Current Part:
PIC 18F452 Microcontroller
10 MHz Oscillator
1µF Capacitor
30 pin SIPs
RS232 Header
Prototype Board
Laptop/Desktop (with Serial Port)
Wire 30 AWG (aka Wirewrap)
Wirewrap Tool
Solder
Soldering Iron
Parts List Details
You may or may not be familiar with the parts above so a picture of each item has been included to clear up any possible questions.
PIC 18F452
The brains of the operation, the PIC will understand the serial input from the computer and then tell the modified remote what to do (i.e. go forward, turn left, etc..).
MAX 233a
This is used to convert the standard digital serial signals from the PIC to RS-232 type signals. RS-232 communication doesn't use the +0v/+5v standard it has its own method. It is tried and true so there aren't any worries about whether it'll work.
RS232 Header
The MAX233a chip will be connected to this. The header just makes it much easier to connect with the cable. The three pins used are for: Tx, Rx & GND. Which on the header are pins 2, 3 & 5.
10 MHz Oscillator
The 10 MHz oscillator governs the PIC's processing speed and also how fast serial data is sent out. It is necessary to conform to one of the standard RS-232 speeds of 2400bps, 4800bps or one of many other choices. This system will use 2400bps, which while seemingly slow is much faster than we require.
Wirewrap, SIPS, & the rest
The rest of the parts are used for putting together the custom board for control. All the pins will be wirewrapped together and the RS-232 header soldered in place. Solder the chips down so they don't jiggle while you wirewrap.