What is it?

This item is a NEW, 5 device Innovage Jumbo Infrared 42 Button Remote Control. It comes complete with a new upgrade module board installed. The upgrade includes an Atmega328PB OR an Atmega328P. Please choose the desired option when ordering. The remote is fully customizable using any infrared protocol. There are no limits! If you would like to purchase the board only and install it in your own jumbo remote, please see my other listing here.

Why did you make it?

I was searching for a simple, big-button remote control that would be suitable for my elderly parents. A quick search for "elderly remote" turned up very few options that were truly helpful. Most were either overpriced, lacking essential functions, incompatible with modern electronics, or simply too small for seniors to use comfortably. The biggest issue with their current complicated remote is that pressing the wrong button can easily leave the TV in an unusable state. When this happens, my parents are often left without TV for days until I can visit and reset everything — not ideal, especially since TV is one of their few remaining forms of entertainment.

Eventually, I came across a Jumbo Remote. It had large buttons — perfect for seniors! However, in its original configuration, it too lacked codes for modern TVs and devices. Even if you found a working code, many functions were mismatched. For example, pressing "Play" might actually trigger "Record." Clearly, this product is no longer compatible with modern electronics — it's obsolete.

So, I decided to build a better solution.

I wrote custom firmware and re-engineered the remote. Because the original remote used an epoxy-covered "chip on board," I replaced the board entirely with one that uses a reprogrammable Atmega328P(B) microcontroller. I chose this chip for its picoPower efficiency and pin-change interrupt support on nearly every pin, which allowed for flexible, responsive input.

I also took full control over the key layout. Unused keys were disabled, and important functions were clearly and logically reassigned. This way, no matter what, my parents cannot accidentally press the wrong button and disable their TV. That’s peace of mind — both for them and for me.

At their age, something as simple as watching TV is a lifeline. Now, they can enjoy it without frustration, and I don’t need to make constant house calls to troubleshoot a remote.

What makes it special?

The new module is installed and the remote is ready to program with the supplied source code. No soldering or drilling, just edit the source code with the right commands and program it.

The board replacement module contains a pico power Atmega328P or Atmega328PB (depending on which option you choose) which keeps the batteries going for one year (depending on usage). Also available on board is an ISP connector for programming. The IR range has been greatly improved over the original. You can operate the remote up to 25' away from the component!

Every remote is Brand NEW and is tested before it is shipped and comes in its' original packaging. Source code is available upon purchasing the board as well as a schematic diagram of the remote control keypad and detailed instructions.

Source code included is written in AVR assembler only. There is NO ARDUINO, C, OR C++ SOURCE CODE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

The board is also equipped with an Arduino programming header. If you include the bootloader code and program the correct fuses, you can use the Arduino IDE to write and program your own code (Arduino source code not included).

The source code includes six of the most common IR Protocols used today, NEC, NEC2, REC80, SONY12, NECrnc, and DISHIR using 3 carrier frequencies, 38 KHz, 40 KHz and 57 KHz. I will be adding more protocols upon request. The source code is very well commented and simple to modify for your existing equipment.

In order to find the commands for your existing remote, you will need to capture each command using an IR decoder available here.

Information needed in order to program this remote:

1. The IR protocol used. (most modern electronics these days use the NEC protocol).

2. The IR command or sometimes called OBC (or original button code).

3. The System or Device code.

You will need an AVR ISP programmer that supports the Atmega328PB (not included).

Note: The Code Search function is not enabled in the new firmware. Unlike the original universal remote, this custom firmware does not support automatic or manual code entry.

Instead, you’ll need to edit the command table in the source code directly. Every button you wish to use must have its corresponding command manually entered and mapped. It is very easy to do, Instructions are provided.

If you are purchasing this item, please check your Tindie email for user guide links and all necessary instructions.