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R.F.N.T. ( Radio Frequency Navigational Tracker )

R.F.N.T. ( Radio Frequency Navigational Tracker ). Josh Bingaman Ryan Hitchler John Maitin Fabien Nervais Matt Sharp. Capstone Fall 2004. Main Objectives. Create a vehicle that will remotely track a high frequency RF transmitter, which may or may not be stationary.

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R.F.N.T. ( Radio Frequency Navigational Tracker )

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  1. R.F.N.T.(Radio Frequency Navigational Tracker) Josh Bingaman Ryan Hitchler John Maitin Fabien Nervais Matt Sharp Capstone Fall 2004

  2. Main Objectives • Create a vehicle that will remotely track a high frequency RF transmitter, which may or may not be stationary. • Detect the signal strength of the target in order to determine which direction to go. • The practical application is a golf caddy that will follow a golfer when requested.

  3. Possible Project Extensions • Add proximity sensors in order to circumnavigate obstacles. • Cell phone used to control vehicle. • GPS navigation. • Signal Acquisition Improvement • Additional RF controlled functions.

  4. Basic Layout Antenna Unit Base of vehicle Processor (Inside Base)

  5. Hardware Block Diagram Processor/ Main Board RS/232 RSSI Digital Compass GPIO Antenna Unit Motor Motor Control GPIO? Motor (Left) Motor (Right) Base of Vehicle Digital Compass RS/232

  6. Software Implementation • One basic algorithm, two variations • Initial design • Antenna stops spinning • Unit stops to turn • Desired design • Antenna continuously spins • Unit turns dynamically

  7. Algorithm For Operation (Initial)

  8. Algorithm For Operation (Desired)

  9. Mechanical & Control Systems

  10. Potential Concerns / Unknowns • Rotating Antenna & Motor Mount • Antenna Construction & Actuator Torque • Ground Wheel Control • Sensor Resolution • Terrain • Tower Height Control

  11. Addressing Anticipated Difficulties • Rotating Antenna & Mounting Motor • Wheel vs. chain • How to attach, depends on dimensions • Antenna Weight / Shape & Actuator Torque • dependant upon antenna implementation • wind resistance, etc… • Ground Wheel Control • motor specs unknown, researching new motors • possible substitutes – how to mount??

  12. Difficulties Part Deux • Sensor Resolution • Compass • magnetic distortion maybe present • hard-iron calibration should be performed • Data acquisition issues • Frames of reference • Terrain too rough • considering additional functionality, safe mode / shutdown • vehicle durability • Tower Height Control • motor specs unknown, may not be necessary • Automate signal query

  13. Power Specifications • 12V car Battery, AA/AAA Battery, Dry Cell • Two 12V wheel motors • One 5V antenna motor • Base and antenna Circuitry • Low-powered transmitter

  14. Transmitter • Low power transmitter • ideally a remote (key-fob)

  15. Overview of Power Concerns • Power transformation on navigational unit • Power noise due to rotation • Power cable routing to rotating mount

  16. Power Concerns Addressed • Power transformation on navigational unit • Voltage regulators • Noise due to antenna rotation • Decoupling caps • Power cable routing to rotating mount • Rotating contact plates

  17. Rotating Mount • Transmitters • Grooved Plates • Software

  18. Antenna • Rotating Mount • Shielded Unidirectional Antenna • Digital Compass mounted with Antenna • Synchronization of Compass and Antenna

  19. Transmitter/Receiver • 916 MHz RF • 16 Bits Transferable • RSSI (Relative Signal Strength Indicator)

  20. Schedule

  21. Thank You Questions ?

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