We’ve presented the Remote Control & Preamplifier project as a stand-alone module because we believe that many constructors will want to build it into an existing case. It is designed to fit flush behind a front panel, hence the LEDs and the rotary encoder are located along the front edge of the board. However, all of these devices can be mounted independently on a panel and wired back to the PC board via short flying leads if desired.

Note that if the infrared receiver includes an external metal shield (see photo), then steps must be taken to ensure that it is insulated from the chassis. We suggest a short strip of insulation tape on the inside of the front panel, with a hole cut out to match the hole in the panel. Do not rely on the paintwork to provide insulation!

The display board should be mounted to the right side or above the main board (ie, away from the audio section) on standoffs behind an appropriate cutout. Additional header sockets (or cut-down 40-pin IC sockets) can be stacked vertically to increase the display height for a flush fit. Both the red and blue displays look great with tinted filters!

As mentioned earlier, three different power supply configurations are possible. You could also power the unit from an existing regulated DC source if available. The minimum requirements are: ±15V @ 20mA and +5V @ 120mA. Note that the two (analog & digital) supplies must share a common ground. This means that if they’re located on physically separate PC boards, their grounds must be cabled separately to the single "GND" input at CON1.