DIY HARDWARE GUIDE

CDi Wireless Remotes on Arduino Getting Started

Parts, wiring, firmware, and setup instructions for this RetroSpy configuration.

Downloads

What You Need

  1. One of the following boards:
  2. USB cable to connect the Teensy to your computer
  3. An IR Receiver tuned to 36kHz or 38kHz, I used a TSOP38238
  4. Wires connect to the IR receiver, like these

Instructions

Hooking it up

  1. Download and install the latest release of RetroSpy.
  2. Install the latest Arduino software, download the Windows Installer option.  If you are not programming your own board you can skip this step.
  3. Hook up the IR sensor to your Arduino according to this pinout.
    IR Pin Arduino Pin
    Data 2
    Power 5V or 3.3V
    GND GND
  4. Plug the USB cable into the Arduino.
  5. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the display PC.

Program the Arduino

If you purchased a pre-programmed board, skip this section and continue to the RetroSpy application setup.

  1. Install the Arduino IDE and connect the Arduino to the computer.
  2. Open firmware/firmware.ino from the latest RetroSpy release.
  3. In the firmware options, enable MODE_CDI. Leave only the mode required by this guide enabled.
  4. Select the correct board and serial port in the Arduino IDE.
  5. Choose Upload. Wait for the IDE to report that the upload completed successfully.
Selecting a RetroSpy firmware mode in the Arduino IDE
Enable the controller mode required by the guide.
Uploading RetroSpy firmware from the Arduino IDE
Upload the firmware to the connected Arduino.

Use the RetroSpy application

  1. Connect the programmed board and power on the console or controller adapter.
  2. Launch the RetroSpy desktop application from the latest release.
  3. Select the serial port used by the board.
  4. Select CDi Wireless Remotes on Arduino Getting Started and choose a skin.
  5. Choose Go, then press controller buttons to confirm that the display responds.

Troubleshooting

No serial port appears
Reconnect the USB cable, try a data-capable cable or another USB port, and restart the application.
The display opens but inputs are wrong
Confirm the selected controller type, firmware mode, and every pin connection.
The controller stops working on the console
Disconnect the RetroSpy board and retest the extension cable. Look for a short, reversed connector, or damaged splice.
Still stuck?
Contact RetroSpy support and include the console, controller, board type, firmware mode, and a clear wiring photo.

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