Sounder To Replicate Morse Code Zulu

[ccdubs]

Hi all,

I was wondering what is the best way to make a piezo sounder replicate the Zulu morse code signal dah-dah-dit-dit.

I have tried using a decade counter driven by a 555 timer but found this a bit sensitive. I would even be open to the idea of something programable.

The main specs are compactness and reliability.

I know this sounds like homework...but I am a power systems engineer who has lost touch with electronics!

Many thanks.

 

[VEBill]

An 8-pin uC, such as a PIC, would probably have 4 or 5 spare pins in this application. Two power and one ouput.

I have to ask, whatcha up to di-di-dah-dah-di-dit

If you only need small quantities, then look up those audio-recording greeting cards (the next generation of musical birthday cards) that can be recorded by the user. You'd have to record the 'Z' into each one.

 

[OperaHouse]

I'm just one of those who hate anything with a 555 in it, but just was "sensitive" about this circuit? Sounds like you were pretty much there with this circuit.

 

[richs]

Hiya-

As VE1BLL mentioned a PIC 10F200 in an SOT-23 package is
pretty darned small. It's a 6 pin device and up to 4
of the pins could be used for I/O. It is very inexpensive,
however, I think that the low end programmer from
microchip for that class of devices runs around $35.00 US.

It is relatively simple to make a homebuilt programmer for
them, there are lots of examples out on the web.

The 10F200 is the smallest microcontroller from microchip
and they go up in performance from there. The price
differential between that and the larger ones is on the
order of less than a dollar.

Using these little devices have been a real kick for me.
Adds a whole new paradigm for circuit design.

A useful tool. Right now, I'm working on an opensource
design for a programmable logic controller (PLC) that
can use a family of the PICs. So, if you can program
in ladder logic, you can easily whomp up a "Zed" character
in Morse code.

Not into ladder logic? Then you can get basic compilers,
c compilers, or go to assembly language all free on
the web. There are additional programming languages
out there as well.

Just to be on the safe side (and to give due credit to the
other "camp") there are the atmel series of low cost
microcontrollers. They work great too. I just have stuck
with the PICs.

One wag once said (and it's true, I've done it myself):
"Why bother with a 555 when you have a PIC!"

After you program the critter, there is less parts count
with a PIC microcontroller than there is with a 555
circuit!

Hope that this helps. No, I don't work for microchip.
Their products do work for ME though.

Cheers,

Rich S.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Here here!

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com