Transcript Test Poster Font Arial – pt 44

Senior Project – ECE – 2012
Disc Golf Disc Finder
Trevor Henry
Advisor – Professor John Spinelli
Abstract
This project was created to find a relatively inexpensive way to locate discs on a disc golf course that may
otherwise be lost due to poor visibility. Using a predetermined radio frequency, a wireless system was
implemented via an active transmitter on the disc and a receiver coupled with a directional antenna on the
handheld device. The system allows the user to determine the direction and distance between the handheld
device and disc by only picking up signals when pointed in the right direction and then visually seeing the signal
strength on a voltmeter. The stronger the signal, the closer the device is to the disc.
Design
Transmitter:
•Amplitude Shift Keying RF Link Transmitter
with frequency of 434 MHz
•Operating Supply Voltage
3V – 12V
Receiver:
•Amplitude Shift Keying RF Link Receiver with
frequency of 434 MHz
•Operating Supply Voltage 5V
It was found in an experiment I conducted that about 28
grams could be added to the disc with minimal affects on the
flight distance. The transmitter chosen for the design was
much lighter than this constraint and was small enough such
that it would not hang below the disc rim if placed in the
middle of the disc The receiver that I chose was also small
and light-weight enough such that it could be placed in a
handheld receiver easily.
Directional
Concept:
Antenna
ASK Active Transmitter/3V Source
Disc:
•Innova Star Gator Mid-Range Disc
•Diameter = 21.2 cm
•Wing width = 1.3 cm
•Rim Depth = 1.4 cm
•Weight = 172.2 g
ASK Receiver
5V Source
Volt
Meter
Disc
Handheld Device
Results
Future Work
I was able to establish communication between the transmitter and
receiver up to 100 feet apart without antennae. 100 feet is an
acceptable distance because when a disc is lost during a game of
disc golf, the player is usually able to determine where the disc lay
within a 100 foot radius.
•
•
Designing and implementing the
directional antenna so the user can
determine direction to the disc
Attaching a voltmeter to the handheld
device such that the user can
determine distance
Acknowledgements
•
•
Professor Spinelli
Gene Davison
Resources:
www.sparkfun.com