Police Siren Project

This police siren simulated electronic project uses two 555 timers IC to generate a sound similar to the police siren. A single 556 timer IC which consists of two 555 timers can also be used. In this circuit, both of the timers are configured as astable circuit. The first timer is configured as a square wave close to 1 Hz astable oscillator. The output of this timer is used to feed the control voltage of the second timer where it is subjected to frequency modulation. This frequency modulation will generate a tone similar to the siren used by the police. The frequency of this tone generator can be varied by changing the value of potentiometer VR1. When set to its maximum value of 220k ohm, it will have a tone frequency of approximately 320 Hz. Schematic Diagram The schematic of the project is as shown below.

When S1 is switched ON, the circuit will be powered ON and U1 will start to oscillate at a frequency given by the formula: f = 1.44/[(R1 + 2R2)(E1)] = 1.44/[(10 + 2*82)(10)] Hz = 0.8 Hz This output frequency from pin 3 of U1 is fed into pin 5 of U2 where it is subjected to frequency modulation through resistor 10K. The tone generated can be varied by changing the values of potentiometer VR1. Experiment with the sound and settle with the best sound of your choice. The output of U2 is used to drive a power transistor which in turn drives an 8 ohm speaker. Diode D2 is used to prevent the damage of transistor Q1 due to the back emf generated by the speaker during the ON/OFF driving of the speaker. Parts List The parts list of the project is as shown below.

Electronic Timer Switch

Electronic Timer Switch

This electronic timer switch project is a good project to build to simulate the presence of occupants in a house. In these days when security is becoming more of a concern when no one is at home, having this device will deter the thief from breaking in. When power up, after 60 minutes, the relay will turn ON for 100 secs, OFF for the next 100 secs, and ON again for 100 secs before OFF again for the next 60 mins. This sequence will be repeated. A device such as a lamp that is connected to the relay will turn ON and OFF according to this timing.

Schematic Diagram The schematic of the project is as shown below.

The core of this electronic timer switch project uses a CD4060B binary counter. The binary counter has 10 outputs and thecounter are counted by configuring the oscillator. Every negative clock will trigger the counter of the IC internally. The timing of the circuit is affected by resistor R3(1M ohm) and capacitor C2(0.1uF). By connecting the four outputs inan AND configuration, the transistor Q1 will only turn ON if all the 4 outputs are in logic "1". If any of the logic is"0", the transistor will remain OFF. For a complete cycle, the transistor will be ON twice when the output at pin 15, QJ goes to logic "1" and "0" twice when the other outputs QL, QM and QN remain at "1". When this happen, the relay K1 will switch status accordingly. The timingof the switching can be changed by changing

the resistor values R2, R3 and C2. Download the data sheet of CD4060B from Texas Instrument website for more details. Note that since the oscillator is not using crystal, the timing may not be as accurate compared to the ideal calculation. In most cases, fine tuning the resistor and capacitor are good enough to make this project a success. To check whether the circuit is working, connect a LED in series with a 390 ohm resistor at output QD. It will flash ON and OFF as the oscillator oscillates.

Parts List

Analog Timing Light Project

This analog timing light project uses RC circuit as a delay OFF timer to control the duration an incandescent light turns ON. When the accuracy of a timer is not critical, the use of RC circuit is a good choice as it is more cost effective and simple. Once the normally open switch SW is pressed, the light will turn ON for a duration of 10 - 20 seconds before it turns OFF. The duration of the turn ON time can be varied by varying the values of R1, R2 and E1.

When SW is pressed, the base of the transistor Q1 is forward bias and it turns ON. This turns ON the 12V relay that is connected to the transistor. The contact of the relay RLY must be able to withstand the current of the load. At the same time, the electrolytic capacitor E1 is being charged to a voltage of approximately 0.7V. Once SW is released, E1 will discharged through resistor R2 and the base of the transistor. After some time, When the voltage across E1 drops to approximately 0.5V, the transistor will turn OFF. This in turn will cause the relay to turn OFF and the incandescent light will turn OFF. The timing of the turn OFF can be changed by changing the values of E1, R1 and R2. Parts List The parts list of the project is as shown below.

Constructional Countdown Timer Project using 555 Timer

Introduction to Countdown Timer In this Countdown Timer project, a 555 IC, a counter IC and a transistor switch to activate a relay either ON/OFF(mode selected by a jumper) as soon as the counting period is over. The circuit consists of an oscillator, a ripple counter and two switching transistors.

