Sunday, July 26, 2026

How to Replace a Faulty Autogate Receiver with the Tuya DIY-DC01-TY Smart Receiver

Have you ever experienced an autogate remote that suddenly stops working, while the manual push button still opens and closes the gate without any problem? This is a common issue, and in many cases, the problem is not the autogate control board but the remote receiver itself.

In this guide, I'll show you how to troubleshoot the problem and replace the faulty receiver with the Tuya DIY-DC01-TY Smart Receiver, which comes with an RF433 remote control and supports the Tuya Smart and Smart Life mobile apps.

Upgrade your autogate with the Tuya DIY-DC01-TY Smart Receiver.

Problem Symptoms

The first step is identifying the problem.

In my case:

  • ❌ RF remote control was not responding.
  • ✅ Manual push button worked normally.
  • ✅ The autogate motor operated without any issues.

This indicates that the autogate controller is still functioning properly, and the fault is likely with the receiver.


Troubleshooting the Receiver

A working manual switch usually indicates the receiver is faulty.

Before replacing any components, it's important to verify the power supply. Using a digital multimeter, I measured the DC voltage supplied to the receiver. The reading was approximately 19V DC, which is within the operating range of the Tuya DIY-DC01-TY (7–32V DC).

Since the receiver was receiving power but failed to respond to the remote control, it was safe to conclude that the original receiver had failed.


Why Choose the Tuya DIY-DC01-TY?

Upgrade your autogate with RF433 remote and smartphone control.

The Tuya DIY-DC01-TY is a compact Wi-Fi smart relay designed for automation projects.

Features

  • Supports 7–32V DC input
  • Includes RF433 remote control
  • Compatible with Tuya Smart and Smart Life
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing
  • NO, COM, and NC relay outputs
  • Supports Momentary and Self-Locking modes
  • Timer and Inching functions
  • Remote control from anywhere

This makes it an excellent replacement for many autogate receiver systems.


Installation

Installation is straightforward.

Cut and strip the connector wires for the new receiver.
  1. Disconnect the autogate power.
  2. Remove the faulty receiver.
  3. Cut and strip the existing connector wires.
  4. Connect:
    • Red & Black → DC Input
    • Common Wire → COM
    • Yellow Wire → NO
  5. Insulate the unused green wire.
  6. Reconnect the receiver to the autogate control board.
Protect any unused wires from short circuits.


Replacing the receiver only takes a few simple wiring connections.

Once the wiring is complete, power up the system.


Pairing the RF433 Remote

Pair the included RF433 remote in just a few seconds.

Pairing the included RF433 remote only takes a few seconds.

  1. Hold the RF Pairing button for about three seconds.
  2. Press and hold the desired remote button for two seconds.
  3. Release the button.

The pairing is now complete.

A quick test confirms that the remote can successfully open and close the autogate.


Connect to the Tuya Smart App

The DIY-DC01-TY also supports smartphone control.

Simply:

  • Download Tuya Smart or Smart Life
  • Hold the Reset button for eight seconds
  • Wait until the blue indicator flashes rapidly
  • Add the device through the app
  • Connect it to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network
Search for the receiver in the app.

Within a few minutes, your autogate can be controlled directly from your smartphone.


Recommended Settings

For autogate applications, these settings work best:

Configure the receiver for reliable autogate operation.

  • Restart Status: Reset Memory
  • External Switch Type: Momentary Button
  • Timer Mode: Inching
  • Inching Time: 1 Second

These settings simulate a momentary push button, which is suitable for most autogate controllers.


Final Testing

After configuration, it's time for a final test.

Verify that both the remote and smartphone control work properly.

Using the RF433 remote:
  • Press once → Gate opens.
  • Press again → Gate closes.

Using the Tuya Smart app:

  • Tap the ON button → Gate opens.
  • Tap again → Gate closes.

Everything works smoothly with both the remote control and the smartphone.


