Couple of questions

[larrywal]

Thanks for posting Matt! I'm new to Arduino but I just got a Heat N Glo fireplace and I hate that it only works with their remote. Couple of questions for you:

1. I'd like to be able to verify that my fireplace works with the same frequency / protocol you've coded to. How did you reverse engineer what the protocol was? Would love to know (both because I'm curious and because I'd like to replicate the test with my fireplace as verification).

2. I got the little RF transmitters and receivers, but I've read they have a tiny range; generally you want to solder a longer wire as an antennae on. Did you do this? And/or do you have a recommended antennae I can buy that I can solder on?

Will let you know if I have further questions as I get deeper into the project!

[milksteakmatt]

1. To reverse engineer the signal, I looked up the FCC application to get details on the RF design.
   That allowed me to buy the right RF TX and RX units. I then took the remote into a faraday cage and read the values via the RF receiver and an Arduino. I recorded the values and analyzed them for patterns. Manually comparing the deltas between button presses showed me the intent of each section of the transmission.
2. The device I created with an Arduino is mounted near the fireplace at all times so range is not an issue for me. The Arduino is connected to my home network and I control it via an Android app and through voice commands to my Echos and Google Homes. I would recommend the same. Use the Arduino as an air proxy to the fireplace and use another device / interface to actually send commands.

Let me know if you have any additional questions or suggestions. Happy to help.

[larrywal]

Wow thanks Matt - really appreciate it. I have a programming background but am new to arduino and the hardware aspect of things. This is going to be my first project. Would love it if you had a YouTube video of #1; it's just super cool -- low pri though :).

WRT #2 - I heard that range was about 3 cm....even a wall is thicker than that which is why I was worried.

My plan is the same as yours - use the Arduino as an air proxy to the fire place, then hook into my home automation system and Alexa. Do you have more information on your partner device/interface between your air proxy and your Echo? There is an Arduino plugin for my home automation system (Homeseer) but before I decide on the architecture would love more info on what you did and your code there.