The challenge:
Control a TV or other IR device via a non-circuit based device powered by a candle for IR source. Batteries not allowed.
You can use a candle, paper, cardboard, plastic, lenses, aluminum cans etc. All hand made unpowered and rudimentary materials allowed.
You may obtain the ir message by any means including a detector, DAC, etc system. But once you have your code, those devices cannot be used.
Related, if you have a Nintendo Wii but have lost the “sensor bar” you can place two candles the correct distance apart and they work as a replacement. The “sensor bar” doesn’t actually sense shit, it’s just 2 IR projectors that the controllers are able to look at and orient themselves