Oscillator The 555 is configured in the standard astable oscillator circuit designed to give a square wave cycle at aperiod of around 1 cycle/sec. A potentiometer is included in the design so the period can be set to exactly 1 secondby timing the LED flashes. A jumper connection is provided so the LED can be turned off. As soon as poweris applied to the circuit counting begins. The output pulse from pin 3 of the 555 is fed to a the clock input pin 10 of the 14-stage binary ripple counter, the 4020 (or 14020.) Ripple Counter The counter output wanted is set by a jumper. Ten counter outputs are available: 8/16/32/64/128/256/512/1024/4096 and 8192 counts. If the 555 is set to oscillate at exactly 1.0Hz by the on-board trimpot then the maximum timer interval which can be set is 8192 seconds (just over 2 hours.) At the end of the counting of the countdown timerperiod a pulse is output on the pin with the jumper on it. The 14020 ripple counter advances its count on eachnegative transistion of the clock pulse from the 555. So for each output cycle of low-highlow-high the count isadvanced by two. It can be set to an zero state (all outputs low) by a logic high applied to pin 11. In this circuit C3, R4 and D1 are arranged as a power-on reset. When power is applied to the circuit C3 is in a discharged state so pin 11 will be pulled high. C3 will quickly charge via R4 and the level at pin 11 falls thus enabling the counter. The 14020 then counts clock pulses until the selected counter output goes high. D1 provides a discharge path for C3 when the power is disconnected. You can change the components values of R1 and C1 to set the 555 count frequency to more than 1.0 Hz. If youchange the count to 10 seconds then a maximum timer delay of 81920 seconds, or 22.7 hours, can be obtained.

Transistors The output from the 4020 goes to a transistor switch arrangement. Two BC547 are connected so that either switching option for the relay is available. A jumper sets the option. The relay can turn ON when power and counting startthen turn OFF after the count period, or it can do the opposite. The relay will turn ON after the end of the count period and stay on so long as power is supplied to the circuit. Note that the reset pin of the 555 is connected to thecollector of Q1. This enables the 555 during the counting as the collector of Q1 is pulled low. Schematic Diagram

Parts List

Analog Delay Timer

Introduction to Delay Timer In this Delay Timer project, all analog parts are being used with the thyristor as a device that switches an AC Relay ON or OFF depending on the timing of the RC circuit. The input mains supply used ranges from 220VAC to 240VAC and anAC relay (220-240VAC) is used to switch a load. The load to be switched must be within the current and relay ratings.This circuit is useful for use of devices that need to be OFF for a minimum of 150 - 210 secs after a mains supply have cuts off. Devices such as compressors and halagon lamp cannot be OFF and ON repeatedly within a short period of time as itwill cause damage to the devices. The use of microcontroller based devices are not reliable in that if the power supply cuts off and came back again in a short period of time, it will reset and "forgotten" its previous state. The use of RC circuitry as a timer circuit is reliable and is not susceptible to "memory loss" as in the case of microcontroller. If a microcontroller based solution is used, extra circuitry such as backup battery or supercapacitor need to be incorporated in order to retain the memory of the MCU and to ensure that the clock still runs even after the supply has cuts off. This project should be handled by experienced electronics designer as its part are powered on directly from the mains supply.As all parts is "live", one may get electric shock if care is not taken when testing the circuit. Some parts may "burst"if there are some short circuit in the circuit. It is not recommended to use breadboard to test the circuit. Circuit shouldbe tested using printed circuit board and an isolating variable transformer where the voltage is slowly ramped up from zero. Once tested working, the components should be potted using epoxy with only the terminals exposed. All parts are potted to prevent users from touching the parts.

Schematic Diagram The schematic below shows the circuit diagram of the ON delay timer. Once the mains power supply cuts off, the relay will only be able to turn ON after a period of 150 - 210 secs depending on the tolerance of the RC circuit represented by resistor R7(5.1 Mohm) and electrolytic capacitor E2(47uF). More accurate timing can be achieved by using low toleranceresistor and capacitor. The thyristor used can be either 2P6M or MCR106-8 or equivalent parts available in the market. Relays used should have coilratings below 1A in order not to overheat the SCR. No heatsink is required for the SCR. At power on, there is no charge at E2, hence the transistor Q2 will be forward bias and turn ON when Q3 turn ON. Once thesetwo transitors are ON, the SCR will turn ON as well. The use of C1 and R6 across the SCR acts as a snubber circuit to reducethe switching noise generated by the SCR when it turns OFF/ON. During the ON stage of the SCR, the capacitor E2 is chargedto its maximum value. When the mains supply cuts off, the charge at capacitor E2 will cause the base of transistor Q2 to be reverse bias and cannot turn ON until almost all the charges have been

discharged through resistor R7. Once the charge hasbeen discharged (which will take around 150 - 210 secs for the values shown), transistor Q2 will be able to turn ON. The timing of the circuit can be changed by reducing or increasing the RC values of R7 and E2.

Parts List The parts list of the delay timer circuit is as shown below.

Construct a simple electronic project Cascaded Timer using 4528 IC

Simple Electronic Project - Cascaded Timer using 4528 CMOS IC This is a simple electronic project that uses a CMOS dual retriggerable monostable IC 4528 in a cascade timer circuit. The typical features of the CD4528BC IC which is also manufactured by Fairchild Semiconductor is as below: a) Wide supply voltage range: 3.0V DC to 18V DC. b) Separate reset available. c) Quiescent current = 5.0 nA/package (typ.) at 5.0 V DC. d) Diode protection on all inputs.

e) Triggerable from leading or trailing edge pulse. f) Capable of driving two low-power TTL loads or one lowpower Schottky TTL load over the rated temperature range. g) Operating temperature from -40 Celcius to +85 Celcius. The graph below shows the pulse width versus the capacitance Cx used for the various power supply and resistance Rx used.

