This is part 3 of a DIY Scanning Radio Ghost Box series using an Arduino Uno which was launched on Twitter as part of the Bread Boards & Bill series.

Prior to continuing forward the steps in DIY Ghost Box Installment 1 and DIY Ghost Box Installment 2 need to have been completed.

In this installment we are adding more features and improving the functions for the software and hardware.

Future installments will build upon the steps in these instructions.

Reference

The following is the pdf version of these instructions which includes additional information and tips beyond the instructions in this web guide.

Materials Needed

This section will require a loading a new sketch to your Arduino and completion of DIY Ghost Box part 2.

1. Download and un-zip this file to your PC. This file contains GB.exe (Windows Software) and ghostbox_ver301.ino

Building

Hardware Setup

This project uses the build from part 2, no additional hardware is required.

Source Code

1. Use the link below to download the new Arduino program file or cut and past from the code below.
2. Save it to your computer and open in the Arduino IDE editor (the file is in a zip format.).

Part 3 Arduino source code zip file

//******************************************************************************************
// Ghost Box program scans up then down flashes led on UNO indicates sweeping
// Microphone add and new library Mutes while not scanning
//*********************************************************************************************
/// \file  TestTEA5767.ino
/// \brief An Arduino sketch to operate a TEA5767 chip based radio using the Radio library.
///
/// \author Matthias Hertel, http://www.mathertel.de
/// \copyright Copyright (c) 2014 by Matthias Hertel.\n
/// This work is licensed under a BSD style license.\n
//
//  Sketch modified for the Simple ghost box project 1/20/2022
//  added functions for serial interface software "BETA"
//
//*********************************************************************************************************
//  Includes
//*********************************************************************************************************
#include <radio.h>                                     // Library 
#include <Wire.h>                                      // SLC SDA communications for radio module
#include <TEA5767.h>                                   // Tells Radio library how to interface the radio module
TEA5767 radio ;                                        // Define radio model
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Global Variables
//*********************************************************************************************************
int LED1 = 13;                                        // create a name for led1 on the arduino
int hold = 50;                                        // hold is the delay time
int inc = 20;                                         // How far to move when tunning
int start_FM = 8790;//8790                            // US FM Band start **87.7 excluded
int stop_FM = 10790;//10790                           // US FM band stop
int breadboard = 12;                                  // power pin to breadboard
int mic = 11;                                         // microphone signal
int AntIn = 0;                                        // antena energy value 1 count = 1.1 / 1024 = .0010 volts
int scom;                                             // serial input
int mute = 1;                                         // loop mute
int sdir = 7;                                         // scan direction
int swsp = 0;                                         // speak when spoken to 1 on 0 off
int antst = 0;                                        // Antenna start scan 1= on 0 = off
int antlv = 800;                                      // Antenna levelk to start
int atsc = 0;                                         // Antenna Scan on or off 1= on
int atc = 0;                                          // Active tunned frequency
int mtune = 0;                                        // Manual tunning 1= on 0 = off
int hld = 0;                                          // hold till clear
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Program Setup
//*********************************************************************************************************
void setup()
{
  pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT);                               // led on board led
  pinMode(breadboard  , OUTPUT);                       // breadboard power
  Wire.begin();                                        // start IC2 communications
  digitalWrite(breadboard, HIGH);                      // power ON breadboard
  radio.init();                                        // Start radio
  radio.setMute(1);                                    // Mute ON radio sound off

  delay(10);                                           // allow breadboard to power ON

  Serial.begin(115200);

}
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Main program
//*********************************************************************************************************
void loop()
{
  while (!Serial.available())                         
  { 
    if (mtune == 0)                                   //  mtune 
     {
      if (mute == 0)                                  //  mute 
      {
        int a = 0;
       if (swsp == 1)                                 //  swsp 
       {
        while (a == 0)
          {
            delay(5);
            a =  digitalRead(mic);
           }
         delay(500);
        }
       if (antst == 1)
       {  
        AntIn = analogRead(A0);                            // read energy on antenna
        delay(10);
        while (AntIn <= antlv) 
          {
            AntIn = analogRead(A0); 
            delay(10);
           }                                             // read energy on antenna
         }//ant tune antenna start speak when spoken start  
        
        radio.setMute(0);                                 // un-mute the radio and allow it to scan

        if (atsc == 1){scan_by_ant();}                    // if antenna scan is on

        if (sdir != 6 and atsc == 0){scan_up_band();}     //scan up on

        if (sdir != 5 and atsc == 0){scan_down_band();}   //scan down on
     
     
  
