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Underwater communication — Parallax Forums

Underwater communication

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2002-11-28 09:51 in General Discussion
Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of about 100
feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Jason

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 03:56
    Ultrasonics works well

    At 09:11 PM 5/22/02 -0400, you wrote:
    >Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of about 100
    >feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    >send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be great.
    >
    >Thanks in advance,
    >
    >Jason
    >
    >
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    >Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

    Larry G. Nelson Sr.
    mailto:L.Nelson@i...
    http://www.ultranet.com/~nr
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 04:03
    Niches Werste buddy, RF underwater aint going to go far unless you really
    jack up the signal strength of which I dont think you can do. That is why
    the Navy uses Very Low Frequency signals to communicate to subs under water.
    VLF is in the 10s of hertz.


    Original Message
    From: "Jason W. Day" <j_w_day@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:11 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of about
    100
    > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be
    great.
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Jason
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 05:03
    Fry's sells a low-cost model sub with RF control, that I plan to try in
    my pool here in Pasadena CA.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: David Wright [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=GMNufC9Z7LKPygOhaDh02VTOwVkTWtB6sQKoDjxnnoJ8axjGbDhU0TLawUIKuRbYyd1JbKLZ1-8pgPpWwXHN0g]dwright3@a...[/url
    Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:04 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    Niches Werste buddy, RF underwater aint going to go far unless you
    really jack up the signal strength of which I dont think you can do.
    That is why the Navy uses Very Low Frequency signals to communicate to
    subs under water. VLF is in the 10s of hertz.


    Original Message
    From: "Jason W. Day" <j_w_day@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:11 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of
    > about
    100
    > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp
    > and send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would

    > be
    great.
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Jason
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >


    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 15:02
    RF and VLF will be not feasible in such distance. Ultrasonics will work.
    Depending of your application you may
    need an expensive accoustic modem (for noisy environments like seashore or
    shallow waters and omnidirectional
    ranging) or a simple circuit with 2 piezo transducers one to send and one to
    receive with an amplifier. Some
    considerations regarding with transducers will be water coupling and
    encapsulation method , attenuation,
    directivity, power, ressonant frequency, modulation etc.
    ACJacques

    "Jason W. Day" gravada:

    > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of about 100
    > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be great.
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Jason
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 19:18
    RF works really badly underwater. I'd look at low-frequency audio range
    (sonar)

    On Wed, 22 May 2002, Jason W. Day wrote:

    > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of about 100
    > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be great.
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Jason
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >

    Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
    Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
    email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 19:21
    Even a few kHz works well... Piezo?




    >RF works really badly underwater. I'd look at low-frequency audio range
    >(sonar)
    >
    >On Wed, 22 May 2002, Jason W. Day wrote:
    >
    > > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of
    > about 100
    > > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would be
    > great.
    > >
    > > Thanks in advance,
    > >
    > > Jason
    > >
    > >
    >
    >Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
    >Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
    >email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    > "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis

    Beau Schwabe Mask Designer IV - ATL
    National Semiconductor Enterprise Networking Business Unit
    500 Pinnacle Court, Suite 525 Wired Communications Division
    Mail Stop GA1 Norcross, GA 30071
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-23 22:09
    I am currently building a R/C sub (11' 3" lomg, 12" diameter, using Stamp
    II's at both ends for bi-directional comms with the sub). Standard R/C
    equipment typically runs about 200 mw (miliwatts) and they get acceptable
    ranges of around 400' horizontal down to a depth of around 10' feet which is
    WAY morte than you need as below the surface more than a few inches you
    won't be able to see the boat much and at 400' feet the little subs get
    mighty hard to see. RF works well in fresh water (IE: lakes, ponds), not as
    well in salt water and worst of all in chlorinated water but still good
    enough for R/C sub purposes..

