RFID-based HTPC Controller Gets A Wireless Refresh

RFiDJ_Refresh

[roteno] recently wrote in to let us know that he has completed work on the RFiDJ Refresh, a follow up to his 2009 project, the RFiDJ.

The concept is pretty simple – he has a set of RFID enabled tiles, which contain references to particular online streaming audio stations. He uses these tiles to tune into audio feeds on his HTPC by placing them on a block containing an RFID reader.

His previous implementation had the RFID reader tethered to his HTPC, which didn’t make it all that convenient to use. The newer version utilizes a 433 MHz transmitter/receiver pair in order to communicate with the PC, so it can be used anywhere through out his house. The reader and transmitter were placed in a shadow box picture frame, along with a rechargeable Li-poly battery that powers the whole setup. He also mentions that he has added a tactile interface that allows him to initiate mobile phone calls from the RFiDJ as well.

It’s a nice update to an already great project. We imagine it’s a bit more fun for [roteno] and his guests to tap a coaster on the transmitter box than fumble with a remote to change radio stations on the HTPC, but that’s just us.

Check out the videos below to see his new setup in action.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QKfRvmLtYg&w=470]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeGls2F_Bgg&w=470]

4 thoughts on “RFID-based HTPC Controller Gets A Wireless Refresh

  1. I really think I might have to build one of these now. It would be a perfect addition to my HTPC! Think of it – hundreds of tiles, for any movie you could ever possibly want to watch. Some people have DVD or BluRay towers…I’d have tiles!

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