Schematic and Description Of 2 Cascaded Timer

Figure below shows how the CMOS timer can be easily cascaded with other similar 4528 circuits to lengthen the timing needed. The timingof the project is determine by VR3 and C1 for the first stage and VR4 and C2 for the second stage. Once button S1 is pressed , the 1st stage output pin 6 logic level will go high and output pin 7 will go low for the preset time which is determined byVR3 and C1. When the time is up, the output pin 6 will go low and pin 7 high. At this moment of time, pin 7 will positive trigger the 2nd stage of thetimer at pin 12. Output pin 10 will go high and pin 9 will go low for a time determine by VR4 and C2 before the cycle end with pin 10 back to low and pin9 to high. By having a few of these IC, this circuit can be used as a simple timer project to trigger a relay after a certain time has elapsed or any other applicationthat one may think of.

Parts List

Auto Shut Off Tone Generator

Auto Shut Off Tone Generator In this auto shut off tone generator project, once the switch to the 9V power supply is connected, the alarm will trigger at a frequency of approximately 1.27 kHz. It will remain ON for a duration of approximately 170 seconds or 2.8 minutes before it stopped. This is a typical home burglar alarm system of which once the alarm is triggered ON, it will not be shut OFF until the duration of time set has elapsed. This project is useful when built as one can carry it along wherever one goes or placed it in a vehicle. In times of emergency, one can easily switched ON the switch and the loud speaker will emit a loud sound that will frighten the uninvited guest. Schematic Diagram The schematic of the tone generator is as shown below.

It is based on two 555 timer ICs or one single 556 timer IC(which contains two 555 timers). In this schematic, two 555timers are used. U2 is configured as a timer in astable mode. Once triggered, it will emit a frequency from its outputat pin 3 that will drive a Q1 transistor. Q1 transistor will turn ON and OFF according to the frequency of the circuit.It will in turn used to drive a 8 ohm loud speaker to emit a loud audible sound. The astable frequency of circuit U2 is given by the formula of 555 timer as shown below. f = 1.44/[47K + 2(33K)][10nF] = 1.27 kHz The frequency of the sound can be adjusted by changing the values of R3= 47K, R4= 33K and capacitor C1=10nF. Change the values of these components and by using the formula for astable mode, the frequency of the sound can be obtained. U1 circuit is used as a delay circuit which is configured as a monostable mode. It is a one shot multivibrator that willgenerate a pulse at its output at pin 3 which will disable the astable circuit U1. In this circuit, pin 2 of U1 will go to logic 0 when the power supply is connected via the capacitor E1 and hence circuit U2 is immediately triggered. The pulse duration of the monostable circuit is given by the formula:

T = 1.1(330K)(470uF) = 170 seconds Once this timing is up, it the pulse output will disable the astable circuit of U2.

Tone Generator Parts List

Educational Game
Electronics Educational Game This educational game project can be used in a quiz competition to see which of the participants press the button first to answer questions posed by the quiz master. This constructional project is based on a latch CD74HC75 IC and a 4 input CD74AC20 NAND IC. The first person to press the switch will light up the LED designated for the person. The rest of the LEDs will not be able to be activated until the RESET button is pressed. The truth table of the Latch IC and the NAND IC is as shown in the figures below.

Schematic Diagram The schematic of first to press educational game is as shown below.

Initially when RESET button is pressed, the output of NAND gate from U2A will be logic "0" as all the inputs are at logic "1"state. As shown in the truth table for NAND gate, when all the inputs are "1", its output will be "0". Hence the output ofNAND gate from U2B will be logic "1" since an input of "0" will cause it to go to logic "1". The logic "1" to the latch indicates that it is ready to output any data once any of the button is pushed. If the first button pushed is S1, the logic at its output 1Q will be logic "0" and caused LED1 to light up. At the same time,it caused the output of U2A to go into logic "1". Hence the output of

U2B will be logic "0" causing the latch to be disable which means that the outputs of all the latches will be at their previous state. As a result, the player who pressed button S1 will be shown as the one who is first to press the button and so qualify to answer the question. The RESET button will be pressed by the quiz master to prepare the circuit for the next game. Parts List The parts list of the project is as shown below.

Time Delay Circuit

Time Delay Circuit In the design of analog circuits, there are times when you would need to delay a pulse that came into a circuit before being used for the next process. This time delay circuit uses a 555 timer to delay a pulse that comes in to a maximum time of 75 seconds. The timing of the delay can also be changed by changing the resistor value of VR1 and the capacitor value of E based on the time delay formula of t=0.69RC. In order for the output to go high, the reset pin of 555 timer (pin 4) must be high and the TRIGGER pin (pin 2) voltage level must be below a third of the level of the power supply to the

IC. When there is no pulse being applied to the input, transistor Q1 will turn ON and capacitor E is charged.

Once a pulse is applied to the input, transistor Q1 will turn OFF and pin 4 reset pin is held to high. This caused the capacitor E1 to be discharged through VR1 resistor. The time delay will depend on the discharged of capacitor E to a thirdof the supply before the output of 555 goes high. Experiment with different values of VR1 and E to get different time delay. If the maximum value of potentiometer is set to 5M ohm, the time delay of the pulse will be 75 seconds.

