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An ESP32 can connect two control paths to relay outputs: an infrared receiver for commands from a handheld remote, and Blynk for control through its mobile app or web console. The ESP32 interprets both inputs and sets the relevant output. The exact wiring, supported remote, code, and safe load capacity depend on the specific board and project design.

How the ESP32, IR remote, Blynk, and relays work together

The project has three control stages. First, an IR receiver captures signals from a remote aimed at it. Second, firmware on the ESP32 decodes the IR command and also handles values arriving from Blynk. Third, the ESP32 changes relay outputs according to the command, switching the connected loads.

The IR path is local and line-of-sight: the remote must be able to reach the receiver. The Blynk path is network-based, so it lets an app or web console send control values to the device. These paths converge in the ESP32’s logic; neither means that the remote itself communicates with Blynk.

Project descriptions include examples with eight relay-controlled appliances, including one described as providing real-time feedback. Those are descriptions of particular examples, not a guaranteed channel count or verified performance result for every ESP32 circuit.

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#1 Best Overall
38KHz IR Receiver Transmitter Sensor Module Infrared Remote Control, 5 Sets
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How Blynk app controls reach the device

Blynk provides mobile-app and web-console controls for connected devices. A widget’s value reaches the hardware through a Datastream; Blynk recommends Virtual Pin Datastreams for general data exchange among the app, hardware, and firmware. The ESP32 sketch must map each incoming value to the intended relay state. See Blynk’s getting-started guide and its Virtual Pin Datastream documentation.

Blynk’s quickstart lists ESP32 as supported and expects users to create an account, enter Developer Mode, prepare compatible hardware, and have basic circuit and Arduino library knowledge. Blynk documents more than one hardware connection route, including its library and Edgent approaches; the correct setup is the one used by the specific project’s firmware. Consult the quickstart and supported boards page.

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DWEII 6 Sets Infrared IR Wireless Remote Control Module Kits DIY Kit HX1838 for Arduino Raspberry Pi
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IR compatibility depends on the remote and receiver

An ESP32-supported IR library does not make every remote compatible. The receiver must suit the circuit, and the firmware must decode the protocol and command format used by the chosen remote. Arduino-IRremote documents send and receive functions, ESP32 support, and examples such as controlling a relay with a remote. Its examples are a starting point, not confirmation that a particular remote or appliance will work. Check the Arduino-IRremote documentation and its examples against the hardware and library version you plan to use.

Some appliance remotes, particularly air-conditioner remotes, can use more specialized protocols or longer command frames. Confirm support for the actual device and signal rather than assuming that a library’s general IR support covers it.

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  • 【38kHz INFRARED】 NEC AND OTHER COMMON PROTOCOLS: Standard 38kHz carrier, decoded through the widely used IRremote library. Built for TV and air-conditioner control, remote automation, robot communication links and interactive electronics. Designed in Australia and supported by Lonely Binary.

Choose parts for the specific circuit and load

A typical parts set includes the controller, IR input, relay outputs, and low-voltage prototyping supplies. The component names below describe roles, not validated models or a complete safe wiring design.

  • ESP32 development board: Runs the firmware and handles the IR and Blynk paths. Confirm the board’s pin behavior and compatibility with the project code.
  • ESP32 IR receiver module: Captures remote signals. Match its supply voltage, output-pin compatibility, and receiver type to the design.
  • Multi-channel relay module: Provides switched outputs. Choose the channel count and electrical ratings for the intended loads, and verify isolation and application suitability in the module documentation.
  • Breadboard and jumper wires: Useful for low-voltage prototyping where appropriate; they are not a substitute for a properly designed mains installation.

Do not infer that a relay board is safe for household mains simply because a project description shows relay switching. The specific board’s ratings, isolation, wiring, enclosure, and the installation requirements all matter. The project descriptions do not establish a safe rating for any particular relay module.

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What to verify before following a tutorial

The topic identifies a type of project, not a universal wiring plan. Before building, use the tutorial and component datasheets to confirm the details that determine whether its instructions apply to your hardware:

  • The ESP32 board and the exact pins used for IR input and relay outputs.
  • The receiver’s supply and signal compatibility with those pins.
  • The remote’s protocol and the decoding library version expected by the code.
  • The relay module’s channel count, input behavior, load ratings, and suitability for the intended application.
  • The Blynk template and Datastream configuration, and how each app value maps to firmware behavior.
  • Any electrical safety design needed for the loads being switched.

Do not guess missing pin assignments or ratings. The project material available for this topic does not establish a verified pin-by-pin diagram, specific component models, current-version-validated code, mains wiring design, IR range, latency, or independent test results. Treat those as unknown until the original tutorial and actual hardware documentation confirm them.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
DWEII 6 Sets Infrared IR Wireless Remote Control Module Kits DIY Kit HX1838 for Arduino Raspberry Pi
DWEII 6 Sets Infrared IR Wireless Remote Control Module Kits DIY Kit HX1838 for Arduino Raspberry Pi
❃❃Dynamic current: 3-5mA; ❃❃Note: not included battery (you can use the CR2025 )
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Bestseller No. 4
TSOP4838 4838 IR Receiver FMHXG 6PCS 38kHz Infrared (IR) Receiver Module for Arduino and Remote Controlled Electronic Circuits, 38 kHz Remote Infrared Module
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Size: 6.5X3.5(L X W), pin length :21.5MM, pin spacing 2.54MM; Operating voltage :2.7-5.5V, receiving distance 18-25M
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Bestseller No. 5
Dorhea 4Pcs Digital 38khz Ir Receiver Sensor Module + 4Pcs 38khz Ir Transmitter Sensor Module Kit for Electronic Building Block
Dorhea 4Pcs Digital 38khz Ir Receiver Sensor Module + 4Pcs 38khz Ir Transmitter Sensor Module Kit for Electronic Building Block
Adopt 1838 remote control receiver with high sensitivity.; with the emission signal indicator LED, easy to observe and debug.
$7.99
Best Value
Dorhea 4Pcs Digital 38khz Ir Receiver Sensor Module + 4Pcs 38khz Ir Transmitter Sensor Module Kit for Electronic Building Block
  • The infrared transmitter module is directly transmitted by a single tube, and the waveform needs to be modulated by the program.
  • Adopt 1838 remote control receiver with high sensitivity.
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