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Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder and AVR Programmer

Featured User: kurt

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Updates 2013 February 18

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Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder and AVR Programmer

164f635b63b5e31508252545071175c15572de4c

By: kurt

Use this to decode the messages broadcast by a Scavenger Hunt Beacon. The messages are displayed on an LCD screen when the Beacon's IR beam hits the Decoder's receiver. This project also doubles as an AVR Programmer Shield for an Arduino.

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Files

Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder V1.zip - Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder GERBER
Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder.sch - Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder EAGLE Schematic
Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder.brd - Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder EAGLE Board
Scavenger_Beacon_Decoder.pde - Scavenger Hunt Beacon Decoder Arduino Sketch

Download all project files

Bill of Materials

Qty	Part #	Description	Schematic ID	Source
1	WP7113LID	5MM LOW CURRENT RED LED, LAMP THOLE, BULK	LED_ERR	Source
1	WP7113CGCK	5mm Green LED,Water Clear/Domed Lens, PB Free	LED_PROG	Source
1	OVLGY0C9B9	LED, 5MM, TAPERED, YELLOW	LED_HB	Source
3	CF14JT100R	1/4w 100 ohms 5% Carbon Film Resistors	R1, R2, R3	Source
1	CF14JT4K70	1/4w 4.7K ohms 5% Carbon Film Resistors	R4	Source
1	CT6EP103	TRIMMER 10K OHM 0.5W TH	P1	Source
1	LCD Display	20 x 4 Blue LCD Character Display		Source
1	PT334-6B	PHOTOTRANSISTOR 5MM BLACK AXIAL	PQ	Source

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Steps

1. Gather Parts

Make sure you've got everything in the parts list above.

2. Solder Resistors

Solder the four resistors in place. You may have to prop them up on one side because the footprints on the PCB (printed circuit board) are too small.

3. Solder Large IC Sockets

Solder the two IC sockets down. By putting two sockets back-to-back like this, we can program any size AVR microcontroller with this board.

4. Solder Small IC Socket

Solder the small IC socket. This socket is designed to be used when programming an ATTiny13. It can also program any other 8-pin AVR microcontroller provided that the pins are the same for MISO, MOSI, VCC, GND, and RESET.

5. Solder Phototransistor

The black phototransistor should have the flattened side facing in towards the middle of the board. (The collector and emitter of the phototransistor are marked on the board if you wish to double check.)

Featured User: kurt

Updates 2013 February 18