Parts List

RFID Application
RFID Application Introduction RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is the use of any device that can be sensed or detected wirelessly through the useof radio frequency technology. RFID application has been used in many applications ranging from tagging of library books and assets,electronic toll collection system, healthcare, security access system and many other applications. A typical RFID system consists of a transponder where a microchip with an antenna is embedded in an item. A reader with antenna is used to read data or write data to the transponder wirelessly. The data read is then passed to a computer where it is used for business transactions. A study shows that the market for RFID application in the year 2001 was USD1 billion and expected to reach USD4.6 billion by the year 2007. In the past, the cost of RFID tags was an obstacle to its use in mass quantity. However, as the wireless technology becomes more readily available and cheaper due to its demand in the global market, its use is expected to rise at a rate not imagined before. There are basically 2 types of RFID in use today. They are passive and active types with frequency ranging from 125kHz to2.45GHz. Passive Type The passive tags do not have any transmitter and obtained its power supply from the electromagnetic waves emittedby the reader. This type of tags are cheaper and could range from 15 cents to 50 cents and require minimal maintenance. Theyhave operational range of a few inches to 30 feet. The frequency used can range from 125kHz to 2.45GHz depending on the applications but usually lower frequencies components are cheaper. Passive tags are used in retail business and manufacturing processes. Active Type The active tags have transmitter and its own power source. The power source can be solar energy, batteries or from othersources. The transponder is able to communicate with the reader

without getting the power supply from the reader. The range of communication is from 60 feet to 300 feet with higher frequencies used. Frequencies used are 455MHz to 5.8GHz. The application of active type is in large inventory assets control and containers where they need to be tracked over a larger area or distance. Another application is in electronic toll collection system where the transponder will be active whenit received a signal from the reader. It then communicates with the reader and do the necessary transactions after whichit will go back to sleep or idle mode. In this way, the lifetime of the batteries used in the transponder is extended. The RFID passive type where a frequency of 13.56MHz is used in its development can be obtained from RFID Application - Passive 13.56MHz Application Note Microchip website.

Build A Program Remote Control IR Transmitter Using HT6221/HT6222 IC

Program Remote Control IR Transmitter This project is based on integrated circuit from Holtek Semiconductor HT6221/HT6222. Similar parts used to be produced by NEC Semiconductor uPD6121/uPD6122. These ICs are commonly used in television and VCR infra red remote controls, garage door controllers, car door controllers, security systems and other remote control applications. They are capable of encoding 16-bit address codes and 8-bit data codes. Each address/data input can be set to one of the two logic states, 0 and 1. The HT6221 can have keys up to 32(K1~K32) and HT6222 64 keys (K1~K64). When one of the keys is triggered, the programmed address/data is transmitted together with the header bits via an IR (38kHz carrier) transmission medium. This project provides the transmitter part of the remote control. Designers and hobbyists will have to do their own software at the receiver board. Those who are familiar with microcontroller programming will find this device easy to use. The features of this IC are: Operating voltage: 1.8V to 3.5V DC Data output with 38kHz carrier for IR medium Low standby current 455kHz ceramic resonator or crystal 16-bit address codes 8-bit data codes Pulse Position Modulation code method Program Remote Control Circuit Description

Program Remote Control Circuit Description

The typical 32 pins HT6221 schematic is as shown above. However, the values of 1k ohm and 47 ohm at the output pin 5 of the IC can be reduced to increase the distance the IR signal is transmitted. After the transmission codes are sent, the DOUT pin generates transmission codes with a carrier, and the LED goes low to drive a transmission indicator. When one of the keys is triggered for over 36ms, the oscillator is enabled and the chip is activated. If the key is pressedand held for 108ms or less, the 108ms transmission codes are enabled and comprised of a header code (9ms), an off code (4.5ms), low byte address codes (9ms-18ms), high byte address codes (9ms-18ms), 8-bit data codes (9ms-18ms), and the inverse codes of the 8-bit data codes (9ms-18ms). After the pressed key is held for 108ms, if the key is still held down, the transmission codes turn out to be a composition of header (9ms) and off codes (2.5ms) only. Logic 0 is represented by timing 1.12ms and logic 1 by timing 2.24ms using pulse position modulation method as shown below.

The address code and data codes are set using the diodes 1N4148 and resistors 51K ohm and whether D7 is connected to Vcc or Ground.

The complete specifications of the Program Remote Control IC HT6221/HT6222 can be downloaded here.