    Mike B.
    Original Message
    From: "Dennis P. O'Leary" <doleary@h...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:03 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    > Fry's sells a low-cost model sub with RF control, that I plan to try in
    > my pool here in Pasadena CA.
    >
    > Dennis
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: David Wright [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=DjjcCJk6__Glt14d38trmhbbFXIt8RoozHdAoljZmODdqNMGZrsD47ItyGS2ld5eXzF8YIquTDnqaS2eZw]dwright3@a...[/url
    > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:04 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >
    >
    > Niches Werste buddy, RF underwater aint going to go far unless you
    > really jack up the signal strength of which I dont think you can do.
    > That is why the Navy uses Very Low Frequency signals to communicate to
    > subs under water. VLF is in the 10s of hertz.
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Jason W. Day" <j_w_day@y...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 8:11 PM
    > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >
    >
    > > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance of
    > > about
    > 100
    > > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp
    > > and send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas would
    >
    > > be
    > great.
    > >
    > > Thanks in advance,
    > >
    > > Jason
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > > and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-24 01:54
    Sounds very useful for a typical fresh-water pool, which runs about 8.5
    feet at the deep end with a clear view of the bottom.
    Thanks, Mike
    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Mike Blier [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=9ijt5ThxBuaYHamLwiWFhUKZaiNZNqMIl6hypH7its4PoDwNk692DK1X91NYN8uY_9FBEGQMQJgM]w6ffc@p...[/url
    Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 2:09 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    I am currently building a R/C sub (11' 3" lomg, 12" diameter, using
    Stamp II's at both ends for bi-directional comms with the sub).
    Standard R/C equipment typically runs about 200 mw (miliwatts) and they
    get acceptable ranges of around 400' horizontal down to a depth of
    around 10' feet which is WAY morte than you need as below the surface
    more than a few inches you won't be able to see the boat much and at
    400' feet the little subs get mighty hard to see. RF works well in
    fresh water (IE: lakes, ponds), not as well in salt water and worst of
    all in chlorinated water but still good enough for R/C sub purposes..

    Mike B.
    Original Message
    From: "Dennis P. O'Leary" <doleary@h...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:03 PM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    > Fry's sells a low-cost model sub with RF control, that I plan to try
    > in my pool here in Pasadena CA.
    >
    > Dennis
    <deleted>
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-24 14:36
    I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work very well.
    The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low frequencies at
    160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to about 60 feet
    below the surface.

    Frank

    >
    Original Message
    > From: Jason W. Day [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=ZomQOv1z38Agrc8FKrZKPiK5mSuHHhHg2if43HQDsq6QMzhdu1Wwejs6W9DovF0amXfCM6b8-HM]j_w_day@y...[/url
    > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >
    >
    > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance
    > of about 100
    > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > would be great.
    >
    > Thanks in advance,
    >
    > Jason
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-24 16:23
    It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was also taught that
    RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    seems that it does anyway.

    Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and popular hobby of
    R/C submarines.

    www.subcommittee.com

    Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength, absorbance,
    something physical -- why their
    machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I don't understand
    why. Michael




    Frank Stratton wrote:

    > I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work very well.
    > The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low frequencies at
    > 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to about 60 feet
    > below the surface.
    >
    > Frank
    >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: Jason W. Day [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=wEAfu8L3hlhRPyT7M1oGDjLfVFfK0ZUiYFCT4B--xwYocxCIIo66VGWhHnJNfEmdOc6cXwScYlXJzO0]j_w_day@y...[/url
    > > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > >
    > >
    > > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance
    > > of about 100
    > > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp and
    > > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > > would be great.
    > >
    > > Thanks in advance,
    > >
    > > Jason
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-05-24 17:33
    "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was also taught
    that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    seems that it does anyway"

    I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The R/C sub world
    has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved for over 20) The
    ranges we are talking about is quite short and the attentuation caused by
    the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by the strength of
    the signal from the controller.

    With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200 miliwatt range there
    is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate control.

    I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and have discovered
    the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I will have a
    considerable investment in the current sub project and so to "hedge my bets"
    I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band) that the Stamp II
    will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications) The data radios
    have as an output the received signal strength. With the RSSI signal I will
    use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain reliable comms
    with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed.. These radios
    are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full 5 watts output,
    that will get the job done for sure.

