Noted maker Mitch Altman is updating his classic TV-B-Gone, unveiling a next-generation variant that delivers a longer range — and may include code-learning and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity by the time its design is finalized.
“Imagine a dystopian future, filled with monitors, marketing at us everywhere we go. Sadly, we are living that future now,” Altman says of the original origins of his soldering kit design. “This kit is super useful, not only for yourself, but for everyone! And while maybe that’s dramatic, the TV-B-Gone is perfect for playing pranks on your friends during the Super Bowl or getting some peace and quiet during dinner.”
Mitch Altman’s TV-B-Gone is getting a major upgrade, shifting to a more powerful Espressif ESP32-C3 microcontroller. (📷: Mitch Altman)
At its heart, the TV-B-Gone is nothing more than a scripted infrared emitter: push the button and it runs through a pre-recorded “macro” of flashes designed to replicate the “Off” signal for more than 260 models of TV from around the world. Leave it running while pointing at a set, and eventually it’ll hit on the right code to turn it off — bringing blessed peace, or an irate Super Bowl fan depending on when and how you choose to use it.
The original TV-B-Gone is a well-regarded beginner’s soldering kit, but Altman’s second-generation variant brings some major upgrades. “The [new] iteration uses a small-form[-factor Espressif] ESP32 board,” Altman notes, “making it easier to solder, and easier to reprogram for total beginners. This new version also uses a MOSFET, which allows for fewer parts and allows for a longer range for turning off TVs in public places!”
As before, the TV-B-Gone v2 is provided as an unassembled soldering kit, “but,” Altman says, “it’s very easy and a great introduction to soldering in general.” Power comes from three AAA batteries, not included in the kit, and the new longer-range output is driven from two narrow-beam and two wide-beam infrared LEDs.
The new design (top) is considerably slicker than the original TV-B-Gone (above), using fewer components and a more spacious layout to ease beginners’ soldering journeys. (📷: Adafruit)
Altman has also shared ideas for an even-more-advanced version, which would include an infrared receiver to allow for standalone reprogramming with new remote codes; a web browser interface delivered over the Espressif ESP32-C3’s built-in Wi-Fi, potentially with code sharing functionality between devices; and to “maybe make use of the ESP32’s BLE [Bluetooth Low Energy] capabilities and create an app for smartphones to use — though,” Altman admits, “at this point I’m not sure what for.”
The latest schematics, board design files, and firmware source can be found on GitHub under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license.