Conclusion


Replacing a faulty autogate receiver doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. The Tuya DIY-DC01-TY Smart Receiver is an affordable solution that not only restores remote control but also adds modern smart features such as smartphone control, timers, automation, and remote access. 

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Friday, July 17, 2026

DIY Cooling Box Using Arduino and TEC1-12706 Peltier Module

Looking for an interesting Arduino project? In this project, we built a DIY Cooling Box using an Arduino Uno and TEC1-12706 Peltier module. The system monitors the temperature inside the box and controls the cooling system while displaying the current temperature on a 16x2 LCD. During testing, the temperature dropped from approximately 34°C to 30°C within several minutes.

Building a DIY Arduino-Powered Cooling Box

How the Cooling Box Works

The main cooling component is the TEC1-12706 Peltier module. When powered, one side becomes cold while the other side becomes hot. The cold side faces inside the cooling box, while the hot side transfers heat to a heatsink and cooling fan.

The Arduino Uno acts as the main controller. A DHT11 sensor measures the temperature inside the box, while a 16x2 LCD with I2C displays the current temperature and cooling status. A 2-channel relay module is used to switch the cooling system.


Components Used

Components Required for the DIY Cooling Box

The components used for this project include an Arduino Uno R3, 2-channel relay module, TEC1-12706 Peltier module, 12V DC cooling fan with heatsink, 16x2 LCD I2C display, DHT11 sensor, breadboard, DC barrel jack adapter, jumper wires, 12V power supply, and thermal paste.

Wiring and Arduino Programming

Connecting the Components According to the Wiring Diagram

Before installing the components inside the box, we connected everything according to the wiring diagram. Carefully checking the wiring before applying power helps prevent incorrect connections and makes troubleshooting easier.

Uploading the Arduino Code

Next, the Arduino program was uploaded to the Arduino Uno. The program reads the temperature from the DHT11 sensor, displays the information on the LCD, and controls the cooling system. Click HERE to download.


Mock Testing

Testing the Circuit Before Final Installation

Before installing everything into the cooling box, we performed a mock test. We checked that the LCD displayed correctly and that the relay, cooling fan, Peltier module, and temperature sensor were operating properly.


Installing the Cooling Fan and Heatsink

Preparing the Box for the Cooling System

An opening was made in the cooling box to install the cooling fan and heatsink. Proper positioning of the heatsink and fan is important to effectively remove heat generated by the Peltier module.


Installing the Peltier Module

Installing the TEC1-12706 Peltier Module

A thin layer of thermal paste was applied between the TEC1-12706 Peltier module and the heatsink to improve heat transfer. The hot side faces the heatsink, while the cold side faces inside the cooling box.


Installing the LCD Display

Mounting the 16x2 LCD I2C Display

The 16x2 LCD I2C display was mounted on the outside of the cooling box using double-sided tape. This allows the temperature and cooling status to be monitored without opening the box.


Installing the DHT11 Sensor

Placing the DHT11 Sensor Inside the Cooling Box

The DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor was placed inside the box to monitor the internal temperature. Its readings are sent to the Arduino and displayed on the LCD.


Final Wiring

Reconnecting and Organizing All Components

After installing the components, everything was reconnected according to the wiring diagram. The wires were arranged neatly to keep the project organized and make future maintenance easier.


Testing the Cooling Box

Powering Up the Completed Cooling Box

After completing the assembly, the system was powered on. We checked that the LCD turned on, the cooling fan was running, and the cooling system was operating correctly.

Temperature Drops from 34°C to 30°C

During our cooling test, the LCD showed the temperature gradually decreasing from approximately 34°C to 30°C within several minutes. Actual performance may vary depending on the box insulation, ambient temperature, heatsink, airflow, and power supply.


Conclusion

This DIY cooling box is a great project for learning about Arduino programming, thermoelectric cooling, temperature monitoring, sensors, and relay control. The design can be further improved with better insulation, a larger heatsink, improved airflow, or a more accurate temperature sensor.

