IR remote advice please

adwb · 02-01-2011, 03:50 AM

I have had a quick look at previous posts via the search facility and not found the answer so I hope this is not a duplication.

Please can some one who has a remote for their K-x or the K-r tell me from what angles and what distance the receiver will "see" the signal, as I gather there is only a forward facing receiver?
[this relates to having the camera on a tripod some distance away from me to take wildlife photos close up rather than using a tele lens.]

Apart from the Pentax IR remote are there other more economical versions [cheaper] available that experience has shown to work?

I tried the television and dvd player remotes but they dont seem to trigger the camera

thanks

freddykrueger · 02-01-2011, 04:37 AM

Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work

You can find pretty cheap IR remotes on eBay. I ordered one last thursday for $3, but you can find even cheaper ones there. I should receive it this or next week, so I can't tell you about the distance... Just search for "pentax ir remote"; or "k-x ir remote" for the original one (costs about $5).

piesforyou · 02-01-2011, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by freddykrueger

Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work

You can find pretty cheap IR remotes on eBay. I ordered one last thursday for $3, but you can find even cheaper ones there. I should receive it this or next week, so I can't tell you about the distance... Just search for "pentax ir remote"; or "k-x ir remote" for the original one (costs about $5).

Actually some people have reported the "off" button on some remotes to work!

I have a cheap one and the distance is fine, I havn't tried to max it out but it's definitely worked from ~3 metres away. The angles depend from which side. If the lens gets in between you and the sensor, the angle is quite restricted, but from the other side it's fairly good.

That's what I've found anyway.

JohnX · 02-01-2011, 04:57 AM

The various IR remotes (including Pentax) have a maximum range of about 4m, and have quite a restricted angle of operation (maybe a 45 deg arc?) in front of the camera.

(No help I know, but other models have a rear facing IR window as well as a forward facing one.)

There are pleany of cheap IR remotes on eBay that work with Pentax dslrs. Maybe if you need more range you could modify one to work with a cable switch? Simple to make and cheap (less than £15 all in).

Dark_Mist · 02-01-2011, 05:06 AM

Hi, you can get a genuine Pentax remote pretty cheap on the market place here or on eBay. I bought mine for $8 a few years back and the price saving isn't enough to consider buying a chinese knockoff.

I can't give you exact angles but anything IR requires line of sight. If you can't see the IR sensor from where you are hiding you won't be able to trigger it. I've managed to use my IR remote with my bodies from around 12 - 15 metres away. The amount of ambient light could be an influence too.

If you want a cheaper alternative you can get a free application to use your PDA or iPhone as a remote. Of course, that's only cheaper if you already have the hardware.

Do the K-x and K-r have a remote socket? I made my own remote release and a 20 metre extension for a couple of $$ back when I had an *istD. You just need a couple 2.5mm stereo plugs and some phone wiring. I've still got the pattern somewhere - pm me if you want it.

freddykrueger · 02-01-2011, 05:20 AM

Originally posted by Dark_Mist

If you want a cheaper alternative you can get a free application to use your PDA or iPhone as a remote. Of course, that's only cheaper if you already have the hardware.

Do the K-x and K-r have a remote socket?

That's impossible, today's PDAs don't have IR, nor does the iPhone.
And no, they don't have a remote socket.

Also, I don't think it matters if you buy original remote or "chinese one". They are both made in China and I would say that the "chinese one" has an advantage there because you can usually control even other-branded cameras with it.

adwb · 02-01-2011, 06:58 AM

thanks every one just ordered a "cheap" one and will see what the range is.

**ramseybuckeye** · 02-01-2011, 03:10 PM

I have a K20D and have a Pentax remote and a cheap ebay knockoff, the knockoff has a lot longer range. You'd have to test distance on your camera.

**Ex Finn.** · 02-01-2011, 06:27 PM

Originally posted by freddykrueger

Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work

Well, yes they do, the problem is finding one that does transmit the correct code.
My Sony RM-PP505 remotes 2nd room button triggers K100D and K7 up to 30 feet away in daylight.

Ken T · 02-01-2011, 10:51 PM

I just replaced the battery of my Chinese knock off remote, and remembered about this thread so I gave it a quick check . The remote triggered my K-20D at any angle even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls . When I aimed at the side of the camera, the distance was about 4 meters, and when aimed 90 degree to the back sensor of the camera, the distance was about 10 meters ( I had no room to go any farther).

piesforyou · 02-02-2011, 05:30 AM

Originally posted by freddykrueger

That's impossible, today's PDAs don't have IR, nor does the iPhone.

