AMRAD Single-Board Microcontroller Applications
Single-board microcontrollers such as the BASIC Stamp, PICAXE, and Arduino and small-board computers like the Raspberry Pi have great potential for amateur radio applications. AMRAD is promoting the development of transmitters, receivers, test equipment, and station accesories utilizing microcontrollers.
AMRAD Microcontroller Projects
Karl, W4KRL, is developing a stand-alone touch screen LCD display controller for the miniVNA vector analyzer. He displayed a working version at the 2013 Vienna Wireless Winterfest. You can follow his progress on his website at www.w4krl.com.
Jeff, N6SDR, is exploring the use of an Arduino driving a stepper motor connected to a variable capacitor to remotely tune a magnetic loop antenna. Ultimately, the rig could communicate the operating frequency to the Arduino which would set the capacitor to the correct value with no tune up.
Hal, WB3KDU, is generating FM directly from a Raspberry Pi. See his article in the May/June 2013 Newsletter.
Suggested Projects
Add your project to this list - leave a comment in "Contact Us" at www.w4krl.com
| SWR scanner with graphic display | Data logger to SD card |
| Station battery Amp-hour monitor | Final amp power supply sequencer |
| Audio switching among rigs, speakers and soundcards | Beacon controller |
| Cooling fan controller | APRS messaging and mapping |
| Transistor (or tube!) curve tracer | Repeater controller |
| Emergency generator overvoltage or frequency protector | Time domain reflectometer cable tester |
Arduino Resources
New from the ARRL: Ham Radio for Arduino and PICAXE. See a review by Karl W4KRL in the May/June 2013 Newsletter.
www.arduino.cc
www.adafruit.com
AMRAD Arduino presentation at the 2013 Vienna Wireless Winterfest. Arduino winterfest.pdf