1.6 KiB
WB8WFK ARDF Foxoring Transmitter
This is a simple, inexpensive, transmitter controller for conducting ARDF Foxoring competitions and for demonstrating ARDF principles. The software project is an Arduino script that builds for and runs on most Arduino-like products, including AdaFruit's Metro Mini 328, or SparkFun's Arduino Pro Mini 328, and many more.
After being programmed, the controller is configured via a serial port on the microprocessor. An Arduino board that includes a USB-to-Serial converter will allow you to configure the controller with a simple USB cable running between a USB port on your computer to one on the Arduino board. Less sophisticated Arduino boards lacking a USB-to-Serial converter will require a special FTDI cable like AdaFruit's FTDI Serial TTL-232 USB Cable, or SparkFun's FTDI Cable 5V.
The controller includes an output pin for controlling a transmitter for sending Morse code characters (high = key down; low = key up) and a separate pin that sends the Morse code as audio tones that can be used to drive a speaker. The controller can also provide a sequence of starting-tones prompting competitors to begin a competition, and can thus serve as an electronic starting "gun" for use in ARDF events.
A schematic design, a bill of materials, and a source for ordering a printed circuit board will be made available soon.