It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'.

A quick google throws up this one Infrared Transmitter | DSLR.BOT

Originally posted by Ken T:

even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls

Do you think this worked because the IR was being reflected off the walls (sounds like you're testing indoors). Would be interesting to see how an outdoor situation compares.

Ken T · 02-02-2011, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by piesforyou

It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'.

A quick google throws up this one Infrared Transmitter | DSLR.BOT

Do you think this worked because the IR was being reflected off the walls (sounds like you're testing indoors). Would be interesting to see how an outdoor situation compares.

Yes, I tested indoor and that's what I thought . It's windy today, when it calm down, I'll go out do an outdoor test to see how it does .

freddykrueger · 02-02-2011, 10:33 AM

Originally posted by piesforyou

It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'.

Which is three times more expensive than an original pentax remote

piesforyou · 02-02-2011, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by freddykrueger

Which is three times more expensive than an original pentax remote

Don't worry, I have come to the RESCUE! Anything with an audio jack can set off your camera! It costs £3 and supports anything your imagination can throw at it!

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/131633-absurdly-si...p3-player.html

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-02-2011, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Ken T

I just replaced the battery of my Chinese knock off remote, and remembered about this thread so I gave it a quick check . The remote triggered my K-20D at any angle even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls . When I aimed at the side of the camera, the distance was about 4 meters, and when aimed 90 degree to the back sensor of the camera, the distance was about 10 meters ( I had no room to go any farther).

Just in case beginners are not aware, the K20D has two remote receivers, on the front and back of the camera. The K-x only has a receiver on the front, so it probably can't receive off-angle remotes as well. I think the extra IR receiver started with the K10D and is found on all the upper-line cameras since then.

02-01-2011, 03:50 AM	#1
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	IR remote advice please I have had a quick look at previous posts via the search facility and not found the answer so I hope this is not a duplication. Please can some one who has a remote for their K-x or the K-r tell me from what angles and what distance the receiver will "see" the signal, as I gather there is only a forward facing receiver? [this relates to having the camera on a tripod some distance away from me to take wildlife photos close up rather than using a tele lens.] Apart from the Pentax IR remote are there other more economical versions [cheaper] available that experience has shown to work? I tried the television and dvd player remotes but they dont seem to trigger the camera thanks

02-01-2011, 06:27 PM	#9
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Originally posted by freddykrueger Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work Well, yes they do, the problem is finding one that does transmit the correct code. My Sony RM-PP505 remotes 2nd room button triggers K100D and K7 up to 30 feet away in daylight. Last edited by Ex Finn.; 02-01-2011 at 06:33 PM.

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02-01-2011, 04:37 AM	#2
freddykrueger Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Czech Republic Photos: Gallery Posts: 80	Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work You can find pretty cheap IR remotes on eBay. I ordered one last thursday for $3, but you can find even cheaper ones there. I should receive it this or next week, so I can't tell you about the distance... Just search for "pentax ir remote"; or "k-x ir remote" for the original one (costs about $5).

02-01-2011, 04:41 AM	#3
piesforyou Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 129	Originally posted by freddykrueger Well, tv remotes definitelly won't work You can find pretty cheap IR remotes on eBay. I ordered one last thursday for $3, but you can find even cheaper ones there. I should receive it this or next week, so I can't tell you about the distance... Just search for "pentax ir remote"; or "k-x ir remote" for the original one (costs about $5). Actually some people have reported the "off" button on some remotes to work! I have a cheap one and the distance is fine, I havn't tried to max it out but it's definitely worked from ~3 metres away. The angles depend from which side. If the lens gets in between you and the sensor, the angle is quite restricted, but from the other side it's fairly good. That's what I've found anyway.

02-01-2011, 04:57 AM	#4
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	The various IR remotes (including Pentax) have a maximum range of about 4m, and have quite a restricted angle of operation (maybe a 45 deg arc?) in front of the camera. (No help I know, but other models have a rear facing IR window as well as a forward facing one.) There are pleany of cheap IR remotes on eBay that work with Pentax dslrs. Maybe if you need more range you could modify one to work with a cable switch? Simple to make and cheap (less than £15 all in).