    I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they are a great
    bunch and an excellent resource.

    R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will get a great
    deal of enjoyment from the hobby.

    Mike B.


    Original Message
    From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication


    > It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was also taught
    that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > seems that it does anyway.
    >
    > Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and popular
    hobby of R/C submarines.
    >
    > www.subcommittee.com
    >
    > Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength, absorbance,
    something physical -- why their
    > machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I don't
    understand why. Michael
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Frank Stratton wrote:
    >
    > > I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work very well.
    > > The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low frequencies
    at
    > > 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to about 60
    feet
    > > below the surface.
    > >
    > > Frank
    > >
    > > >
    Original Message
    > > > From: Jason W. Day [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=0p_TDb6QC_C9qHxMOd8FqJZd8TgAHTIsc1zCJuSKnVhcikRYsZ3_DS6RacVtmH_nFrTUkfcjl5OoIw]j_w_day@y...[/url
    > > > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > > > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a distance
    > > > of about 100
    > > > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to use a stamp
    and
    > > > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > > > would be great.
    > > >
    > > > Thanks in advance,
    > > >
    > > > Jason
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-26 23:37
    I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide to go
    with 420mhz?

    MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the following
    in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data link is
    a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz frequency
    band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer using
    an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115 kbps/sec.
    In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one unit
    underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a chlorinated
    swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about 1 m.
    Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a live
    video feed from the CCD camera."

    Here is the link to the journal paper:
    http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf

    --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    also taught
    > that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > seems that it does anyway"
    >
    > I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The R/C
    sub world
    > has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved for
    over 20) The
    > ranges we are talking about is quite short and the attentuation
    caused by
    > the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by the
    strength of
    > the signal from the controller.
    >
    > With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200 miliwatt
    range there
    > is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate control.
    >
    > I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and have
    discovered
    > the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I will
    have a
    > considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    to "hedge my bets"
    > I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band) that
    the Stamp II
    > will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications) The
    data radios
    > have as an output the received signal strength. With the RSSI
    signal I will
    > use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    reliable comms
    > with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    These radios
    > are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full 5
    watts output,
    > that will get the job done for sure.
    >
    > I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they are a
    great
    > bunch and an excellent resource.
    >
    > R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will get
    a great
    > deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    >
    > Mike B.
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >
    >
    > > It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    also taught
    > that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > seems that it does anyway.
    > >
    > > Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and
    popular
    > hobby of R/C submarines.
    > >
    > > www.subcommittee.com
    > >
    > > Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength,
    absorbance,
    > something physical -- why their
    > > machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I
    don't
    > understand why. Michael
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > Frank Stratton wrote:
    > >
    > > > I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work
    very well.
    > > > The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low
    frequencies
    > at
    > > > 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to
    about 60
    > feet
    > > > below the surface.
    > > >
    > > > Frank
    > > >
    > > > >
    Original Message
    > > > > From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > > > > Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    distance
    > > > > of about 100
    > > > > feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    use a stamp
    > and
    > > > > send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > > > > would be great.
    > > > >
    > > > > Thanks in advance,
    > > > >
    > > > > Jason
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > > > Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-27 06:48
    For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz to 300Hz (that
    isn't a typo). http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc

    Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel through water well
    at all, they use ELF...

    Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...


    Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    --

    http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE

    Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.

    Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    Mb: +64 21 536 627
    87 Spencer Street
    Crofton Downs
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is
    half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be."

    No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although the
    Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those of you
    with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that
    there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards.

    > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > Reply-To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    >
    > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide to go
    > with 420mhz?
    >
    > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the following
    > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data link is
    > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz frequency
    > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer using
    > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115 kbps/sec.
    > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one unit
    > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a chlorinated
    > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about 1 m.
    > Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a live
    > video feed from the CCD camera."
    >
    > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > also taught
    >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    >> seems that it does anyway"
    >>
    >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The R/C
    > sub world
    >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved for
    > over 20) The
    >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the attentuation
    > caused by
    >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by the
    > strength of
    >> the signal from the controller.
    >>
    >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200 miliwatt
    > range there
    >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate control.
    >>
    >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and have
    > discovered
    >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I will
    > have a
    >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > to "hedge my bets"
    >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band) that
    > the Stamp II
    >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications) The
    > data radios
    >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the RSSI
    > signal I will
    >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > reliable comms
    >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    > These radios
    >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full 5
    > watts output,
    >> that will get the job done for sure.
    >>
    >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they are a
    > great
    >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    >>
    >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will get
    > a great
    >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    >>
    >> Mike B.
    >>
    >>
    >>
    Original Message
    >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >>
    >>
    >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > also taught
    >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    >>> seems that it does anyway.
    >>>
    >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and
    > popular
    >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    >>>
    >>> www.subcommittee.com
    >>>
    >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength,
    > absorbance,
    >> something physical -- why their
    >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I
    > don't
    >> understand why. Michael
    >>>
    >>>
    >>>
    >>>
    >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    >>>
    >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work
    > very well.
    >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low
    > frequencies
    >> at
    >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to
    > about 60
    >> feet
    >>>> below the surface.
    >>>>
    >>>> Frank
    >>>>
    >>>>>
    Original Message
    >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    >>>>>
    >>>>>
    >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > distance
    >>>>> of about 100
    >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    > use a stamp
    >> and
    >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    >>>>> would be great.
    >>>>>
    >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    >>>>>
    >>>>> Jason
    >>>>>
    >>>>>
    >>>>>
    >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >>>>>
    >>>>>
    >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >>>>>
    >>>>>
    >>>>
    >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject
    >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >>>>
    >>>>
    >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >>>
    >>>
    >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and
    >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    >>>
    >>>
    >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >>>
    >>>
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    > of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-27 09:46
    Ben, thanks for that link, it's an interesting article. I've know
    about ELF for some time, but not those details. The article although
    does not mention the problems with sending sound through water. Here
    is a link to a World War II Submarine Sonar operator's manual that
    talks about what happens to sound when sent through water:
    http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/chap3.htm#3A

    Here is a link to the full manual:
    http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/index.htm

    There are a number of underwater acoustic modems on the market,
    listed below is a link to one that can supposedly do 28k baud with a
    maximum range of 6 km. Unless you own a oil platform you probably
    won't be able to afford it.
    http://www.bmt-wismar.de/bmteng/modem_en.html

    Here is link to a college paper that talks about what's needed to
    build a underwater acoustic modem:
    http://guinness.cs.stevens-tech.edu/~mtalreja/seniord/

    If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can help out
    in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.

