Turn it on: A truly universal remote control

Adil Khan says his device can turn on an appliance from another country

ABBOTABAD: On a chilly night, the arduous task of getting out of the bed to switch off the fan would drive Adil Khan up the wall. An intermediate student at the time, he decided nothing was going to disturb his sleep.

With necessity sowing the seeds for innovation, Adil invented a remote in 2013 through which he could turn off the fan without as much as having to shake a leg.

On remote

“It was the happiest day of my life,” says the youngster whose family relocated to Abbottabad from one of the earthquake-hit villages in Kaghan Valley in 1998. He also claims to have invented an earthquake sensor that rings a bell after it records minor vibrations in the earth. Relatives left behind in his native village still use the device.



About his latest invention, the fourth semester software engineering student at Havelian Campus of Hazara University says he subsequently started working on developing a remote which would function using a mobile phone, internet or radio circuit. “Within six months of making the initial device, I managed to invent the Limit Breaker Switching Device (LBSD),” he reveals.

He adds the aim of the LBSD is to turn on or switch off electronic/electrical appliances like emergency lights, televisions, toys, doorbells through a remote control. He explains most other remotes are limited to a range of between 15 and 20 metres but not this one.

“By using this device, you can operate any switch-based object from another city, province or any country of the world,” he claims. The inventor adds even a person with limited knowledge of mobile phones or the internet can operate the LBSD within seconds by just sending a message to the target appliance.

He claims to have broken all limits by creating this device, hence the name ‘Limit Breaker’. Adil boasts if all members of a household are out and want the lights turned on at a certain time, one of them just needs to send a message and viola; darkness turns to light. He says this can also help the family protect their home against burglars.

Multi control

Briefing The Express Tribune about methods of operation, Adil says the switching device can be used via various methods. These include sending a simple text message through a mobile phone, making a call through radio remote control, using the internet and finally through a self-operated system.

“It is a flexible device that can operate computers, televisions, bulbs, electric water pump, air conditioners, fans or any other objects that can be switched on,” he claims. About future possibilities, Adil says the LBSD could be used to turn the engine of a car on or off and even lock and unlock doors. Adil says the total cost of inventing the LBSD is between Rs5,000 and Rs6,000, including the cost of two mobile phones at each end. To a question, he stresses the device can be manufactured on a commercial basis if it gets government or corporate backing. If developed properly, Adil’s device could actually be of use for people with mobility or sight issues and help save electricity.

He says although it was invented way back in 2013, he has yet to draw any government attention. However, in April 2015, he competed in the IEEE-supported Pakistan Student Computer Society Congress 2015 at Faisalabad University and won first prize.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2015.