How to embedd a wireless receiver on a IC device

Hello all. Please bare with me as I am new to the world of electronics.

My question is about how to modify an existing IC of a device like a hot summer day fan or a home thermastat, or any electronic devices which have no wireless remote support and adding wireless support so that one can control that exported functions of that device. I know that fans come with remotes these days but its the question that I am interested in finding out how its done. I am not interested in reinventing the wheel only to learn how this can done on older devices that do not have wireless or remote built in. First how is it possible to add such a wireless receive chip to the PCB in order to add wireless remote capabilities ? Do you replace an existing microcontroller and add one of your own ? Would you not need to know the datasheet and schematics of the existing unmodified board ? Is it possible to extract the design from a chip with out having the specs and then add your features to the PCB which of course would need the wireless receiver chip.Can you simply take an existing Microcontroller and extract its design using some engineering technique and introduce your own features and then simply replace the existing MicroController with your own by desoldering the existing chip and soldering your own.

I am just interested out of pure curiousity really.

Thanks in advance

Victor

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Catwell over 13 years ago

Victor,

There are a few things your can do:
1. The devices you want to change already have a wireless version available. Many online retailers have them. The Trane Internet controlled thermostat looks like a great option.

2. If you want to do it yourself (DIY), then one option is to emulate the controls (IE the thermostat wheel) digitally and feel the information into the original tech.

3. Another DIY option is to build a whole new set of controls. For example, you could use a Thermistor ( or use a thermocouple, resistive temperature detectors) that can be used to out put a voltage that corresponds to the room temperature. Your microcontroller will monitor this and trip a relay that turns on the house heating system. The microcontoller could also have a wireless adapter that could allow for external adjustment.
Like DAB said, some controller boards out there probably have alredy been used for such projects.

4. One user on element14 wants to use a mechanical controller on a thermostat that is remotely controllable. Worth a read.

These principles can be applied to any device.

Cabe
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Catwell over 13 years ago

Victor,

There are a few things your can do:
1. The devices you want to change already have a wireless version available. Many online retailers have them. The Trane Internet controlled thermostat looks like a great option.

2. If you want to do it yourself (DIY), then one option is to emulate the controls (IE the thermostat wheel) digitally and feel the information into the original tech.

3. Another DIY option is to build a whole new set of controls. For example, you could use a Thermistor ( or use a thermocouple, resistive temperature detectors) that can be used to out put a voltage that corresponds to the room temperature. Your microcontroller will monitor this and trip a relay that turns on the house heating system. The microcontoller could also have a wireless adapter that could allow for external adjustment.
Like DAB said, some controller boards out there probably have alredy been used for such projects.

4. One user on element14 wants to use a mechanical controller on a thermostat that is remotely controllable. Worth a read.

These principles can be applied to any device.

Cabe
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Former Member over 13 years ago in reply to Catwell

Thanks Cabe.

I really appreciate the helpful reply. I was hoping that you might be able to review my last post prior to this one for further clearifications. I am sorry for not being more clear as to my questions that I was searching for.

Best Regards

Victor
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