Project Contributor: Nasiruddin Bin Nadzrin
Intern, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)

Friday, June 5, 2026

TCRT5000 3 Channel Line Tracker Sensor Module with Arduino Uno

The TCRT5000 3 Channel Line Tracker Sensor Module is widely used in robotics and automation projects for detecting lines and distinguishing between black and white surfaces. It uses infrared (IR) reflective sensors to measure the amount of reflected light from a surface.

TCRT5000 3-channel line tracker sensor module used with Arduino Uno.

In this project, we will interface a TCRT5000 3-channel module with an Arduino Uno and observe how the sensor responds to black and white surfaces using the Arduino Serial Monitor.


What is the TCRT5000 Line Tracker Sensor?

The TCRT5000 is an infrared reflective sensor consisting of an IR LED transmitter and a phototransistor receiver. When infrared light is emitted, the amount of reflected light depends on the surface color.

  • White surfaces reflect more infrared light.
  • Black surfaces absorb more infrared light.
Line detection principle based on reflected infrared light.

This principle allows the sensor to detect lines and is commonly used in line-following robots.


Components Required

Components needed for the TCRT5000 Arduino project.
  • Arduino Uno
  • TCRT5000 3 Channel Line Tracker Module
  • Dupont Jumper Wires
  • USB Cable
  • Cardboard
  • Black Electrical Tape

Wiring Connections

Wiring diagram between the TCRT5000 module and Arduino Uno.
  • VCC → 5V
  • GND → GND
  • L → A0
  • C → A1
  • R → A2

Arduino Code

Arduino sketch for reading three TCRT5000 sensor channels.
Upload the following code to the Arduino Uno. You can download coding click HERE.
int L = A0;
int C = A1;
int R = A2;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int valL = analogRead(L);
  int valC = analogRead(C);
  int valR = analogRead(R);

  Serial.print("L: ");
  Serial.print(valL);

  Serial.print(" C: ");
  Serial.print(valC);

  Serial.print(" R: ");
  Serial.println(valR);

  delay(300);
}


How the Code Works

The program continuously reads the analog values from the three sensor channels.

  • Left sensor connected to A0
  • Center sensor connected to A1
  • Right sensor connected to A2

The sensor readings are displayed in the Arduino Serial Monitor every 300 milliseconds.


Sensor Testing

To test the module:

  1. Place the sensor above a white cardboard surface.
  2. Observe the indicator LEDs on the module.
  3. Move the sensor above the black tape line.
  4. Compare the readings shown on the Serial Monitor.

White Surface

Sensor positioned above a white reflective surface.

When the sensor is positioned above the white cardboard:
  • The infrared light is strongly reflected.
  • Indicator LEDs turn ON.
  • Higher sensor readings are observed.

Black Surface

Sensor positioned above a black non-reflective surface.

When the sensor is positioned above the black tape:

  • Less infrared light is reflected.
  • Indicator LEDs turn OFF.
  • Sensor readings change significantly.

This difference allows robots to detect and follow a black line on a white background.


Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity

Sensitivity adjustment using the onboard potentiometer.
The blue potentiometer on the module allows sensitivity adjustment.
  • Turn clockwise to increase sensitivity.
  • Turn counterclockwise to decrease sensitivity.

Adjust the potentiometer until the sensor can clearly distinguish between the black tape and white cardboard.


Applications

  • Line Following Robots
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
  • Obstacle Detection Systems
  • Surface Color Detection
  • Industrial Automation Projects
  • Educational Robotics Projects


Conclusion


The TCRT5000 3 Channel Line Tracker Sensor Module is an inexpensive and effective sensor for line detection applications. By interfacing it with an Arduino Uno, we can easily monitor sensor readings and detect the difference between black and white surfaces.

This project demonstrates the basic operation of the sensor and provides a foundation for building line-following robots and automation systems.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

AS-10 Photo Sensor Wiring & Installation Guide

The AS-10 Photo Sensor is an automatic light control switch designed to turn lamps ON during nighttime and OFF during daytime automatically. This device is commonly used for outdoor lighting such as porch lamps, garden lights, street lights, and billboard lighting to help save electricity and improve convenience.