02-01-2011, 05:06 AM	#5
Dark_Mist Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Adelaide Photos: Albums Posts: 102	Hi, you can get a genuine Pentax remote pretty cheap on the market place here or on eBay. I bought mine for $8 a few years back and the price saving isn't enough to consider buying a chinese knockoff. I can't give you exact angles but anything IR requires line of sight. If you can't see the IR sensor from where you are hiding you won't be able to trigger it. I've managed to use my IR remote with my bodies from around 12 - 15 metres away. The amount of ambient light could be an influence too. If you want a cheaper alternative you can get a free application to use your PDA or iPhone as a remote. Of course, that's only cheaper if you already have the hardware. Do the K-x and K-r have a remote socket? I made my own remote release and a 20 metre extension for a couple of $$ back when I had an *istD. You just need a couple 2.5mm stereo plugs and some phone wiring. I've still got the pattern somewhere - pm me if you want it.

02-01-2011, 05:20 AM	#6
freddykrueger Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Czech Republic Photos: Gallery Posts: 80	Originally posted by Dark_Mist If you want a cheaper alternative you can get a free application to use your PDA or iPhone as a remote. Of course, that's only cheaper if you already have the hardware. Do the K-x and K-r have a remote socket? That's impossible, today's PDAs don't have IR, nor does the iPhone. And no, they don't have a remote socket. Also, I don't think it matters if you buy original remote or "chinese one". They are both made in China and I would say that the "chinese one" has an advantage there because you can usually control even other-branded cameras with it.

02-01-2011, 06:58 AM	#7
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636 Original Poster	thanks every one just ordered a "cheap" one and will see what the range is.

02-01-2011, 03:10 PM	#8
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,296	I have a K20D and have a Pentax remote and a cheap ebay knockoff, the knockoff has a lot longer range. You'd have to test distance on your camera.

02-01-2011, 10:51 PM	#10
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	I just replaced the battery of my Chinese knock off remote, and remembered about this thread so I gave it a quick check . The remote triggered my K-20D at any angle even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls . When I aimed at the side of the camera, the distance was about 4 meters, and when aimed 90 degree to the back sensor of the camera, the distance was about 10 meters ( I had no room to go any farther).

02-02-2011, 05:30 AM	#11
piesforyou Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 129	Originally posted by freddykrueger That's impossible, today's PDAs don't have IR, nor does the iPhone. It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'. A quick google throws up this one Infrared Transmitter \| DSLR.BOT Originally posted by Ken T: even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls Do you think this worked because the IR was being reflected off the walls (sounds like you're testing indoors). Would be interesting to see how an outdoor situation compares.

02-02-2011, 09:36 AM	#12
Ken T Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California, USA Posts: 536	Originally posted by piesforyou It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'. A quick google throws up this one Infrared Transmitter \| DSLR.BOT Do you think this worked because the IR was being reflected off the walls (sounds like you're testing indoors). Would be interesting to see how an outdoor situation compares. Yes, I tested indoor and that's what I thought . It's windy today, when it calm down, I'll go out do an outdoor test to see how it does .

02-02-2011, 10:33 AM	#13
freddykrueger Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Czech Republic Photos: Gallery Posts: 80	Originally posted by piesforyou It is possible - you have to purchase an IR 'dongle'. Which is three times more expensive than an original pentax remote

02-02-2011, 10:54 AM	#14
piesforyou Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 129	Originally posted by freddykrueger Which is three times more expensive than an original pentax remote Don't worry, I have come to the RESCUE! Anything with an audio jack can set off your camera! It costs £3 and supports anything your imagination can throw at it! https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/131633-absurdly-si...p3-player.html

02-02-2011, 11:34 AM	#15
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Ken T I just replaced the battery of my Chinese knock off remote, and remembered about this thread so I gave it a quick check . The remote triggered my K-20D at any angle even when the remote did not see the sensor of the camera or completely blocked by a corner of the walls . When I aimed at the side of the camera, the distance was about 4 meters, and when aimed 90 degree to the back sensor of the camera, the distance was about 10 meters ( I had no room to go any farther). Just in case beginners are not aware, the K20D has two remote receivers, on the front and back of the camera. The K-x only has a receiver on the front, so it probably can't receive off-angle remotes as well. I think the extra IR receiver started with the K10D and is found on all the upper-line cameras since then.