Decoding Of Infrared Remote Control Software

Infrared Remote Control Software This Infrared Remote Control Software project based on Microchip 16C57 microcontroller is a reference guide to decode infrared remote control signals fromtelevision, VCR, air conditioner or other home appliances handset that uses NEC 6121 infrared format. Once one is ableto understand how to decode an IR signal of a certain format, decoding another format can be easily done as the flow chartis more or less the same except the timing of the new format. The NEC 6121 format is based on pulse width timing in determining whether the data transmitted is "1" or "0". The data "1" is determined by the pulse width timing from one risingedge to the next rising edge of 2.24ms. The data "0" is determined by the pulse width timing from one rising edge to thenext rising edge of 1.12ms. Most of the transmitter are modulated using a frequency of 32.75 kHz, 35.0 kHz, 36.0 kHz, 36.7 kHz, 38 kHz, 39 kHz, 40 kHz, 41.7 kHz, 48 kHz, and 56.8 kHz. The ones that are commonly used are 38 kHz and 40 kHz. In order to decode the received signals, the corresponding demodulating receiver must be used. For instance, if a modulating frequency at the transmitterused is 40 kHz, then the receiver demodulating frequency used should be 40 kHz as well. Modulating the data is a betterdesign as this will make the data integrity better and less susceptible to noise. The demodulating receivers can be obtainedfrom suppliers such as Vishay, LiteOn, Sharp or Kodenshi.

One word of caution when using the IR remote control is that it is easily affected by lighting devices that emits the infrared frequency. One such example is the fluorescent tube which emits the infrared frequency in its operation. When thistype of lights is operating, the receiver may not be able to receive the signal from the transmtter due to interference fromthe signals emitted by

the flurescent tube. In situation like this, confirm this by switching off the lights when controlling the device. You may want to consider using RF frequency as a solution in this particular location. Another way isto place a filter in front of the receiver to narrow the infrared window but this solution will compromise the angle andoperating distance of the infrared transmitter. The infrared remote control software project provides the flow chart and source code and can be downloaded from Microchip website.

How to construct a Infra Red Wireless Door Monitor

Door Monitor Project This door monitor project uses an infrared beam to monitor door & passageways or any other area. When the beam is broken a relay is tripped which can be used to sound a bell or alarm. Suitable for detecting customers entering a shop, cars coming up a driveway, etc. The IR beam is very strong. Distances over 25 feet can be monitored. A 12V DC supply is required to power the circuit. A 12V wall adaptor is fine. Provision has been made so that only one power supply needs to be used to power both units. The relay is rated to switch mains voltages. Door Monitor Transmitter Board

The door monitor transmitter board consists of two square-wave oscillators, one running at approx. 250Hz and the other running at 38kHz. The 38kHz frequency acts as a carrier wave and is required by the IR receiver module on the receiver board. This carrier wave is ANDed or modulated by the 250Hz frequency to produce an output signal that contains bursts of 38kHz at a rate of 250Hz. This signal is used to drive an infrared LED. The oscillators are made by using two 555 timer ICs set up as astable (free running) multivibrators. IC1 is used for the 250Hz oscillator. Resistor R1 and R2 and capacitor C1 set the frequency. Another 555 chip, IC2, is used for the 38KHz oscillator. Resistors R4 and R5 and capacitor C3 set the frequency. Notice the diodes D1 and D3. These are provided to create a symmetrical output. Normally the external capacitor C1 (C3) charges through resistors R1 and R2 (R4 and R5) and discharges through R2 (R5). Without the diodes this output waveform would have a longer high time than the low time. The diode bypasses resistor R2 (and R5) when the capacitor is charging, so that it is only charged via R1 (or R5). This gives the same charging and discharging time and so the output waveform has equal high and low times. The charge time (output high) is given by: THIGH = 0.693 x R1 x C1 (or 0.693 x R4 x C3) The discharge time (output low) is given by: TLOW = 0.693 x R2 x C1 (or 0.693 x R5 x C3) The output frequency = 1 / (THIGH + TLOW)

The output from the IC1 is coupled via diode D2 and resistor R3 to the trigger input of IC2. When the IC1 output is low it stops IC2 from running and IC2s output is forced high (no IR LED current). When IC1 output is high, IC2 runs and the IR LED is pulsed at 38KHz. The Waitrony IR LED is driven directly from the output of IC2. Resistor R6 sets the maximum LED current. With a 12VDC supply the current is about 45mA (the LED drops 2V across it when conducting). Lowering the value of R6 will increase the current through the LED thus boosting the signal strength. This may be necessary if the kit is used outside in direct sunlight or if you need very long range. Keep in mind that the maximum current that the 555 can handle is 200mA If the distance to be monitored is less than about 10 yards then you will need to fit the 5mm shrink tubing over the IR LED. This narrows the radiating angle of the IR beam and makes it much more directional. The IR output is strong. It can easily bounce off walls etc to give false readings.

