Atmega168 TV-B-Gone

Yes, I know what you are thinking: “oh no, please not another TVBGone
”
Anyway, this instructable is for the newbies as me which are still experimenting with Arduino, and prefer to program an Atmega168 in Arduino than an AtTyny85 with other methods.
This circuit is based on Mitch Altman’s TVBGone and on Ken Shirriff’s blog where the software has been modified to match Arduino IC. I then decided to move the programmed Atmega on a dedicated pcb, and make everything fit in a transparent box  with a 9V rechargeable battery.
Atmega168 TV-B-Gone

Step 1: choose the box

The code which I’ve attached is the same you could download from Ken Shirriff’s blog, meanwhile the pcb is designed to fit into the little box by Muji. Yes, another Muji box, and no, at Muji they don’t pay me to find alternative uses for their boxes, however not yet 😉
My TVBGone uses only a little IR LED, so it shouldn’t be much powerful, anyway it’s enough to turn off the unwanted tv with ads which had born as mushrooms anywhere in any station here in Milan, the difference is that mushrooms are very quiet


Step 2: the BOM

Schematic is done with Diptrace, a free (for 250 pin max) pcb program which I found very convenient (except in components listing).
In pdf you will find the traces to transfer on the copper board and the top view with components position and values. Next is the bill of materials.
  • an ATmega168 with socket
  • a temporary NO button
  • a little switch
  • a 5V voltage regulator L7825CV
  • a 16000 hz quartz
  • an NPN transistor PN2222A
  • two coloured LEDs
  • an IR led
  • the following resistors: 220ohm, 10ohm, 1Kohm, 10Kohm, 47ohm
  • the following caps: 10uF, 22pF, 22pF
  • a 9V battery with connections
  • a convenient box
  • a damned annoying television always turned on

Step 3: the pcb printing


As usually, after cutted the copper board at the (almost) right dimension, I’ve laser-printed the traces on a glossy paper and I transfered them on the board with an iron. For this process you could follow this instructable “the TIRR (very simple Timelapse IR Remote)” or this other one “BBB (Bothersome Blinker for Bikes)” where it’s good explained.
When you’ve transfered the scheme on the copper and cleaned it from the paper, check meticulously the continuity of the single traces, and try to fill with a fine permanent marker every interruption. After that you’re ready to etch your pcb.
Atmega168 TV-B-Gone circuit bord

Step 4: 
and etching

Here you can see that toner transfer method is very good if done with right paper (you’ve to try some different types and hope to be lucky). My traces are indeed very thin, to pass between the pins and simplify the manual routing work. And antennas on the logo are much more thin, but equally continuous.
For more detail: Atmega168 TV-B-Gone

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation and engineering. My writing style is clear and simple, and I am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and am able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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