I have a radio transceiver that generates a beeping sound as you interact with a diode from a given distance. As the transceiver gets closer to the diode the beeping gets louder. What I'm attempting to do is to measure the intensity of the beeping (amplitude of the voltage signal). Bypassing the speaker, I've used a multimeter to measure the AC output, which ranges between 50 - 500mV depending on the proximity of the diode to the transceiver. I'd like to record, and time stamp these values in the Arduino serial monitor. Any help with this wierd project would be helpful.
Please explain what that means, as I don't have the slightest idea.
Are you referring to something like this?
Please post a link to the radio transceiver.
If the maximum output voltage you are reading is 500mV, you might use a DC-DC converter to amplify the reading to a maximum of 5vdc, then read the amplified signal with an analog pin... but I doubt the converter will change fast enough.
The simplest way to increase the AC (speaker audio) output voltage of the transceiver would be to use a miniature speaker output transformer in reverse, either purchased or removed from an old transistor radio or transistor amplifier. The transceiver speaker would need to be disconnected.
Here is one: $2.99 - Mini Audio Driver Output Transformer EI-19 - Tinkersphere
The voltage gain of a transformer is sqrt(Zp/Zs), in this case sqrt(1000/8) = 11.
Can you estimate how often the beep occurs and how long does an individual beep last?
The easiest solution would be to add an audio amplifier to boost the signal to the needed voltage level. Keep in mind that the signal is AC, and the Arduino A/D converter only works with DC signals, so you’ll need to convert the AC signal to DC.
Additionally, decide whether you want to work with RMS, peak, or peak-to-peak values, as this will determine how you process the signal. Each method requires different handling to extract the desired information accurately.
Hello nicolad
Post a picture of the hardware to see how we can help.
Must be a very special kind of diode , being a Radio bench Tech for 36 years this is new to me and the diode is Freq tunable .. wow!
You can use one of these modules connected to an Uno analog input
Must be a very special kind of diode
I later realized that the OP is probably experimenting with something like the RECCO Avalanche rescue system, which uses a passive locator device, typically sewed into ski clothing, consisting of two antenna circuits coupled by a frequency doubling diode.
I think the RECCO transceiver transmits at around 800 MHz and receives at around 1.6 GHz.
Sorry for being cryptic, but the diode that we're using is a Shottkey diode. The transceiver is indeed the RECCO unit. I'm attempting to quantify the output signal (voltage) into the serial monitor of an Arduino.
Thanks much. Stuff to think about.
Thanks much gilshultz, I'll have to consider your recommendations as well as research what exactly all this means. I'm new to the electronics sphere and have a whole lot to learn.
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