Door Monitor Receiver Board

The door monitor receiver consists of an IR receiver module that detectsthe incoming IR beam from the transmitter. The IR signal isused to keep a capacitor charged which in turn holds a relayoperated. When the beam is broken the capacitor dischargesand the relay releases.An IR

receiver/detector module, RX1, is made up of an an amplifier/filter circuit tuned to detect a 38kHz frequency. The output pin is low whenever a 38kHz signal is detected. When the IR beam is present the relay is operated. Not all Receiver Modules are the same. IR decoder module looks for a manufacturer-specific leader code before it decodes the modulated signal. The door monitor project produces an NEC compatible Leader code. The Kodenshi PIC37043LM and PIC12043LO decoder modules are the ones that are used in this project. If you use the incorrect IR decoder module the relay will not be operated continuously but will drop out after less than a second after power is applied. The output of RX1 is the 250Hz signal from the transmitter. This signal is passed via transistor Q1, capacitor C1and diode D2 to capacitor C2. C2 is fully charged during the high portion of the signal. It starts to discharge during the low portion of the signal via LED L1, resistor R4 and transistor Q2. However the discharge time is much longer than the off time of the signal so the voltage across C2 is always enough to keep transistor Q2 on and therefore the relay operated. When the beam is broken the output of RX1 is high. Transistor Q1 is off and capacitor C2 is no longer being recharged. It will eventually discharge to the point where transistor Q2 will turn off and the relay will release. The turn off delay is determined by the time constant of resistor R5 and capacitor C3. With the values used it is approx. half a second. Capacitor C1 prevents a steady DC voltage on the collector of Q1 from charging C2. This would occur if the beam was not present or the beam was a continuous 38kHz signal. In other words, the receiver module will only respond to a pulsed 38kHz signal. LED L1 gives a visual indication when the IR beam is present and is used to help with installation and setup. Zener diode Z1, resistor R6 and capacitor C4 provides a stable 5.6V supply for the IR module. The relays used should be mains rated: 250V/12A; 120VAC/15A. Door Monitor Parts List

Constructing FM transmitters (89MHz 109MHz)

This project provides the schematic and the parts list needed to construct FM transmitters with an operating frequency of 89MHz - 109MHz. You need a receiver to receive the signals from this transmitter. Typical radio tuned to FM range will be able to receive this signal. A Frequency Modulated wave is a sine wave with a periodically varying instantaneous frequency and a constant amplitude. The average frequency is called the carrier frequency and the instantaneous frequency changes at the modulation frequency . The maximum excursion of the instantaneous frequency from the average is related to the modulation depth .

For a FM radio transmission, the carrier frequency would be the station you tune to, and you would hear a pure audio tone at the modulation frequency, with a loudness derived from the modulation depth. Frequency modulation (FM) is the encoding of information in either analog or digital form into a carrier wave by variation of its instantaneous frequency in accordance with an input signal. This is typically accomplished using radio waves. The most typical use is radio broadcasting. Frequency modulation requires a wider bandwidth than amplitude modulation by an equivalent modulating signal, but this also makes the signal more robust against interference. Frequency modulation is also more robust against simple signal amplitude fading phenomena. As a result, FM was chosen as the modulation standard for high frequency, high fidelity radio transmission: hence the term "FM radio". The FM modulation illustration is as shown in the diagram below.

When assembling the components into the PCB, be careful to cut the leads of components as short as possible because at high frequencies, leads will alter the capacitance and inductance of the circuits. The output of the FM transmitters is approximately 9mW at 9V with the antenna tapped at position B. Tapping the antenna at position A will triple the range to 27mW. You can find the CK217 9V FM Transmitters kit here under the SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY (SPY) category.

Constructing your own 3V FM Transmitter

This project provides the schematic and the parts list needed to construct a 3V FM Transmitter.This FM transmitter is about the simplest and most basic transmitter to build and have a useful transmitting range. It is surprisingly powerful despite its small component count and 3V operating voltage. It will easily penetrate over three floors of an apartment buildingand go over 300 meters in the open air. It may be tuned anywhere in the FM band. Or it may be tuned outside the commercial M band for greater privacy.(Of course this means you must modify your FM radio to be able to receive the transmission or have a broad-bandFM receiver.) The output power of this FM transmitter is below the legal limits of many countries (eg, USA and Australia).However, some countries may ban ALL wireless transmissions without a licence. It is the responsibility of theconstructor to check the legal requirements for the operation of this kit and to obey them. FM TRANSMITTER CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

The circuit is basically a radio frequency (RF) oscillator that operates around 100 MHz. Audio picked up andamplified by the electret microphone is fed into the audio amplifier stage built around the first transistor. Output from the collector is fed into the base of the second transistor where it modulates the resonant frequency of the tank circuit (the 5 turn coil and the trimcap) by varying the junction capacitance of the transistor. Junction capacitance is a function of the