        } // muteoff
      } // mute = off
    if (mute == 1) {radio.setMute(1);}   // set mute
   } // mtune = 1

  if (Serial.available() > 0)
  {
    scom = Serial.readString().toInt();
    Serial.flush();
  }


  switch (scom)
  {
    case 1: mute_off(); break;     // mute off
    case 2: mute_on(); break;      // mute on
    case 3: speak_on(); break;     // speak on
    case 4: speak_off(); break;    // speak off
    case 5: scan_up(); break;      // scan up
    case 6: scan_down(); break;    // scan dn
    case 7: scan_all(); break;     // scan up/dn 'all'
    case 8: increment(); break;    // inc
    case 9:  hld1(); break;          // hold
    case 10: ATon(); break;        // Antenna on / off
    case 11: AToff(); break;       // Antenna on / off
    case 12: ATOUT(); break;       // Antenna voltage
    case 13: Fstart(); break;      // fre-start
    case 14: Fstop(); break;       // fre-stop
    case 15: hold_on(); break;     // Freq change by antenna
    case 16: hold_off(); break;    // Scan direction change by Antenna
    case 17: actune(); break;      // Active tunning
    case 18: mtune_off(); break;   // manual tuning mode
    case 19: mtune_on(); break;    // manual tuning mode
    case 20: antscan_on(); break;  // antenna scan
    case 21: antscan_off(); break; // antenna scan
    default: delay(1);             // end test
  } // case select end

} // loop end

//*********************************************************************************************************
// End of main loop
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Sub routines
//*********************************************************************************************************
void mute_off() {
  radio.setMute(0);  // un-mute the radio and allow it to scan
  mute = 0;
}

void mute_on() {
  radio.setMute(1);  //Serial.print(1);                                 // un-mute the radio and allow it to scan
  mute = 1;
}

void speak_on() {
  swsp = 1; // speak on
}                 // speak when spoken to 1 on 0 off}

void speak_off() {
  swsp = 0; // speak off
}

void scan_up() {
  sdir = 5; // scan up
}

void scan_down() {
  sdir = 6; // scan dn
}

void scan_all() {
  sdir = 7; // scan up/dn 'all'
}

void increment() {} // inc

void hld1() {}      // hold

void ATon() {
  antst = 1; // Antenna on / off
}

void AToff() {
  antst = 0; // Antenna on / off
}

void ATOUT() {} // Antenna voltage

void Fstart()// read input for start
{
  while (!Serial.available()) {}
  start_FM = Serial.readString().toInt();
  Serial.print(start_FM);
}// fre-start

void Fstop()
{
  while (!Serial.available()) {}
  stop_FM = Serial.readString().toInt();
  Serial.print(stop_FM);
}// fre-stop

void hold_on() {hld = 1;} // Hold on

void hold_off() {hld = 0;} // Hold off

void actune()
{
  while (!Serial.available()) 
  {
    delay(1);
  }
  atc = Serial.readString().toInt();
  radio.setFrequency(atc);
  radio.setMute(0);
  Serial.print(atc);
} // actual tunning

void mtune_off() {
  mtune = 0; // mantune
}

void mtune_on() {
  mtune = 1; // mantune
}

void antscan_on() {
  atsc = 1; // antenna scan on
}

void antscan_off() {
  atsc = 0; // antenna scan off
}

void test_hld()
{
  while (hld == 1)
         {
          if (Serial.available() > 0)
          {
             scom = Serial.readString().toInt();
             Serial.flush(); 
             if (scom == 15){hold_on();}
             if (scom == 16){hold_off();}
          }
          delay(10);
         } 
}

void scan_by_ant()
{
          AntIn = map(analogRead(A0), 0, 1024, 8790, 10800);                      // read energy on antenna
          digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH);                         // led ON
          radio.setFrequency(AntIn);                        // Set radio to new frequency
          if (Serial.available() > 0) {return;}
          delay(hold / 2);                                  // wait here for 1/2 of hold
          digitalWrite(LED1, LOW);                          // led OFF
          delay(hold / 2);
          if (mute == 0) {Serial.print(AntIn);}
          test_hld();  
}