    --- In basicstamps@y..., Ben <ben@l...> wrote:
    > For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz to
    300Hz (that
    > isn't a typo). http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc
    >
    > Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel through
    water well
    > at all, they use ELF...
    >
    > Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...
    >
    >
    > Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    > --
    >
    > http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    > Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE
    >
    > Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.
    >
    > Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    > Mb: +64 21 536 627
    > 87 Spencer Street
    > Crofton Downs
    > Wellington
    > New Zealand
    >
    > "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the
    glass is
    > half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs
    to be."
    >
    > No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although
    the
    > Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those
    of you
    > with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn
    that
    > there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning
    backwards.
    >
    > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > Reply-To: basicstamps@y...
    > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > >
    > > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide to go
    > > with 420mhz?
    > >
    > > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the
    following
    > > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data link
    is
    > > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    > > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz frequency
    > > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer using
    > > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115
    kbps/sec.
    > > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one unit
    > > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a chlorinated
    > > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about 1 m.
    > > Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    > > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a live
    > > video feed from the CCD camera."
    > >
    > > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    > >
    > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > > also taught
    > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > >> seems that it does anyway"
    > >>
    > >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The R/C
    > > sub world
    > >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved for
    > > over 20) The
    > >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the attentuation
    > > caused by
    > >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by the
    > > strength of
    > >> the signal from the controller.
    > >>
    > >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200 miliwatt
    > > range there
    > >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate
    control.
    > >>
    > >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and have
    > > discovered
    > >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I will
    > > have a
    > >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > > to "hedge my bets"
    > >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band) that
    > > the Stamp II
    > >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications) The
    > > data radios
    > >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the RSSI
    > > signal I will
    > >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > > reliable comms
    > >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    > > These radios
    > >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full 5
    > > watts output,
    > >> that will get the job done for sure.
    > >>
    > >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they are a
    > > great
    > >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    > >>
    > >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will get
    > > a great
    > >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    > >>
    > >> Mike B.
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>
    Original Message
    > >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > >>
    > >>
    > >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > > also taught
    > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > >>> seems that it does anyway.
    > >>>
    > >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and
    > > popular
    > >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    > >>>
    > >>> www.subcommittee.com
    > >>>
    > >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength,
    > > absorbance,
    > >> something physical -- why their
    > >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I
    > > don't
    > >> understand why. Michael
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    > >>>
    > >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work
    > > very well.
    > >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low
    > > frequencies
    > >> at
    > >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to
    > > about 60
    > >> feet
    > >>>> below the surface.
    > >>>>
    > >>>> Frank
    > >>>>
    > >>>>>
    Original Message
    > >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    > >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > > distance
    > >>>>> of about 100
    > >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    > > use a stamp
    > >> and
    > >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > >>>>> would be great.
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>> Jason
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>>
    > >>>>
    > >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > Subject
    > >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >>>>
    > >>>>
    > >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > Subject and
    > >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >>>
    > >>>
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and Body
    > > of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-27 10:08
    Yes, there'se a lot of info around on google under "underwater digital
    communications". Much of it refers to acoustic messaging.

    You might try some simple experiments with underwater low speed tone
    transmissions between two loudspeaker in plastic bags for waterproofing - a
    fun experiment at bathtime!

    Someone may already have experimented with free-air acoustic digital
    transmission, so there may already be stuff around that you could adapt.

    For experimenting, you could use one loudspeaker as the sender, and the
    other acting as a pickup.

    The sending side is relatively simple. The receive side will need a low
    impedance audio amp and a system to turn a recognised tone into a 5V signal.
    Do a search on google for circuits on the NE 567 PLL. For best results you
    should use one tone for sending binary 0 and one tone for binary 1. So you
    will need one low-impedance pre-amp and two tone converters.

    Getit working in free air to start with to prove it works (nice and noisy) ,
    then underwater. Try it with one tone at a time at first, and try finding
    two seperate frequencies well apart that work well.

    Regards,

    Tony

    Original Message
    From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:46 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication


    > Ben, thanks for that link, it's an interesting article. I've know
    > about ELF for some time, but not those details. The article although
    > does not mention the problems with sending sound through water. Here
    > is a link to a World War II Submarine Sonar operator's manual that
    > talks about what happens to sound when sent through water:
    > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/chap3.htm#3A
    >
    > Here is a link to the full manual:
    > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/index.htm
    >
    > There are a number of underwater acoustic modems on the market,
    > listed below is a link to one that can supposedly do 28k baud with a
    > maximum range of 6 km. Unless you own a oil platform you probably
    > won't be able to afford it.
    > http://www.bmt-wismar.de/bmteng/modem_en.html
    >
    > Here is link to a college paper that talks about what's needed to
    > build a underwater acoustic modem:
    > http://guinness.cs.stevens-tech.edu/~mtalreja/seniord/
    >
    > If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can help out
    > in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@y..., Ben <ben@l...> wrote:
    > > For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz to
    > 300Hz (that
    > > isn't a typo). http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc
    > >
    > > Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel through
    > water well
    > > at all, they use ELF...
    > >
    > > Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...
    > >
    > >
    > > Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    > > --
    > >
    > > http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    > > Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE
    > >
    > > Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.
    > >
    > > Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    > > Mb: +64 21 536 627
    > > 87 Spencer Street
    > > Crofton Downs
    > > Wellington
    > > New Zealand
    > >
    > > "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the
    > glass is
    > > half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs
    > to be."
    > >
    > > No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although
    > the
    > > Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you! Those
    > of you
    > > with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn
    > that
    > > there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning
    > backwards.
    > >
    > > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > > Reply-To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > > >
    > > > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide to go
    > > > with 420mhz?
    > > >
    > > > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the
    > following
    > > > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data link
    > is
    > > > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    > > > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz frequency
    > > > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer using
    > > > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115
    > kbps/sec.
    > > > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one unit
    > > > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a chlorinated
    > > > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about 1 m.
    > > > Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    > > > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a live
    > > > video feed from the CCD camera."
    > > >
    > > > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > > > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > > >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > > > also taught
    > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > >> seems that it does anyway"
    > > >>
    > > >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The R/C
    > > > sub world
    > > >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved for
    > > > over 20) The
    > > >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the attentuation
    > > > caused by
    > > >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by the
    > > > strength of
    > > >> the signal from the controller.
    > > >>
    > > >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200 miliwatt
    > > > range there
    > > >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate
    > control.
    > > >>
    > > >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and have
    > > > discovered
    > > >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I will
    > > > have a
    > > >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > > > to "hedge my bets"
    > > >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band) that
    > > > the Stamp II
    > > >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications) The
    > > > data radios
    > > >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the RSSI
    > > > signal I will
    > > >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > > > reliable comms
    > > >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    > > > These radios
    > > >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full 5
    > > > watts output,
    > > >> that will get the job done for sure.
    > > >>
    > > >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they are a
    > > > great
    > > >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    > > >>
    > > >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will get
    > > > a great
    > > >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    > > >>
    > > >> Mike B.
    > > >>
    > > >>
    > > >>
    Original Message
    > > >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > > >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > > >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > >>
    > > >>
    > > >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I was
    > > > also taught
    > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > >>> seems that it does anyway.
    > > >>>
    > > >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial and
    > > > popular
    > > >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    > > >>>
    > > >>> www.subcommittee.com
    > > >>>
    > > >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of wavelength,
    > > > absorbance,
    > > >> something physical -- why their
    > > >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine but I
    > > > don't
    > > >> understand why. Michael
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    > > >>>
    > > >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not work
    > > > very well.
    > > >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very low
    > > > frequencies
    > > >> at
    > > >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines to
    > > > about 60
    > > >> feet
    > > >>>> below the surface.
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>> Frank
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>>>
    Original Message
    > > >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    > > >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > > > distance
    > > >>>>> of about 100
    > > >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    > > > use a stamp
    > > >> and
    > > >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any ideas
    > > >>>>> would be great.
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>> Jason
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>>
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > > Subject
    > > >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > > Subject and
    > > >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >>>
    > > >>>
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and Body
    > > > of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-27 19:12
    > If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can help out
    > in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.
    >
    An interesting thread....I'm curious as to why & how it began in May and
    continued in November.?!

    If anyone is interested in an uderwater comm project with some experience in
    this sort of thing and some EE know-how, please let me know. I have a
    project I've wanted to do for some time and would not mind having a partner
    on it....

    Chris
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-28 03:10
    Tony, thanks for the info. The simple tone is a good idea, although
    I'm not sure how well a loundspeaker would work at sending and
    receiving sound underwater, if at all. To receive and send sound
    waves in the water a device called a hydrophone is used. The World
    War II Submarine operator's manual listed in a previous reply below
    describes the device. Also the follow link to the Association for
    Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has journal papers
    that describes the use of a hydrophone for detecting ping signals:
    http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/journal.cfm