AS-10 automatically controls lighting based on surrounding brightness.

AS-10 Specifications

The AS-10 photo sensor operates at 220-240VAC with a maximum load capacity of 10A. It is suitable for various AC lighting applications and supports automatic day and night operation without manual switching.


Components Required for Installation

Prepare all tools and components before installation.

Before starting the installation process, prepare all necessary components including the AS-10 photo sensor, lamp and lamp holder, wire cord, connector, screwdriver, and wire cutter. Proper preparation helps make the installation safer and easier.


Understanding AS-10 Wire Functions

Black = LIVE, White = NEUTRAL, Red = LOAD output to lamp.

The AS-10 photo sensor comes with three wires for installation. The black wire is connected to the LIVE or LINE input, the white wire is connected to the NEUTRAL line, and the red wire is connected to the lamp load output.


Wiring Diagram Installation

Follow the wiring diagram carefully for proper installation.

The wiring connection is simple and suitable for basic lighting systems. Connect the black wire to the AC LIVE input, connect the white wire to the AC NEUTRAL line, and connect the red wire to the lamp LIVE wire while the lamp neutral wire connects directly to NEUTRAL.


How to Install AS-10 Photo Sensor

Always switch OFF the power supply before installation.

First, switch OFF the power supply before handling any electrical wiring. Connect all wires securely using suitable connectors and ensure there are no loose connections before turning ON the power supply.


Testing the AS-10 Photo Sensor

Cover the sensor to simulate nighttime condition.

Lamp stays OFF during daytime.

After installation is completed, turn ON the power supply for testing. Cover the AS-10 sensor using a black plastic or dark cover and wait around 5 to 10 seconds until the lamp turns ON automatically. Remove the cover and after another 5 to 10 seconds, the lamp will turn OFF automatically.


Advantages of Using AS-10

The AS-10 photo sensor helps reduce electricity consumption by automatically controlling lighting operation. It also improves convenience by eliminating the need for manual switching and is suitable for both residential and commercial lighting systems.


📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:
Lazada:
Aliexpress:


Conclusion


The AS-10 Photo Sensor is an affordable and practical solution for automatic lighting control. With simple wiring and easy installation, it is ideal for outdoor lighting applications requiring automatic ON and OFF functionality.

Friday, May 22, 2026

Manual Wire Stripping Machine Review & Setup Guide

If you are looking for an easy way to strip copper wires for recycling or workshop use, this Manual Wire Stripping Machine is a simple and affordable solution. In this review, we tested the machine from unboxing, installation, setup, and real wire stripping performance.

Manual Wire Stripping Machine Review & Setup.

Unboxing & Components

Unboxing & Components Overview.

Inside the package, the machine comes with:

  • Manual wire stripping machine
  • Crank handle
  • Wrench tools
  • Mounting accessories
  • User instruction manual

The machine body feels solid and compact, making it suitable for DIY users, workshops, and small businesses.


Easy Setup Process

The setup process is very simple and beginner friendly.


Step 1 – Install The Machine

Install The Machine.
First, secure the machine onto a workbench or table to prevent movement during operation.


Step 2 – Adjust Blade Distance

Adjust Blade Distance.
Rotate the top adjustment knob to control the blade depth according to the wire size.


Step 3 – Adjust Wire Feeding Board

Adjust Wire Feeding Board.
Adjust the feeding board position so the wire enters smoothly into the stripping hole.


Step 4 – Install Crank Handle

Install Crank Handle.
Install the crank handle for manual operation or connect an electric drill for faster stripping.

Finally, make sure all screws are tightened properly before use.


Real Testing Result

Clean Copper Stripping Result.
During testing, the machine was able to strip wire insulation cleanly and expose the copper wire nicely.

The machine supports:

  • Small wires
  • Medium electrical cables
  • Copper wire recycling work
Manual Or Drill Operation.
Using a drill makes the stripping process much faster and easier.