potential difference applied to the base of the transistor. The tank circuit is connected in a Colpitts oscillator circuit. The electret microphone: an electret is a permanently charged dielectric. It is made by heating a ceramic material,placing it in a magnetic field then allowing it to cool while still in the magnetic field. It is the electrostatic equivalent of a permanent magnet. In the electret microphone a slice of this material is used as part of the dielectric of a capacitor in which the diaphram of the microphone formsone plate. Sound pressure moves one of its plates. The movement of the plate changes the capacitance. The electret capacitor is connected to an FET amplifier. These microphones are small, have excellent sensitivity, a wide frequency response and a very low cost. First amplification stage: this is a standard self-biasing common emitter amplifier. The 22nF capacitor isolates the microphone from the base voltage of the transistor and only allows alternating current (AC) signals to pass. The tank (LC) circuit: every FM transmitter needs an oscillator to generate the radio Frequency (RF) carrier waves. The tank (LC) circuit, the BC547 and the feedback 5pF capacitor are the oscillator in the Cadre. An input signal is not neededto sustain the oscillation. The feedback signal makes the base-emitter current of the transistor vary at the resonantfrequency. This causes the emitter-collector current to vary at the same frequency. This signal fed to the aerial and radiated as radio waves. The 27pF coupling capacitor on the aerial is to minimise the effect of the aerialcapacitance on the LC circuit. The name 'tank' circuit comes from the ability of the LC circuit to store energy for oscillations. In a pure LC circuit (one with no resistance) energy cannot be lost. (In an AC network only theresistive elements will dissipate electrical energy. The purely reactive elements, the C and the L simply store energy to be returned to the system later.) Note that the tank circuit does not oscillate just by having a DC potential put across it. Positive feedback must be provided. (Look up Hartley and Colpitts oscillators in areference book for more details.) ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION Components may be added to the PCB in any order. Note that the electret microphone should be inserted with thepin connected to the metal case connected to the negative rail (that is, to the ground or zero voltage side of thecircuit). The coil should be about 3mm in diameter and 5 turns. The wire is tinned copper wire, 0.61 mm in diameter.After the coil in soldered into place spread the coils apart about 0.5 to 1mm so that they are not touching. (Thespacing in not critical since tuning of the Tx will be done by the trim capacitor. It is quite possible, but not asconvenient, to use a fixed value capacitor in place of the trimcapacitor - say 47pF - and to vary the Tx frequency bysimply adjusting the spacing of the coils. That is by varying L of the LC circuit rather than C.) Adding andremoving the batteries acts as a switch.Connect a half or quarter wavelength antenna (length of wire) to the aerial point. At an FM frequency of 100 MHz these lengths are 150 cm and 75 cm respectively.

CIRCUIT CALIBRATION Place the transmitter about 10 feet from a FM radio. Set the radio to somewhere about 89 - 90 MHz. Walk back tothe FM transmitter and turn it on. Spread the winding of the coil apart by

approximately 1mm from each other. No coilwinding should be touching another winding. Use a small screw driver to tune the trim cap. Remove the screwdriverfrom the trim screw after every adjustment so the LC circuit is not affected by stray capicitance. Or use a plasticscrewdriver. If you have difficulty finding the transmitting frequency then have a second person tune up and downthe FM dial after every adjustment. One full turn of the trim cap will cover its full range of capacitance from 6pF to 45pF. The normal FM band tunes in over about one tenth of the full range of the tuning cap. So it is best to adjust it in steps of 5 to 10 degrees at each turn. So tuning takes a little patience but is not difficult. The reason that there must be at least 10 ft. separation between the radio and the FM transmitter is that the FM transmitter emits harmonics; it does not only emit on one frequency but on several different frequencies close to each other. You should have little difficulty in finding the Tx frequency when you follow this procedure.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE It should already be clear from the above circuit description that there is a surprising amount of electronicswhich may be learnt from this deceptively simple kit. Here is a list of some advanced topics in electronics which can be demonstrated or have their beginnings in this project: Class C amplifiers; FM transmission; VHF antennas; positive and negative feedback; stray capacitance; crystal-lockedoscillators; signal attenuation The simple halfwave antenna used in the project is not the most efficient. Greaterefficiency may be gained by connecting a dipole antenna using 50 ohm coaxial cable. Connect one lead to theAntenna point and the other to the earth line. You may experiment using 6V or 9V with the circuit to see how this increases the range of the transmitter. Thesensitivity may be increased by lowering the 22K resistor to 10K. Try it and see. Note that this FM transmitter is not suitable for use on your body, for example, in your pocket. This is because it is affected by external capacitanceand the transmitting frequency drifts depending how close you are to it. Stray capacitance is automatically incorporated into the capacitance of the tank circuit which will shift the transmitting frequency. FM TRANSMITTER PARTS LIST

Constructing an FM Phone Transmitter

This project provides the schematic and the parts list needed to construct a FM Phone Transmitter. This device attaches in series to one of your phone lines. When there is a signal on the line (that is, when you pick up the handset) the circuit will transmit the conversation a short distance. In particular it will radiate from the phone line itself. It is a passive device - there is no battery. It uses the signal on the phone line for power. No aerial is needed - it feeds back the RF signal into the phone line which radiates it in the FM band. The frequency of transmission may be adjusted by the trimcap. Note that some countries may ban any electronic device which attaches to the telephone. It is the responsibility of the constructor to check the legal requirements for the operation of this FM Phone Transmitter and to obey them. FM Phone Transmitter Schematic