void scan_up_band()
{
           for ( int r = start_FM; r <= stop_FM; r = r + inc)
          {
            digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH);                         // led ON
            radio.setFrequency(r);                            // Set radio to new frequency
          if (Serial.available() > 0) {return;}
            delay(hold / 2);                                  // wait here for 1/2 of hold
            digitalWrite(LED1, LOW);                          // led OFF
            delay(hold / 2);                                  // wait here for 1/2 of hold
            if (mute == 0) {Serial.print(r);}
            test_hld();
           }//scan
  }
void scan_down_band()
{
 for ( int r = stop_FM - inc; r >= start_FM + inc; r = r - inc)
          {
            digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH);                        // led ON
            radio.setFrequency(r);                           // Set radio to new frequency
           if (Serial.available() > 0) {return;}
            delay(hold / 2);                                  // wait here for 1/2 of hold
            digitalWrite(LED1, LOW);                           // led OFF
            delay(hold / 2);                                  // wait here for 1/2 of hold
            if (mute == 0) {Serial.print(r);}
            test_hld();
            }//scan   
  }

Example Python code using Python version 3.3. Python is an open source project that works on many different platforms.

import tkinter as tk
import tk_tools
from tkinter import ttk
import warnings
import serial
import serial.tools.list_ports
import time
from tkinter.messagebox import showinfo

arduino_ports = [
    p.device
    for p in serial.tools.list_ports.comports()
    if 'Arduino' or 'CH340' in p.description  # may need tweaking to match new arduinos
]
if not arduino_ports:
    raise IOError("No Arduino found")
if len(arduino_ports) > 1:
    warnings.warn('Multiple Arduinos found - using the first')

arduino = serial.Serial(arduino_ports[0],baudrate=115200, timeout=.1)

root = tk.Tk()
root.title("Ghost Box Version 0.1 Arduino found on "+str(arduino_ports[0]))
g = 0
h1 = 0
x = 1
ra = 0
n = 16

def ts(v):
    root.title(str(v))


def tc():
    root.title(txt.get())
    first = 0
    last = 500
    txt.delete(first, last)

def fc1(): #3 or 4 swsp on off
    arduino.write(bytes(str(var1.get()), 'utf-8'))

def fc2(): # antenna start on/off 11 12
    arduino.write(bytes(str(var2.get()), 'utf-8'))

def fc3(): # antenna start on/off 20 21
    arduino.write(bytes(str(var3.get()), 'utf-8'))

def fl():
    #var1 check box
    #global g
    if vr.get() == 1:
        g = 5
        arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))
    if vr.get() == 2:
        g = 6
        arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))
    if vr.get() == 3:
        g = 7

        arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))

def rf(): #stops happy fingers button M
    m.config(state='active')

def rr():#stops happy fingers button E
    e.config(state='active')


def manual_on_off():
    global h1
    e.config(state='disabled')
    if h1 == 1:
        h1 = 0
        g = 18
        arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))#off
        led2.to_green()
        time.sleep(.25)

    else:
        h1 = 1
        g=19
        arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8')) #on
        led2.to_green(on=True)
        time.sleep(.25)



    root.after(50, rr)


def mute_on_off():
    global x
    m.config(state='disabled')
    if x == 1 :
        x = 2
        led.to_green(on=True)
        arduino.write(bytes(str(x), 'utf-8'))
        time.sleep(.25)

    else:
        x = 1
        led.to_green()
        arduino.write(bytes(str(x), 'utf-8'))
        time.sleep(.25)

    root.after(50, rf)

def hold_on_off():
    global n
    m.config(state='disabled')
    if n == 16 : #on
        n = 15
        led1.to_green(on=True)
        arduino.write(bytes(str(n), 'utf-8'))
        time.sleep(.25)

    else:
        n = 16 #off
        led1.to_green()
        arduino.write(bytes(str(n), 'utf-8'))
        time.sleep(.25)

    root.after(50, rf)

def wtf():
      data = str(arduino.readline(), 'utf-8')
      arduino.flushInput()
      dtm = data.split("*")[0]
      if dtm.find("*") == -1:
       if len(dtm) >=4 :  # strip nul string from library debug *1234
          dv = int(dtm.strip())/100
          z.set_value(str(dv))
          p.set_value(dv)


      root.after(50, wtf)

