A Psk31 Audio Beacon Project Provides A Laboratory Capstone Design Experience In Digital Communications

James Everly, Brian Resnick
2008 Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings   unpublished
This paper focuses on combining a 433.92 MHz wireless temperature sensor with a PSK31 Audio Beacon transmitter to provide a laboratory capstone experience for junior students in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology. The laboratory capstone PSK31 Audio Beacon Project is structured to support course goals and objectives of "Digital Communications" offered at the beginning of the junior year. The paper presents the "project concept" together with its theory of operation and project
more » ... tic. Also, students are required to build a prototype audio beacon transmitter using surface mount components, implement a packaging concept, and write a complete project specification. The secondary goals of the project are to introduce students to radio frequency (RF) amplifier concepts, and to prepare students for the upcoming Senior Design Capstone Experience required for a baccalaureate degree in engineering technology. To this end, students are required to maintain a project journal to record ideas, data, test results, and experiences throughout the project. The authors have found that student attitude towards the course and subsequent feedback to be most rewarding, and were very encouraged by the level of student involvement in the project.
doi:10.18260/1-2--3752 fatcat:ricpdwb6hnewlicz23mblecm6q