FM Phone Transmitter Circuit Description The circuit is a radio frequency (RF) oscillator that operates around 93 MHz (93 million cycles per second). Power for the circuit is derived from the full wave diode bridge. C1, C8, L3 & T1 forms the FM oscillator. Every Tx needs an oscillator to generate the Radio Frequency (RF) carrier waves. L1, C6, T2 forms the power amplifier. Audio from the telephone lines is coupled through R3 & C2 into the base of T1 to modulate the oscillator. This is done by varying the junction capacitance of the transistor. Junction capacitance is a function of the potential difference applied to the base of the transistor. R1 & C4 act as a low pass filter. C3 is a high frequency shunt. L2 is call a RFC (radio frequency shunt.) It decouples the power and audio from the transmitter amplifier circuit. This type of circuit usually should be calibrated. The resonant frequency of the L1-C6 amplifier circuit should be adjusted to match the resonent oscillator frequency of C1, C9-L3. However, in practice, we think you will find that the unit operates perfectly OK as it is constructed without the need to calibrate anything. If you want to try calibration you will need a frequency meter, a CRO or just trial and error. Calibrate by moving the coils of L1 further apart. With C1 at 27p you will find that the it tunes into the FM band in the 86 - 95 MHz area. With C1 at 22p the band is raised to about 90-95mhz (depending in the coil spacing.) If you want to move this tunable area still higher to over

100MHz range then replace C1 by a 15pF or 10pF capacitor. This assumes that the on-hook voltage is about the standard 48V. If the on-hook voltage of an extension phone network is lower, say about 39V, C1 will have to be lower in the 15p to 10p range to be in the commercial FM band in this case. Note that you should not hold the printed circuit board physically in your hands if you try to do any calibration. Your own body capicitance when you touch it is more than enough to change the oscillation frequency of the whole unit. You can experiment the FM Phone Transmitter to get greater transmission range away from the phone line by adding an aerial (about 150 cm of 26 gauge wire) to the collector of T2. FM Phone Transmitter Assembly Instructions The ZTX320 has a flat and a curved side. Match these two sides with the flat and curved sides as shown on the overlay for T2. Also note these points when assembling this project: 1) Two of the three coils have enamel insulation lacquer on them. This must be physically removed from both ends of the coil before it can be soldered. Now during the manufacture of these coils they have been solder dipped to remove this lacquer. But check each leg to see that this is the case. 2) Spread out the turns in the L3 coil about 1 mm apart. The coils should not touch. 3) A solder connection (or tap) is required from the top of the first turn in the L3 coil to the pad next to the coil. Solder a piece of wire to the top of the first turn as shown on the overlay. Then solder the other end to the pad immediately next to the L3 coil. 4) The cathodes of all diodes point to the top of the PCB. 5) Attach 3" of wire with an alligator clip on the end to the pads between the diodes marked 'TO LINE' No aerial is needed. The phone line itself acts as a sufficient aerial. To make the Kit small, resistors & diodes stand on their ends. The kit attaches to ONE of the two phone lines going to your phone. Either of the two lines will do. In most of the world this is the green or red wire. In the UK it is one of the wires attached to the terminals 2 or 5. Cut the phone line. Attach one alligator clip to one cut end and the other alligator clip to the other cut end. Take your phone off the hook and turn on an FM radio at about 93 MHz. It should be very easy to tune into the transmission. Take a portable FM receiver outside and follow the phone line.

FM Phone Transmitter Parts List

How to construct your own Ultrasonic Motion Detectors

This project involves constructing ultrasonic motion detectors device at 40 kHz frequency and are used to detect any moving object where this device is installed. The printed circuit board (PCB) measures only 1-1/2 by 3 inches. The device detects motion from 4 to 7 meters away. Once that occurs, a red LED turns ON, butwith additional circuitry attached to the output, the detector can turn on lights, sound buzzers,trip a recording device, or even call the police. Also, the circuit can be made to sound off with a message when anyone moves within its field of detection. Using various voice recording and playback circuits, you might even have the device provide a pleasant greeting or snarl with a barking dog sound when someone approaches the front door. As you can see, the project can be put to work in a variety of ways. You can place it in the driveway, on the porch, garage, basement or any place where you need to be informed of any object that comes near the location. A detailed explanation of how the circuit works is described here. First timers who construct this project will learn a great deal about

ultrasonic frequency application, its concept and the difficulty encountered when installing the completed device. Download the project PDF file here. You will need adobe reader to open the file. If you do not have one, you can download the free reader from http://get.adobe.com/reader website.

Infrared Motion Detectors

This Infrared Motion Detectors project is specifically designed and comes with a detailed writeup on one of the numerous applications of Infrared devices. Beginners to electronics will appreciate the construction of this project as it will teach the students of electronics how to identify resistors colour code, identification of capacitor's value, maximum working voltage and its tolerances as well as right soldering method. It includes schematic diagram, parts list, printed circuit board (PCB) pattern layout and a detailed description of each section that makes this device works. This project describes the concept of Infrared, Operational Amplifiers concept and applications (as comparator, low pass filter, high pass filter, band pass filter etc) and sound generator integrated circuit which gives a ding-dong sound. This document also describes the troubleshooting guide and a quiz to ensure that the concept is clearly understood by the constructor. There are many applications for the use of the detector. The most common is in the alarm system industry. Some of the new applications are automatic door openers, light switches in hallways, stairways and areas that increase safety for the public. Further applications can be seen in automatic production lines, switching of sanitary facilities, monitors and intercoms. With the ease of installation and the low suspectibility to interference from other forms of radiation, such as heaters or windows, the Infrared motion detectors are ideal devices. You can find the AK510 Infrared Motion Detectors kit here under the SURVEILLANCE AND SECURITY (SPY) category.