Project Background
The technology for RFD (Radio Detection Finding) is widely used as emergency services by various rescue team and search parties. The application of the RDF helps in locating the disaster victims, and emergency personnel with the use of the radio signals. The RFD available in the markets are not widely used in the search parties due to high cost and complexity in use. In addition to that, I have found that available radio detection system are highly complicated and expensive and requires extensive training for the users. Therefore, in this project I have worked for developing a low cost and complex RDF system for regular usage. I have studies and evaluated various technologies that are low cost and can be replaced with existing technologies for providing low cost equipments. In this project, I have focused on implementing the criteria and technology for APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System) for integrating the telemetry, messaging and positioning techniques.
In this project, I have made my significant aim to provide an easy deployable and low cost radio direction detection system that can be commercially used in wide range. The developed system would allow the firefighters and other rescue teams to easily search for the persons in real time with greater efficiency. In addition to that, in order to effectively manage and complete the system design within allocated time, I have formulated the below mentioned objectives:
- To evaluate the working principle for radio frequency detection system;
- To propose an easy to implement and low cost architecture for radio frequency detection receiver;
- To develop the appropriate receiver using pseudo-doppler;
- To conduct the operational and functionality testing for the developed prototype model;
- To validate the transmitter characterization and the power supply to the developed prototype;
For the implementation of the prototype model for radio frequency detector, I have worked with the theoretical experience as telecom engineer. Before staring the hardware implementation and defining the specification for the prototype model, I have studies the existing technologies that are being used in the RFID applications. Based on the identified functionality and operations, I have selected Automatic Position Reporting System with DF method for maximum compatibility with the network. I have further studied and selected the application of “Pseudo Doppler direction finding operation theory” for determining the accurate angle of arrival for the signal. Apart from that, I have developed the appropriate bock diagram showing the connectivity between the different hardware elements used in the proposed system.
Figure 1: Block diagram for the proposed Radio Frequency detector
Figure 2: Team Member associated in this project
I have taken multi-facet responsibility for the planning, design and prototype implementation of the radio detection system. I have studied various journals and articles for identifying appropriate and low cost technology for developing the prototype model. In addition to that, I have focused on developing the proposed system within $500/unit cost. Therefore, I have selected antenna switcher component, VHF magmount antenna, friendcom, arduino Microcontroller, Whip Antenna and argent data tracking system for designing the appropriate radio detection system.
Characteristics of the Project
In order to implement the proposed radio frequency detection system, I have proposed the application of 4 element array antenna for the integration of the pseudo-Doppler system. Ii have used antenna switcher for electronically driving the rotating elements of the antenna. I have further used the outputted RF signals for routing towards the FM receiver for demodulating and processing the signal through the connected circuit. In the signal processing module, I have made the control signals synchronized with the antenna for receiving the FM signal and detecting the direction of the signal. In addition to that, I have connected and proposed the network for transmitting back the signal metrics to the centralized receiver for processing the data.
In this project, I have used copper clad circuit board for developing the required board for antenna switching. I have further utilized my knowledge and understanding of Dremel tool for accurately cutting the circuit around the edges. During the circuit design of the switching board, I have designed four island shaped area for taking the input for the antenna. I have further used the switching diodes for controlling the switching of the antenna input. Moreover, I have used an additional connector for feeding the RF output to the required FM receiver. I have therefore characterized the antenna between the frequency range of 10MHz-3GHz.
Figure 3: Design of the antenna circuit
In the proposed circuitry of the antenna, I have used switching control lines and COTS magmounts for completing the design. I have used multicolor control cable for the antenna while connected them with the biasing the island components. I have further used small SMA Cable for output port of the FM receiver. In the completed design of the antenna, I have used diodes for performing the physical transformation from the analog switching to electrical switching.
Figure 4: Completed Circuit for the Radio Detection System
Issue: After developing the prototype model for the antenna and radio frequency detection I have worked for conducting the operational testing for the antenna switching control. During the testing phase, I have observed that the control signals impacted the performance of switching antenna while softening the control signal. This has created significant issue in the proposed and expected outcome for the radio frequency detection system.
Solution: For eliminating the functional issue I have replaced the existing control circuit with the ATMega328P Arduino UNO for reducing the design complexity while improving the performance and flexibility of the system. With the application of Arduino UNO, I was able to include reference frequency of 500 Hz for processing the direction of the obtained radio signal. Through the application of Arduino, I was able to generate four signals for switching antennas. The application of four switching signals has allowed me in obtaining the clarity for the signal processing.
Objectives developed for project
In order to keep the proposed system simple and compact I have used Arduino for implementing the signal processing unit for the receiver system. I have further used SoundDoppler V1.20 software for carrying out the testing process for the receiver signal system prototype developed using pseudo-Doppler. Through the application of the software, I was able to conduct the frequency and filtering comparison and evaluation with the application of visual display. I have further synchronized and calibrate the audio and switching signals from the FM radio. Therefore, for conducting the complete testing and calibration of the radio detection system, I have developed a mobile testing platform near our university. I have used VHF amateur radio repeaters having operating frequency if 146.67 MHz and handheld transmitter operating at 146.5 MHz frequency for detecting the appropriate direction of the signal source.
I have worked with two other team members for the implementation of the prototype model of the radio frequency source detection. I have worked in a corporative manner with the team members discussing the plan for implementation and developing the prototype model. In addition to that, I have communicated with the team members for obtaining the information from testing phase in order to develop the detailed documentation.
After completing the test for the developed prototype model, I was successful in detecting the accurate direction of the radio signals. The application of arduino has allowed me to develop a light weight and simple application for radio detection. The application of and COTS magmounts has allowed me in developing the acute functionality for the identification and detection of the radio signals. In addition to that, the application of the different hardware elements has allowed me to provide the final low cost radio source detection system. Moreover, I have further carried out the physical testing of the developed prototype model for evaluating the applicability and simplicity of use.
In spite of working as a team members for the development of the radio detection system, I have engaged myself with the integral part for planning, implementation and testing phase. I had the experience in working with the circuit design and radio communication technology from my academic experience and past projects. I have used my skills and knowledge in this project for the development of the appropriate design for the radio source detection system with low cost and high performance. I was successful in completing the project within allocated financial cost and time.
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