AF6MQ-CWIR is a "Fire Morse Code Transceiver " . *

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AF6MQ is my Amateur Extra Class License Callsign.

CW stands for Carrier Wave, the shorthand for on/off radio modulation that is synonomous with Morse Code to Hams.

IR is for InfraRed. Since the light used to signal the on/off is generated by fire, most of the received energy is in the high-red and InfraRed ranges.

So AF6M6-CWIR is a communication system that uses Fire to signal in MorseCode with an interface that is very similar to "texting".

This project consists of two "Operating Stations" and two tower mounted propane accumulator effects with reflectors that can communicate between each other in morse code.

The Operating Stations consist of a small table and chair with an old PC keyboard, a morse code sending key, and a small box resembling an old style tube radio. The "operator" can send morse code flame poofs with either the keyboard or morse code key. The opposite tower will "see" the flame poofs due to the combined effort of a rear reflector and a small telescopic light sensor mounted at the focus point. The small LCD screen will display the translated text of the received morse code to the operator. This will allow anyone with or without morse code knowledge to make a "QSO" with fire.

The propane accumulator effect is a standard NC Solenoid setup with a copper pilot line in the throat path. A 5 gallon LP tank is used for the accumulator, with a 10 gallon or similar supply tank. The pilot line uses a needle valve, so the need for a regulator is eliminated. A 1/4 turn shutoff line at the supply tank, flared Cu fittings and NPT throughout etc, compliant to DaveX safety standards.

The control station is built around an Atmel AT90USB chip. This unit comes with a USB port and flash memory facilitating the uploading of morse-code tables and other messages. The unit also has sufficient GPIO to handle a 4x40 backlit LCD character display, a generic PC keyboard, ADC to the PIN diode sensor, and control the LP solenoid. All will be "playa proofed" and be posistioned so to provide view of the other station at a safe distance from the local tower. Each system is powered from a medium sized 12v battery with an AC trickle charger.

Consultants on the project: Michael Shiloh, CTP, Jack Sparx, MadScientistsCollective.

Est Fab Time: 2 months.