#radio buttons
vr = tk.IntVar()
vr.set(3)
rb = tk.Radiobutton(root, text="Scan Up   .", variable=vr, value=1, command=fl)
rb.grid(row=0, column=2, sticky='NW')
rb1 = tk.Radiobutton(root, text="Scan Down ", variable=vr, value=2, command=fl)
rb1.grid(row=0, column=2, sticky='W')
rb2 = tk.Radiobutton(root, text="Scan UP/DN", variable=vr, value=3, command=fl)
rb2.grid(row=0, column=2, sticky='SW')

#checkbox
var1 = tk.IntVar()
c1 = tk.Checkbutton(root, text='Speak when spoken to', variable=var1, onvalue=3, offvalue=4, command=fc1)
c1.grid(row=8, column=0)

#checkbox
var2 = tk.IntVar()
c1 = tk.Checkbutton(root, text='Antenna Start', variable=var2, onvalue=10, offvalue=11, command=fc2)
c1.grid(row=8, column=1)

#checkbox
var3 = tk.IntVar()
c1 = tk.Checkbutton(root, text='Antenna Scan', variable=var3, onvalue=20, offvalue=21, command=fc3)
c1.grid(row=8, column=2)


# slider
#w = tk.Scale(from_=8790, to=10790, command=ts)#, relief='sunken'
#w.grid(row=0, column=0,sticky='nse')
#horizontal slider
#s = tk.Scale(from_=0, to=200, command=ts, orient='horizontal')
#s.grid(row=6, column=1)

#tesxt box
#txt = tk.Entry(width=10)
#txt.grid(column=1, row=8)

#gauge
p = tk_tools.Gauge(root, min_value=87.9,max_value=109.0, unit=' FM')
p.grid(row=0, column=1,sticky='nw')
p.set_value(0.0)

#zeven segment
z = tk_tools.SevenSegmentDigits(root, digits=5, background='light grey', digit_color='red')
z.grid(row=1, column=1,sticky='n')
z.set_value('8790')
x = 0

#leds
led = tk_tools.Led(root, size=20)
led.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky='NEW')
led.to_green(on=True)

led1 = tk_tools.Led(root, size=20)
led1.grid(row=0, column=0,sticky='ew')
led1.to_green()

led2 = tk_tools.Led(root, size=20)
led2.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky='sew')
led2.to_green()




#buttons           "Active Only
m = tk.Button(text="Mute - Radio ", command=mute_on_off)
m.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky='N')
B = tk.Button(text="Hold - Radio ", command=hold_on_off)
B.grid(row=0, column=0)
e = tk.Button(text="Manual  Tune", command=manual_on_off)
e.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky='S')
#q = tk.Button(text="Hold", command=tc)
#q.grid(row=9, column=0, sticky='N')


def callback(*args):
    showinfo(title='Information', message=args)


o = tk.Label(root, text="Powered By Digital Dowsing")
o.grid(row=9, column=1)
o1 = tk.Label(root, text="Start Freq")
o1.grid(row=10, column=0)
o2 = tk.Label(root, text="Active Freq")
o2.grid(row=10, column=1)
o3 = tk.Label(root, text="Stop Freq")
o3.grid(row=10, column=2)


# handle event list box
def items_selected(event): # handle item selected event
    selected_indices = listbox.curselection() # get selected indices
    selected_langs = ",".join([listbox.get(i) for i in selected_indices])    # get selected items
    msg = f'You selected: {selected_langs}'
    showinfo(title='List Box', message=msg)


# Combo box
def changed(event):
    """ handle the como changed event  12 """
    g = 13
    arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(1)
    arduino.write(bytes(selected_v.get(), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(.25)

# Combo box
def changed1(event):
    """ handle the combo1 changed event 17 active tune send channel """
    g = 17
    arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(1)
    arduino.write(bytes(selected_v1.get(), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(.25)
# Combo box
def changed2(event):
    """ handle the combo2 changed event 13 """

