IR FAQ

Infrared troubleshooting answers for real lab use: learning failures, protocol quirks, and reliability improvements.

Why won’t my tool learn an IR code?

Most failures come from ambient light noise, unstable aim, or incomplete button press patterns. Try a dimmer environment, stable alignment, and multiple capture attempts.

Do all remotes use 38 kHz carrier?

No. 38 kHz is common, but not universal. Carrier and encoding vary by protocol/vendor.

Why does replay work only at close range?

• Weak transmitter LED output
• Poor line-of-sight to receiver sensor
• Wrong timing or incomplete repeat sequence
• Bright-room interference

Can one button map to multiple frame types?

Yes. Many remotes send an initial frame and shorter repeat frames while held.

What is a quick troubleshooting order?

1. Validate line-of-sight and sensor location.
2. Capture in low-noise lighting conditions.
3. Record tap and hold behavior separately.
4. Compare with known-good code database if available.