I’m currently exploring options for a network-enabled IR remote device that includes a port for a wired IR emitter. My goal is to control an outdoor RGB flood light that’s IR remote-operated. Since it’s an outdoor setup, I want to avoid exposing a Wi-Fi-enabled IR remote to the elements. Ideally, the remote would be housed in a weatherproof enclosure, with a single emitter running from the remote to the flood light’s IR sensor.
I’ve come across the Broadlink RM Pro, but it doesn’t seem to have a female 2.5 or 3.5mm jack for a wired emitter. After some research, I’ve found that a PoE-enabled IR blaster might be the best solution. The Global Cache IP2IR-P iTach TCP/IP to IR Network Adapter, for example, seems promising. It supports Power over Ethernet, which would integrate well with my existing setup, including a PoE-powered Wi-Fi mesh device and security camera.
While I could build a custom solution using an ESP32-POE board, time is a constraint. I’ve sketched out the design and plan to use a weatherproof enclosure to house everything. This setup would allow me to power multiple devices via PoE, simplifying the installation and reducing the number of WiFi devices in my system.
If anyone has experience with similar setups or recommendations for alternative solutions, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Your insights could help me refine my approach and ensure a reliable outdoor IR control system.