    #showinfo(title='Freq Start', message=f'You selected {selected_v2.get()}!')
    g =14
    arduino.write(bytes(str(g), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(1)
    arduino.write(bytes(selected_v2.get(), 'utf-8'))
    time.sleep(.25)

# create a combobox
selected_v = tk.StringVar()
cb = ttk.Combobox(root, textvariable=selected_v)
for h in range(8790,10810,20):
   cb['values']= tuple(list(cb['values']) + [str(h)])
cb.current(0)
cb['state'] = 'readonly' # prevent typing a value
cb.grid(row=12,column=0)# place the widget
cb.bind('<<ComboboxSelected>>',changed)


# create a combobox#1
selected_v1 = tk.StringVar()
cb1 = ttk.Combobox(root, textvariable=selected_v1)
for h in range(8790,10810,20):
   cb1['values']= tuple(list(cb1['values']) + [str(h)])
cb1.current(50)
cb1['state'] = 'readonly' # prevent typing a value
cb1.grid(row=12,column=1,sticky='EW')# place the widget
cb1.bind('<<ComboboxSelected>>',changed1)


# create a combobox#2
selected_v2 = tk.StringVar()
cb2 = ttk.Combobox(root, textvariable=selected_v2)
for h in range(10790,8770,-20):
   # Add itmes in combobox through Loop code
   cb2['values']= tuple(list(cb2['values']) + [str(h)])
cb2.current(0)
cb2['state'] = 'readonly' # prevent typing a value
cb2.grid(row=12,column=2,sticky='w')# place the widget
cb2.bind('<<ComboboxSelected>>',changed2)


# Creating Menubar
menubar = tk.Menu(root)

# Adding File Menu and commands
file = tk.Menu(menubar, tearoff=0)
menubar.add_cascade(label='File', menu=file)
file.add_command(label='Save', command=None)
file.add_separator()
file.add_command(label='Exit', command=root.destroy)

# Adding Help Menu
help_ = tk.Menu(menubar, tearoff=0)
menubar.add_cascade(label='Help', menu=help_)
help_.add_command(label='Ghostbox Help', command=None)
#help_.add_command(label='Demo', command=None)
help_.add_separator()
help_.add_command(label='About BB&B', command=None)

# display Menu
root.config(menu=menubar)


root.after(100, wtf)
root.mainloop()

Testing

1. Download or paste the new code into the Arduino IDE editor.
2. The IDE editor will compile the new sketch and upload it to your Arduino Ghost Box project.
3. See the attached PDF in the reference section for additional tips on changing this code to alter functions.
4. Download and run the python program gb.exe
5. Note: you must have your Arduino Uno attached to your PC before starting the program

Looking Ahead to Installment 4

In the next installment, we will discuss adding a physical display and a switch to allow the GhostBox to run with all features seen using the software.

Installment 4 will be a late summer release.

The post Scanning Radio AKA Ghost Box – Installment 3 appeared first on Digital Dowsing.

This is part 2 of a DIY Scanning Radio Ghost Box series using an Arduino Uno which was launched on Twitter as part of the Bread Boards & Bill series.

Prior to continuing forward the steps in DIY Ghost Box Installment 1 need to have been completed.

In this installment we are adding more features and improving the functions for the software and hardware.

Future installments will build upon the steps in these instructions.

Reference

The following is the pdf version of these instructions which includes additional information and tips beyond the instructions in this web guide.

Materials Needed

This section will require a microphone to add the Speak When Spoken To option.

1. Breadboard – Breadboards come in a wide variety. For this project, most any will work. Consider buying a multi-pack or a bundle that has jumper wires included. Available from Amazon and many other retailers. As we do more projects this year, a breadboard will make the builds easier.
2. Short bare wire 2-3 inches long – you can remove the coating of one of your existing jumper wires
3. Microphone which allows the Speak When Spoken To option

Building

Hardware Setup

It’s time to add a breadboard to the project. A breadboard will allow for more devices and a cleaner method of connecting items to the Arduino Uno.

The microphone connection has three leads:

1. VCC, connected to Arduino pin 12
2. Ground, connected to Arduino Uno GND
3. Out, connected to Arduino Uno pin 11.

Later on in the example code, you will also see an output called BreadBoard. This output is used to power the breadboard when the program is running aids in keeping parts safe from mistakes while setting things up.

