This is a simple, inexpensive, transmitter controller for conducting ARDF Foxoring competitions and for demonstrating ARDF principles. The software project is an Arduino script that builds for and runs on most Arduino-like products, including AdaFruit's Metro Mini 328, or SparkFun's Arduino Pro Mini 328, and many more.
+ +Controller support for all the common ARDF competition formats is provided: Classic, Sprint, and Foxoring. + +
The software is a proper Arduino script that will open and build without warnings or errors in Arduino IDE version 1.8.12 and later. The Arduino IDE can also be used to program a device that holds a compatible bootloader. Most Arduino products ship with a bootloader pre-installed.
+ +After being programmed, the controller can be configured via a serial port on the board. An Arduino board that includes a USB-to-Serial converter will allow you to configure the controller with a simple USB cable (standard to micro) connected between a USB port on your computer to one on the Arduino board. Less sophisticated Arduino boards lacking a USB-to-Serial converter will require a special FTDI cable like AdaFruit's FTDI Serial TTL-232 USB Cable, or SparkFun's FTDI Cable 5V.
+ +The controller includes an output pin for controlling a transmitter for sending Morse code characters (high = key down; low = key up) and a separate pin that sends the Morse code as audio tones that can be used to drive a speaker. The controller can also provide a sequence of starting-tones prompting competitors to begin a competition, and can thus serve as an electronic starting "gun" for use in ARDF events.
+ +The controller serial interface operates at 57600 baud that can be accessed using any serial TTY interface program such as PuTTY or Arduino's own Serial Monitor tool. It provides a command prompt > indicating that it is ready to receive recognized the following commands.
+ +
+ +> CAL [num] <= * Sets the clock calibration for precise timing
+> CAL <= Displays the clock calibration setting
+> DIP [val] <= * Sets the competition format, overriding the DIP switch settings
+> DIP <= Displays the competition format setting
+> FAC <= Sets saved EEPROM values to their original defaults
+> GO <= Starts operation from zero seconds, equivalent to pressing the sync button
+> ID [string] <= * Sets the callsign that gets sent
+> ID <= Displays the saved callsign setting
+> LED [on|off] <= * Turns on/off LED pin
+> LED <= Displays the LED pin setting
+> RST <= Resets the processor
+> SPD ID [num] <= * Sets the ID code speed in WPM
+> SPD <= Displays the ID code speed setting
+> STA [on|off] <= * Turns on/off the starting tones function
+> STA <= Displays the starting tones setting
+> SYN [on|off] <= * Turns on/off synchronization using sync button or "GO" command
+> SYN <= Displays the synchronization setting
+> TEM <= Displays the processor's temperature in C
+> VER <= Displays the software version number
* These values get stored to EEPROM and are retained between power cycles.
+Look in the Hardware folder for all hardware-related documents
+PB1 - Board Pin 9 (Output) <= Audio Out (=Gnd when no tone)
+PB5 - Board Pin 13 (Output) <= LED On=+V
+PD2 - Board Pin 2 (Output) <= Key/PTT On=+V
+PD3 - Board Pin 3 (Input) <= Synchronize (mom. switch to Gnd)
+PD4 - Board Pin 4 (Input) <= DIP Switch Bit 0 (switch to Gnd)
+PD5 - Board Pin 5 (Input) <= DIP Switch Bit 1 (switch to Gnd)
+PD6 - Board Pin 6 (Input) <= DIP Switch Bit 2 (switch to Gnd)