A floating unit sounds like it could be fun Arv. I have been experimenting with using a PicAxe for control. I have one running as a battery monitor and it also generates a beacon string message.
I live near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri river so would be a perfect place to test a floating beacon.
stan
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--- In QRPLabs@..., Arv Evans <arvid.evans@...> wrote:
Stan AK0B
Some time ago a couple of us were discussing something similar, but
using QRSS beacons with GPS
for launching in ocean currents to see where they go. Our approach was
to use 3 inch diameter
PVC drain pipe as the chassis with 3 inch pipe caps glued onto each
end. Adding a battery pack
at one end would keep them floating upright so an antenna on the
opposite end would be above
water most of the time. With a reducer fitting the antenna could be
installed inside a length of
smaller PVC pipe for a fully water-tight system. This discussion
progressed to talking about wave-
action charging and possibility of sending commands to an accompanying
receiver for remote
control, including wave-action propulsion and associated navigation.
This then led to the absurd, like making a geo-cache that floated around
in the ocean.
Your glass bottle might lend itself well to battery charging via an
internal solar cell if you leave
one side exposed to the sun. With microprocessor control you could make
it sense battery
charge and turn on only when there is adequate power for at least one ID
sequence. ID could
also include telemetry information like temperature, battery state,
solar intensity, wind speed,
and so on.
Arv K7HKL
_._
On 07/31/2011 01:47 PM, w9ifz wrote:
I would like to share ideas on packaging.
I am in the process of building a qrss transmitter which I will put
into a square glass bottle I obtained from Lobby Hobby. The bottle
mouth is 2 inches and the holding area is 3 inches high. It has a
combination aluminum and plastic lid.
I plan to use an F fitting for the antenna connection. Much cheaper
than BNC or UHF and they work very well it crimped correctly.
I have mixed feeling about if I will use a heater on the xtal or not.
Since the entire board would not be in any draft condition.
I am also thinking about filling the bottle with glass beads after I
install the transmitter. Makes a good heat sink I think.
Can not decide if I will paint the inside of the bottle black or not.
I am considering the inside black with the outside silver.
All power supply components will be outside the bottle and may or may
not be on the top of the lid. Initially will not be on the lid.
I will add a wood box with the pink foam installation between the
bottle and the wood.
I long term goal is to build something super stable and to bury it in
the yard.
Interested in your thoughts and suggestions,
Thanks, Stan AK0B