One last item needed is a short bare wire 2-3 inches long; this wire will act as an antenna responding to EMF and Static electricity.

Software Setup

1. From the Tools menu, open the Library Manager.
2. Next, in the Library Manager search bar, enter radio.
3. Select the Radio Library and Install.
4. Close the Library Manager when done.

Source Code

1. Use the link below to download the new Arduino program file or cut and past from the code below.
2. Save it to your computer and open in the Arduino IDE editor (the file is in a zip format.).

Part 2 Arduino source code zip file

//******************************************************************************************
// Ghost Box program scans up then down flashes led on UNO indicates sweeping
// Microphone add and new library Mutes while not scanning
//*********************************************************************************************
/// \file  TestTEA5767.ino
/// \brief An Arduino sketch to operate a TEA5767 chip based radio using the Radio library.
///
/// \author Matthias Hertel, http://www.mathertel.de
/// \copyright Copyright (c) 2014 by Matthias Hertel.\n
/// This work is licensed under a BSD style license.\n
//
//  Sketch modified for the Simple ghost box project 1/20/2022
//
//*********************************************************************************************************
//  Includes 
//*********************************************************************************************************
#include <radio.h>                                     // Library 
#include <Wire.h>                                      // SLC SDA communications for radio module
#include <TEA5767.h>                                   // Tells Radio library how to interface the radio module
TEA5767 radio ;                                        // Define radio model
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Global Variables
//*********************************************************************************************************
int LED1 =13;                                         // create a name for led1 on the arduino
int hold =20;                                         // hold is the delay time
int inc = 20;                                         // How far to move when tunning 
int start_FM = 9230;//8790                            // US FM Band start **87.7 excluded 
int stop_FM = 9990;//10790                            // US FM band stop
int breadboard = 12;                                  // power pin to breadboard
int mic = 11;                                         // microphone signal
int AntIn = 0;                                        // antena energy value 1 count = 1.1 / 1024 = .0010 volts 
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Program Setup
//*********************************************************************************************************  
void setup()                                           
{
  pinMode(LED1, OUTPUT);                               // led on board led
  pinMode(breadboard  , OUTPUT);                       // breadboard power
  Wire.begin();                                        // start IC2 communications
  digitalWrite(breadboard, HIGH);                      // power ON breadboard
  radio.init();                                        // Start radio 
  radio.setMute(1);                                    // Mute ON radio sound off
  delay(100);                                          // allow breadboard to power ON
}
//*********************************************************************************************************
// Main program 
//*********************************************************************************************************
void loop()
{
  delay(10);                                          // allow analog time to settle 
  AntIn = analogRead(A0);                             // read energy on antenna 
  radio.setMute(1);                                   // radio mute ON
  int a = digitalRead(mic);                           // read mic to a
  
  // to talk or not to talk
  if ((AntIn > 400) or (a == 0))                      // if Antin is greater  than 340 or a = 1 mic on then scan
  {
    while (a == 0)                                    // while mic = 1 wait here
    {
      delay(5);                                       // delay 5 ms
      a =  digitalRead(mic);                          // read mic to a
    }
   delay(500);                                        // wait 1.5 seconds before responding  
   radio.setMute(0);                                  // un-mute the radio and allow it to scan
   
  // for loop and scan from start-FM to stop-FM stepping by inc value in MHz
   for ( int r = start_FM; r <= stop_FM;r = r+ inc)  
   {
    digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH);                         // led ON
    radio.setFrequency(r);                            // Set radio to new frequency
    delay(hold/2);                                    // wait here for 1/2 of hold
    digitalWrite(LED1, LOW);                          // led OFF
    delay(hold/2);                                    // wait here for 1/2 of hold
   }
   
//     for loop and scan from stop-FM to start-FM stepping by inc value in MHz ** -/+ inc to prevent repeat scan
    for ( int r = stop_FM-inc;r >= start_FM+inc;r = r- inc)  
   {
    digitalWrite(LED1, HIGH);                         // led ON
    radio.setFrequency(r);                            // Set radio to new frequency
    delay(hold/2);                                    // wait here for 1/2 of hold
    digitalWrite(LED1, LOW);                          // led OFF
    delay(hold/2);                                    // wait here for 1/2 of hold
   }
  }
}
//*********************************************************************************************************
// End of program
//*********************************************************************************************************

Testing

1. Download or paste the new code into the Arduino IDE editor.
2. Click the right arrow ‘Left top of the IDE screen.’
3. The IDE editor will compile the new sketch and upload it to your Arduino Ghost Box project.
4. See the attached PDF in the reference section for additional tips on changing this code to alter functions.

