I have been researching controlling a gas fireplace with an IR remote and have been having trouble finding a solution. I am looking to control a fireplace with an IR Logitech remote. The fireplace already is controlled by a standard light switch.

Now, I know that it is a millivolt current and is not strong enough to be able to use a standard IR wall switch. I am looking to stay away from the X10 because I have read about reliability issues with them turning on when not wanted.

Are there any other relatively inexpensive options? I would not necessarily be opposed to even having to build something.


Thank you.

Replace the light switch with a Lutron Maestro IR switch.

I was under the assumption that wouldn't work since it isn't actually tied into a 110 line and that the millivolt that it does get isn't enough to power that switch.

Am I wrong?

I have been able to find a IR relay circuit board that I think should work. I would of course have to pretty much build it, which I should have no problem with. Is there a reason this wouldn't work?

[Link: ebay.com]

The MK161 is made by Velleman, and you can download more info from their site.

Does you fireplace circuit use 12 volts?   Can it provide enough current (75mA) to power the IR receiver?  If so, I expect this would work.  Or, you could power the IR receiver with a 12 volts AC adapter, provided the fireplace circuit is 24 volts or less.