RS232 Spectrum Analyser

This project came from the idea that I needed a simple, light spectrum analyzer which couldĀ be easily interfaced to embedded applications. This design was a proof of concept which made use of an RFM22B radio module and a PIC16F690. A simple GUI was also constructed for initial testing purposes. Photos of the prototype can be seen below. Source code for the proof of concept can be found downloaded here:

Visual C# Project

MPLab Project

Pic kit 2 Logic Analyzer tool output for a SPI command to the RFM22B

Pic kit 2 Logic Analyzer tool output for a SPI command to the RFM22B

The next post will contain some screen shots of the GUI in action.

The Telemetry…

For this project a constant data communication will be needed from the vehicle and its payload to a ground station. Therefore, a telemetry radio needs to be present. Fortunately, the APM 1 kit discussed earlier makes provision for a telemetry module. The telemetry modules I opted for was from 3DRobotics running at 433MHz 100mW. Due to ICASA regulations, these radios can only be used at 8mW maximum. This should be more than enough.