Summary of Hidden Radio Transmitter Controller
PicCon is a compact, field-programmable PIC microcontroller-based radio controller for hidden transmitter hunting. It generates tone sequences and Morse code via DTMF control, stores settings in EEPROM, and interfaces with transceivers by managing PTT and audio output. Supplied as a kit with a PCB and manual, it operates on 7-35VDC and includes an LED indicator and push-button switch.
Parts used in the PicCon:
- PIC microcontroller
- EEPROM
- LED indicator
- Push-button switch
- Printed circuit board (PCB)
- Six conductor cable
- User's Manual
PicCon is a PIC microcontroller based radio controller designed for hidden transmitter hunting. When combined with a radio transmitter, it will produce tone sequences and Morse code messages at user-programmed times. It is completely field programmable via DTMF tones, utilizes EEPROM for all programmed options so they are remembered when power is removed, and is quite compact.
PicCon interfaces to a radio transceiver much like a packet radio TNC does. It is controlled by the audio it receives from the radio, in the form of DTMF tones, and operates the radio by controlling the Push To Talk (PTT) while sending audio in the form of tones and modulated CW Morse code.
PicCon includes an LED, to show which state the device is in, and a push-button switch, to allow the starting and stopping of a transmission without requiring a DTMF receiver. There are two jumper options on the board, one for power (on/off) , and one to activate PTT via the microphone line as is required by most hand-held radios.
PicCon is usually provided in kit form, which includes a manual, a printed circuit board, and all parts necessary to build the board, excluding a chassis. A six conductor cable is provided to interface to PicCon, but plugs for radio and power are not, since there are so many possible configurations. PicCon draws only a few milliamps, and runs off any 7-35VDC source, including a standard 9-volt battery.
User’s Manual
The PicCon Users Manual version 1.2 is available in HTML format, Rich Text File (RTF) format (200K), and MS-DOS Text format (30K). PicCon Users Manual version 1.0 is available in Adobe PDF format (300K). The only difference between versions 1.0 and 1.2 is the Web, eMail, and US Mail addresses.
For more detail: Hidden Radio Transmitter Controller
- What is PicCon designed for?
It is designed for hidden transmitter hunting. - How is PicCon controlled?
It is controlled by DTMF tones received from the radio audio. - Does PicCon store programmed options when power is removed?
Yes, it uses EEPROM so all options are remembered. - Can you start transmissions without DTMF tones?
Yes, a push-button switch allows starting and stopping transmissions manually. - What voltage range does PicCon run off?
It runs off any 7-35VDC source, including a standard 9-volt battery. - Is PicCon provided as a complete ready-to-use device?
No, it is usually provided in kit form excluding a chassis. - What components are included in the PicCon kit?
The kit includes a manual, a printed circuit board, and all parts necessary to build the board. - How does PicCon interface with a radio transceiver?
It interfaces like a packet radio TNC by controlling PTT and sending tones or CW Morse code.
