JUNO Replaces Most Remote-Control Units for One Easy-to-Use Platform

There are many universal remotes on the market that can control smart appliances or be integrated with home automation systems, but they're limited when it comes to controlling DIY projects without some form of modification. Core Weaver had designed many projects, each with its own remote, and wanted a way to control those projects using a single device. To that end, Weaver developed the JUNO universal remote, a single unit capable of controlling projects and devices via several different wireless technologies.

"After building a ton of remote controls for various projects, I decided to build a universal RC unit which can 'speak' to all the different modules used for communication. At least the most common ones," Weaver write his writes. "I thought it would be cool to make it resemble a console's controller."

JUNO was assembled using a pair of custom double copper layer PCBs sandwiched together with a 2.8" TFT touchscreen (320x240) display situated on top. It also packs a pair of analog joysticks for navigation, 10 digital switches grouped into two D-pads (on either side of the board), and four programmable digital switches and LEDs.

The remote is powered by two processors, including an ATmega328P and XMEGA128A3u, and features a 10DOF IMU for movement and orientation, a speaker, 2800mAh Li-Ion battery with charging circuitry, and a microSD card slot. Wireless is handled by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa and IR TX, making it compatible with most gadgets.

Weaver has uploaded a detailed walkthrough of his JUNO universal remote on his Hackaday page for those who would like to create their own.