    --- In basicstamps@y..., tony.wells@a... wrote:
    > Yes, there'se a lot of info around on google under "underwater
    digital
    > communications". Much of it refers to acoustic messaging.
    >
    > You might try some simple experiments with underwater low speed tone
    > transmissions between two loudspeaker in plastic bags for
    waterproofing - a
    > fun experiment at bathtime!
    >
    > Someone may already have experimented with free-air acoustic digital
    > transmission, so there may already be stuff around that you could
    adapt.
    >
    > For experimenting, you could use one loudspeaker as the sender,
    and the
    > other acting as a pickup.
    >
    > The sending side is relatively simple. The receive side will need a
    low
    > impedance audio amp and a system to turn a recognised tone into a
    5V signal.
    > Do a search on google for circuits on the NE 567 PLL. For best
    results you
    > should use one tone for sending binary 0 and one tone for binary 1.
    So you
    > will need one low-impedance pre-amp and two tone converters.
    >
    > Getit working in free air to start with to prove it works (nice and
    noisy) ,
    > then underwater. Try it with one tone at a time at first, and try
    finding
    > two seperate frequencies well apart that work well.
    >
    > Regards,
    >
    > Tony
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:46 AM
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    >
    >
    > > Ben, thanks for that link, it's an interesting article. I've know
    > > about ELF for some time, but not those details. The article
    although
    > > does not mention the problems with sending sound through water.
    Here
    > > is a link to a World War II Submarine Sonar operator's manual that
    > > talks about what happens to sound when sent through water:
    > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/chap3.htm#3A
    > >
    > > Here is a link to the full manual:
    > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/index.htm
    > >
    > > There are a number of underwater acoustic modems on the market,
    > > listed below is a link to one that can supposedly do 28k baud
    with a
    > > maximum range of 6 km. Unless you own a oil platform you probably
    > > won't be able to afford it.
    > > http://www.bmt-wismar.de/bmteng/modem_en.html
    > >
    > > Here is link to a college paper that talks about what's needed to
    > > build a underwater acoustic modem:
    > > http://guinness.cs.stevens-tech.edu/~mtalreja/seniord/
    > >
    > > If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can help
    out
    > > in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.
    > >
    > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Ben <ben@l...> wrote:
    > > > For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz to
    > > 300Hz (that
    > > > isn't a typo).
    http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc
    > > >
    > > > Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel through
    > > water well
    > > > at all, they use ELF...
    > > >
    > > > Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    > > > --
    > > >
    > > > http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    > > > Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE
    > > >
    > > > Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.
    > > >
    > > > Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    > > > Mb: +64 21 536 627
    > > > 87 Spencer Street
    > > > Crofton Downs
    > > > Wellington
    > > > New Zealand
    > > >
    > > > "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the
    > > glass is
    > > > half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it
    needs
    > > to be."
    > > >
    > > > No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email,
    although
    > > the
    > > > Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you!
    Those
    > > of you
    > > > with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to
    learn
    > > that
    > > > there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning
    > > backwards.
    > > >
    > > > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > > > Reply-To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > > > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > > > >
    > > > > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide
    to go
    > > > > with 420mhz?
    > > > >
    > > > > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the
    > > following
    > > > > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data
    link
    > > is
    > > > > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    > > > > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz
    frequency
    > > > > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer
    using
    > > > > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115
    > > kbps/sec.
    > > > > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one
    unit
    > > > > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a
    chlorinated
    > > > > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about
    1 m.
    > > > > Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    > > > > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a
    live
    > > > > video feed from the CCD camera."
    > > > >
    > > > > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > > > > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    > > > >
    > > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > > > >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    was
    > > > > also taught
    > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > >> seems that it does anyway"
    > > > >>
    > > > >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The
    R/C
    > > > > sub world
    > > > >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved
    for
    > > > > over 20) The
    > > > >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the
    attentuation
    > > > > caused by
    > > > >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by
    the
    > > > > strength of
    > > > >> the signal from the controller.
    > > > >>
    > > > >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200
    miliwatt
    > > > > range there
    > > > >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate
    > > control.
    > > > >>
    > > > >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and
    have
    > > > > discovered
    > > > >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I
    will
    > > > > have a
    > > > >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > > > > to "hedge my bets"
    > > > >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band)
    that
    > > > > the Stamp II
    > > > >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications)
    The
    > > > > data radios
    > > > >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the
    RSSI
    > > > > signal I will
    > > > >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > > > > reliable comms
    > > > >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    > > > > These radios
    > > > >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full
    5
    > > > > watts output,
    > > > >> that will get the job done for sure.
    > > > >>
    > > > >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they
    are a
    > > > > great
    > > > >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    > > > >>
    > > > >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will
    get
    > > > > a great
    > > > >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    > > > >>
    > > > >> Mike B.
    > > > >>
    > > > >>
    > > > >>
    Original Message
    > > > >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > > > >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > > >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > > > >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > >>
    > > > >>
    > > > >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    was
    > > > > also taught
    > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > >>> seems that it does anyway.
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial
    and
    > > > > popular
    > > > >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> www.subcommittee.com
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of
    wavelength,
    > > > > absorbance,
    > > > >> something physical -- why their
    > > > >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine
    but I
    > > > > don't
    > > > >> understand why. Michael
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not
    work
    > > > > very well.
    > > > >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very
    low
    > > > > frequencies
    > > > >> at
    > > > >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines
    to
    > > > > about 60
    > > > >> feet
    > > > >>>> below the surface.
    > > > >>>>
    > > > >>>> Frank
    > > > >>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    Original Message
    > > > >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > > > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > > >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > > > > distance
    > > > >>>>> of about 100
    > > > >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    > > > > use a stamp
    > > > >> and
    > > > >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any
    ideas
    > > > >>>>> would be great.
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>> Jason
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the
    > > > >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>>
    > > > >>>>
    > > > >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the
    > > > > Subject
    > > > >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >>>>
    > > > >>>>
    > > > >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the
    > > > > Subject and
    > > > >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >>>
    > > > >>>
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > Subject and Body
    > > > > of the message will be ignored.
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    Subject and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-28 03:42
    By the way here is a link to a home made hydrophone:
    http://sonar-fs.lboro.ac.uk/uag/products/products_hydrophone.html

