Homing Beacon for Golf Disc

Homing Beacon for Golf Disc:

Progress Report #2

Prepared for

Dr. P. F. Driessen

M. Beau Nychka

Niilo Van Steinburg

June 27, 2003

Executive Summary

This report is a mid-term summary of our group’s progress in designing a homing device/beacon for use with a Frisbee golf disc. We will detail the steps that we have made, changes that we have decided upon, and indicate any modifications to our timeline.

Executive Summary 2

Table of Contents 3

1.0 Introduction 4

2.0 Project Progress 5

2.1 DISC & TRANSMITTER 5

2.2 HAND – HELD UNIT 5

3.0 Amended Management Plan 6

3.1 MILESTONES 6

3.3 TIMELINE 7

1.0 Introduction

The proposed homing disc is a product that could find much use in the disc golf sport. However, for it to be so, it must be durable, cheap, and comparable (in flight) to regular golf discs.

There will be two units for the finished product: the disc with the homing device, and a hand-held unit. The components for the disc must be small and light, to limit its effect on the disc’s flight. As well, they must together be able to endure the impacts and natural surroundings as expected of golf disc play.

The hand-held unit will simply be used to locate the thrown disc. It should be as small as possible to make it easy to carry.

2.0 Project Progress

2.1 DISC & TRANSMITTER

All parts for the disc’s transmitter have been received. Since the first progress report, the type of transmitter was changed to the TDA5101. This transmitter fits our needs better at a cheaper price.

Assembly of these components has begun but is not yet completed.

2.2 HAND – HELD UNIT

All of the parts to be incorporated in the hand-held unit have been decided upon. However, most parts have yet to be ordered, as the microcontroller to be used was just recently confirmed.

The new components include:

· TDA5201 (receiver)

· PIC16F876 (microcontroller)

· X901-ND (ceramic resonator)

· 296-13996-5-ND (voltage regulator - +5V)

· 6 red LEDs

· 6 1kOhm resistors

· 28-pin socket connector

As well, several components were ordered to facilitate the programming of the PIC:

· MAX232 Multichannel driver/receiver

· 10 10 microF capacitors

· serial connector

All parts are expected within a week from today’s date. Programming can still take place before these parts arrive, through the use of simulation software.

3.0 Amended Management Plan

3.1 MILESTONES

Milestone 1: To complete our research and design.

Date Completed: June 26, 2003

This milestone included the following:

- A finalized components list.

- Knowledge of the tools needed for development.

Milestone 2: Implementation of power-switching for both units.

Date: July 4, 2003