the circuit is really simple:

• Unordered List Iteman infra-red demodulator (38 kHz, to be compatible with most remotes)
• a transistor to power the light (nMOS)
• a micro-controller to decode the IR command and switch the lights.

For the micro-controller I used an Atmel ATtiny85V. This can directly work with 2xAA batteries (2.0-3.0V) and 3xAAA (3.0-4.5V). Thanks to its small size it can be installed inside the flashlight.

this was more a proof of concept. it used an old incandescent-bulb-based flashlight. since the case is transparent, the IR receiver can also be placed inside.

this uses a more robust flashlight in an aluminium case. the LED in the center has been replaced by the IR receiver.

two firmware versions have been writte:

• the first to receive commands from more common remote controls using the IR NEC protocol
• the second to receive commands from the more task appropriate Nikon shutter remote

to remotely control the flash light, I used a Nikon remote control. it was originally intended to trigger the shutter of some Nikon camera. but I re-used it because the form factor and single large button fitted my use case.

here are sigrok traces of the IR signal transmitted by the remote.

to be sure the operator could remotely control the flashlight in all circunstances, I also provided a TV-B-Gone (Kit) re-programmed to only send the Nikon code (at very high power).