Power Function Infra-red and NXT ports

[tabbycatrobots]

My next project is adding an NXT brain to an 8043 Motorized Excavator. The 8043 was my first PF build (a very nice model),
but I know very little about the PF pieces. (I am learning quickly about NXT to PF motor wiring.) After I have installed
the NXT brick, I will have the PF IR receivers and remote controls left over. Can the PF IR receivers from the 8043 be
connected to the NXT sensor ports? Are there functions in NXC to interpret the input from the PF IR receivers? My NXT-itfied
8043, with a modified scoop, will move around the floor and pick up Duplo bricks. I'm thinking that if I can talk to the NXT
with the 8043 remote controls, I can tell the NXT to pick up only red bricks, or only blue bricks, etc. I understand this can be
done with a 2nd NXT using BT, but that is $140, and these PF remote controls are currently spare parts, i.e. free. Also, I've
seen ads for 3rd party IR sensors, but again these are $50 -$80. Thanks for any info or ideas.

[mattallen37]

The HT IR Link allows the NXT to talk to the PF IR Receivers.

The HT IR Receiver allows the NXT to read signals from PF remotes.

[inxt-generation]

My next project is adding an NXT brain to an 8043 Motorized Excavator. The 8043 was my first PF build (a very nice model),
but I know very little about the PF pieces. (I am learning quickly about NXT to PF motor wiring.) After I have installed
the NXT brick, I will have the PF IR receivers and remote controls left over. Can the PF IR receivers from the 8043 be
connected to the NXT sensor ports? Are there functions in NXC to interpret the input from the PF IR receivers? My NXT-itfied
8043, with a modified scoop, will move around the floor and pick up Duplo bricks. I'm thinking that if I can talk to the NXT
with the 8043 remote controls, I can tell the NXT to pick up only red bricks, or only blue bricks, etc. I understand this can be
done with a 2nd NXT using BT, but that is $140, and these PF remote controls are currently spare parts, i.e. free. Also, I've
seen ads for 3rd party IR sensors, but again these are $50 -$80. Thanks for any info or ideas.

If you want cheep, you could try philo's IR-Reciever hack. It allows the NXT to receive the signals from the remotes included in the excavator. However, be warned that you must have at least a passing aquantince with electronics and soldering. Aside from making your own custom sensor, I don't think you can get much cheaper than that.

[tabbycatrobots]

you could try philo's IR-Reciever hack.

Thank you. There are some good ideas here that I think will work for me, both on Philo's page and
his links. I used to build electronic kits, so soldering is not a problem, but I think I will need a new
iron with smaller tip, as everything is smaller now. Again thanks - real good info.