Pros

✔ Easy to setup
✔ Compact design
✔ Clean copper stripping result
✔ Manual or drill operation
✔ Suitable for DIY and workshop use


📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:
Lazada:
Aliexpress:

Final Review


Overall, this Manual Wire Stripping Machine is a useful tool for anyone working with electrical wires or copper recycling. It is simple, effective, and beginner friendly while still providing good stripping performance. If you frequently handle scrap copper wires, this tool can help save time and effort.

#wirestrippingmachine #copperwire #wirestripper #diytools #copperrecycling

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Beginner Guide to Using LCD 1602 I2C with Arduino UNO

LCD 1602 I2C is one of the most popular display modules used in Arduino projects. It is simple to use, requires only 4 wires, and can display text clearly for various electronics projects such as temperature monitors, counters, sensors, and automation systems.

Easy LCD Display Module for Arduino Projects.

In this tutorial, we will learn how to connect and use the LCD 1602 I2C display with Arduino UNO.


What is LCD 1602 I2C?

The LCD 1602 I2C is a 16x2 character display module with an I2C interface adapter attached at the back. Compared to a normal LCD 1602, the I2C version uses fewer Arduino pins, making wiring much easier and cleaner.

The display can show:

  • 16 characters per row
  • 2 rows of text
  • Letters, numbers, and symbols

It is suitable for beginners and advanced Arduino users.


LCD 1602 I2C Specifications

LCD 1602 I2C Technical Specifications.
Here are the basic specifications of the LCD module:
  • Display Type: Character LCD
  • Display Format: 16x2
  • Interface: I2C Communication
  • Operating Voltage: 5V DC
  • Adjustable Contrast
  • Only 4 Wires Required

The module usually comes in Blue or Yellow-Green backlight versions.


Components Required

Components Needed for This Project.
For this project, we need:
  • Arduino UNO R3
  • LCD 1602 I2C Module
  • Jumper Wires
  • Breadboard
  • USB Cable

Wiring Diagram

LCD 1602 I2C Wiring Connection.

Connect the LCD 1602 I2C to Arduino UNO using the following connections:

LCD I2C → Arduino UNO
VCC → 5V
GND → GND
SDA → A4
SCL → A5

The I2C interface allows communication using only SDA and SCL pins.


Actual Wiring Connection

Actual Hardware Wiring Setup.

After checking the wiring diagram, connect all components using jumper wires.

Make sure:

  • Wires are connected securely
  • VCC and GND are not reversed
  • SDA and SCL are connected correctly

Incorrect wiring may cause the LCD not to display any text.


Check LCD Address Using I2C Scanner

Check LCD I2C Address First.
Before uploading the LCD code, it is important to check the I2C address of the module.

Most LCD 1602 I2C modules use:

  • 0x27
  • 0x3F

Upload the I2C Scanner code to Arduino and open the Serial Monitor to detect the correct address.

If the address is different, change it inside the LCD code.


LCD 1602 I2C Arduino Code

Upload LCD Arduino Code.

After confirming the I2C address, upload the LCD display code using Arduino IDE. You can download HERE.

This example will display scrolling text:
“Welcome To MCE :)”

The code uses:

  • Wire.h library
  • LiquidCrystal_I2C library

The text will continuously move across the LCD display.


Adjust LCD Contrast

Adjust LCD Contrast Potentiometer.
If the display is blank or difficult to see, adjust the blue potentiometer at the back of the LCD module.

Rotate:

  • Clockwise
  • Counter clockwise

until the characters become visible clearly.


Final Result

Final LCD Display Output.

Once everything is connected correctly and the code is uploaded successfully, the LCD will display:

Welcome To MCE :)

You should now see the scrolling text running smoothly on the LCD display.


📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:
Lazada:
Aliexpress:


Conclusion


Using LCD 1602 I2C with Arduino UNO is simple and beginner-friendly. Since it only requires 4 wires, it helps reduce complicated wiring and saves Arduino pins for other sensors and modules. We hope this tutorial helps you start using LCD 1602 I2C in your own Arduino projects.