IoT·May 8, 2026

Universal IR Gree AC Remote

ESP32-based Wi-Fi infrared remote and custom PCB for controlling a Gree air conditioner from a browser UI.

Overview

This product turns an ESP32 board into a network-connected replacement for a Gree AC remote. It combines a custom ESP32 PCB, IR transmitter/receiver hardware, physical buttons, status LEDs, and a local web interface that mimics the AC remote screen. The device can sit near the air conditioner and send IR commands through Wi-Fi-triggered controls, making it useful for smart room control, remote troubleshooting, and future home-automation integration.

Specifications

RoleProduct designer, firmware developer, and PCB designer

MicrocontrollerESP32-WROOM-32

SensorsIR receiver

ModulesIR LED transmitterAMS1117 3.3V regulatorUSB power inputTactile buttonsStatus LEDs

ProtocolsWi-FiHTTPInfrared remote protocolGPIO

Tech tagsESP32InfraredWi-FiWeb UIPCB DesignGree AC

Architecture

Browser UI sends commands to the ESP32 web server. Firmware converts the command state into IR frames, drives the IR LED transmitter, and reports status back through the local interface. The PCB integrates power, MCU, IR, indicators, and connectors into a compact remote node.

Schematics

ESP32 IR remote schematic — Complete schematic for the ESP32 IR remote controller.

PCB layout

ESP32 IR remote PCB render — 3D PCB render with ESP32 module, buttons, connector, and IR hardware.

Manufactured PCB

Bare ESP32 IR remote PCB — Bare fabricated PCB before component assembly.

Project photos

Powered ESP32 IR remote board — Powered board test from wall adapter.

IR LED receiver prototype — Separate IR LED and receiver prototype module.

Gree web remote interface — Local browser interface styled as a Gree AC remote.

Videos

Implementation details

Firmware

Firmware hosts a local browser control panel, maps UI actions to Gree AC IR frames, drives the IR LED output, and reads button/receiver input for testing and feedback. The interface supports AC-like controls such as power, mode, fan, temperature, swing, timer, display, light, turbo, sleep, eco, and Wi-Fi toggles.

PCB

Custom ESP32 PCB designed from schematic to 3D render and fabricated prototype. The board includes the ESP32 module, regulator, USB input, IR output stage, receiver connection, user buttons, and indicator LEDs.

Power

Powered from USB or a wall adapter with onboard 3.3 V regulation for the ESP32 and support circuitry.

Components / BOM

ESP32-WROOM-32 module, IR LED, IR receiver module, AMS1117-3.3 regulator, USB connector / power input, Tactile push buttons, Status LEDs and resistors

Engineering challenges

Key challenges were matching AC remote behavior, fitting the ESP32 and IR hardware onto a compact board, keeping the IR output aligned and strong enough, and making the web UI look like a real AC remote instead of a generic button grid.

Solutions

Built a dedicated PCB, tested a separate IR LED/receiver prototype, and created a browser UI that mirrors the real Gree remote layout. Board photos show both bare PCB fabrication and powered assembly validation.

Results & metrics

Working prototype with custom hardware, PCB render, manufactured board, powered test setup, and a browser-based Gree remote interface on the local network.

Future improvements

Add saved schedules, mobile-friendly pairing, MQTT/Home Assistant support, command feedback through IR decoding, and an enclosure for daily use.