Example Result

Looking Ahead To Installment 3

In the next installment, we will discuss adding a display and doing more with the antenna and power.

The Ghost box can function without being connected to a computer.

The post Scanning Radio AKA Ghost Box – Installment 2 appeared first on Digital Dowsing.

This is a DIY Scanning Radio Ghost Box using an Arduino Uno. Launched on Twitter as part of the Bread Boards & Bill series.

This is the first installment of a multi part project where we will continue to add features on to the base that this installment establishes.

Reference

PDF Version of this guide with additional pictures:

Video of this guide on YouTube

Materials / Tools Needed

1. Arduino Uno
2. Arduino Radio Module
3. Hook Up Wire

Software

1. Go to the Arduino Software page
2. Choose the IDE based on the type of computer it will run on
3. Download and start
4. From the Tools menu select Library Manager
5. In Library Manager Search Bar type in TEA5767
6. Select ArduinoTEA5767 and Install
7. From File Menu select Examples
8. Choose ArduinoTEA5767 File SimpleFixedFrequency

Hardware

1. Connect BLACK wire from Arduino UNO GND to Radio Module GND
2. Connect RED wire from Arduino UNO 3.3v to Radio Module 5v ** Radio Module can run on 3.3v
3. Connect ORANGE wire from Arduino UNO SLC to Radio Module SLC
4. Connect YELLOW wire form Arduino UNO SDA to Radio Module SDA
5. Install radio antenna , plug in earphone or speaker
6. Plug in USB cable to Arduino UNO
7. Double check wiring
8. Plug in USB cable to computer, Arduino UNO should power on.

Testing

1. With the example file SimpleFixedFrequency loaded
2. Select Verify/Compile from Sketch
3. Verify Successful compile
4. From Sketch select Upload
5. Verify Program was uploaded to the Arduino UNO
6. Modify this line to change the selected frequency radio.setFrequency(93.0); // 93.0 FM IE:radio.setFrequency(107.5); // 107.5 FM
7. Re-compile and reload then verify the frequency is set to the new station using headphones or a speaker

Troubleshooting

• Issue: Software won’t compile
• Resolution: Make sure the Library ARDUIOTEA5767 was installed in the Library manager

Looking Ahead To Installment 2

1. Load scanning software
2. Discuss Band Allocation of the FM band US
3. Discuss how to change scan rate and scan distance
4. View the Complete PDF of this first installment
5. ** For those who can’t wait copy the code below and paste it in your Arduino IDE , replace the original Simple Fixed Frequency
6. Compile and upload to your UNO, It will now scan from 88 – 108 FM the Step is in increments of .1 Mhz

// TEA5767 Example by Simon Monk
// Scanning code part of the open ghostbox project 

#include <Wire.h>                             // SLC SDA communications for radio module
#include <TEA5767Radio.h>                     // Radio library tells the arduino how to interface the radio module
TEA5767Radio radio = TEA5767Radio();          // Define radio model

void setup()                                  // setup files
{
  Wire.begin();                               // start IC2 communications
}

void loop()
{

  for ( float r = 88.00; r <= 108.00;r = r+.1)  // loop and scan from 88 to 108 stepping .1 mhz
  {
    radio.setFrequency(r);                      // Set radio to new frequency
    delay(200);                                 // wait here for .2 seconds
  }
}

These are the lines you can modify to control scan, scan increment and scan rate.

  for ( float r = 88.00; r <= 108.00;r = r+.1)  // loop and scan from 88 to 108 stepping .1 mhz
  // this line controls the scan distance 88.00 , 108.00 
  
  delay(200);   
 // change the delay to increase of decrease the time between channels "Scan Rate"  

The post Scanning Radio AKA Ghost Box – Installment 1 appeared first on Digital Dowsing.