NameNetIDSection
Michael Wangmjwang6ECE 120

Jung Ki Lee

jungkil2ECE 110


Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this project is to develop two identical devices capable of both one-way and two-way communication via Morse code.

Background Research

Morse code is a system of communication that represents numbers and letters using dots, dashes, and spaces. These elements of Morse code can be transmitted in a variety of ways, such as through sound or lights. We intend to use LEDs and photocells to transmit and receive Morse code signals, respectively. The LED and photocell may be connected to a computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, which will then interpret the signals.

Block Diagram / Flow Chart

Below is the diagram for one device. We will be making another identical device to allow for two-way communication.

System Overview

There are five main parts to the device. The keyboard will be used to input either plaintext or Morse code. We will implement a hotkey to toggle between plaintext to Morse code entry. Next, we'll use a computer (Raspberry Pi Pico) to interpret the input and output it to a display. Then, when the user presses the enter key, the computer will transmit the message using the LED. To receive messages, the device will use a photocell to detect flashes of light, which will then be interpreted by the computer, which will output it to the display. Finally, a rechargeable battery will power the computer, which in turn will distribute power to the rest of the system.


Parts

Part NameDescriptionCostURLVendor
Raspberry Pi PicoInterpret input and transmit output to hardware and distribute power. Includes headers for pins2$5.00https://www.adafruit.com/product/4883Adafruit
Laser moduleProvide focused source of light to convey signals2$5.95https://www.adafruit.com/product/1054Adafruit
PhotocellAllow for reception of signals from laser2$0.95https://www.adafruit.com/product/161Adafruit
BatteryProvide power to system1$15.00-- Wont buy for now.
Female USB A CableProvide a place to plug keyboard in to raspberry pi2$1.95https://www.adafruit.com/product/4449Adafruit
ABS FilamentFor 3-D printing housing1$18.99

https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/175mm-abs-filament-black-1-kg/sk/MWVCRU99

Already available

MatterHackers

Total cost: $27.70

Possible Challenges

  • The photocells may not be sensitive enough to distinguish the LEDs we are using from ambient light
  • We'll have to find a way to create an enclosure of some sort to house all the components

Final Report and Video Demonstration:

Final Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12s8p7if7GN1HFZnK_DEBYBpdXnLSMg9yPmt57hP-N_o/edit?usp=sharing

Video Demonstration: 

ASCIICommuncation.py

References

[1]"Morse Code | Invention, History, & Systems", Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Morse-Code. [Accessed: 19- Sep- 2021]

Attachments:

MCTECEHonorsLab.drawio.png (image/png)
MCTECEHonorsLab.jpg (image/jpeg)
ASCIICommuncation.py (application/octet-stream)

Comments:

Seems like a reasonable project

Posted by elihf2 at Sep 21, 2021 18:32

Instead of using LED's, you might want to consider using a laser module (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1054) which will provide you with a more focused light source and won't disperse across longer distances. You can also augment this by adding a fiber optic cable instead of simply having the laser travel through air, which would give you better alignment and allow communication without the two devices being within line of sight.

Posted by jamesw10 at Sep 23, 2021 16:30

Seems like a fun project! I think that you may finish early and have to build upon the existing project but we can address that when the time comes. Keep in mind you need a digital logic gate to fulfill the ECE 120 requirement. 

I will approve your project and you are group #20

Posted by dbycul2 at Sep 28, 2021 00:34