfaces with a hardware device. This implementation will save a considerable amount of time for facilities that operate multiple VCRs. Abstract The Engineering Distance Education program at Iowa State University uses multiple VCRs from a variety of manufacturers to record lectures for off-site students. There is a considerable amount of hassle involved in getting thirty-five VCRs prepared simultaneously. A standard remote control cannot automate this process since the VCRs are from different manufacturers and are located in separate rooms. The VCRs must be connected together in such a way that any number or arrangement of the VCRs can be controlled simultaneously. Depending on make and model, VCRs are commanded differently. This solution must be able to accommodate the addition of new units. Introduction David Douglas Matthew Engelbart EE Hank Huang EE William Ogier Project Team Information The Multiple VCR Control Unit allows any user to control up to fifty different VCRs simultaneously with a standard computer. The graphical user interface, as seen in Figure 1, allows for the VCRs to be operated in any combination. The six standard functions can be performed with the click of a button. Using the learning IR port on the Control Unit, any make or model of VCR can be easily added. The Control Unit connects to the PC through a serial port. Individual VCRs are connected with LED probes that run from the IR port of the VCR to the control unit. The setup can be seen in Figure 2. End-Product Description Design Objectives User Interface – A software remote control with basic VCR functionality. VCR Control Unit – A device that will send signals to all of the LEDs after receiving commands from the User Interface. It will also be able to “learn” commands of new VCRs. Functional Requirements Ability to control any make or model of VCR Ability to group VCRs into banks Expandable for up to fifty VCRs Ability to perform basic VCR functions Software installed on standalone computer Design Constraints Signal loss due to length of wire between control box and LEDs Fit into rack mounted slot Control box will need its own power supply Design Requirements Technical Approach Milestones Estimated Personnel Budget: 700 Hours Estimated Financial Budget: $400 Poster Materials$50 Shipping and Handling$30 RS-232 Cable$10 Control Unit Casing$35 Microcontroller and Logic board$150 LEDs, Wiring, and Misc. Electronics$125 TOTAL$400 Personnel and Financial Budget Test communication through LEDs connected to the serial cable output pins. Log one specific VCR remote control protocol into the computer. Control a single VCR from the computer using the IR protocols. Create the control unit to route the computer signals to the VCR. Send a signal to multiple VCRs of the same make and model. Build a control unit that can sample an IR signal and send it to the computer. Control multiple VCRs of varying make and model simultaneously through the control unit. Complete the software interface for the computer. Figure 2: Layout of End Product Figure 1: Software Graphical User Interface