    --- In basicstamps@y..., "codepro" <codepro@y...> wrote:
    > Tony, thanks for the info. The simple tone is a good idea,
    although
    > I'm not sure how well a loundspeaker would work at sending and
    > receiving sound underwater, if at all. To receive and send sound
    > waves in the water a device called a hydrophone is used. The World
    > War II Submarine operator's manual listed in a previous reply below
    > describes the device. Also the follow link to the Association for
    > Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has journal papers
    > that describes the use of a hydrophone for detecting ping signals:
    > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/journal.cfm
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@y..., tony.wells@a... wrote:
    > > Yes, there'se a lot of info around on google under "underwater
    > digital
    > > communications". Much of it refers to acoustic messaging.
    > >
    > > You might try some simple experiments with underwater low speed
    tone
    > > transmissions between two loudspeaker in plastic bags for
    > waterproofing - a
    > > fun experiment at bathtime!
    > >
    > > Someone may already have experimented with free-air acoustic
    digital
    > > transmission, so there may already be stuff around that you could
    > adapt.
    > >
    > > For experimenting, you could use one loudspeaker as the sender,
    > and the
    > > other acting as a pickup.
    > >
    > > The sending side is relatively simple. The receive side will need
    a
    > low
    > > impedance audio amp and a system to turn a recognised tone into a
    > 5V signal.
    > > Do a search on google for circuits on the NE 567 PLL. For best
    > results you
    > > should use one tone for sending binary 0 and one tone for binary
    1.
    > So you
    > > will need one low-impedance pre-amp and two tone converters.
    > >
    > > Getit working in free air to start with to prove it works (nice
    and
    > noisy) ,
    > > then underwater. Try it with one tone at a time at first, and
    try
    > finding
    > > two seperate frequencies well apart that work well.
    > >
    > > Regards,
    > >
    > > Tony
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:46 AM
    > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > >
    > >
    > > > Ben, thanks for that link, it's an interesting article. I've
    know
    > > > about ELF for some time, but not those details. The article
    > although
    > > > does not mention the problems with sending sound through
    water.
    > Here
    > > > is a link to a World War II Submarine Sonar operator's manual
    that
    > > > talks about what happens to sound when sent through water:
    > > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/chap3.htm#3A
    > > >
    > > > Here is a link to the full manual:
    > > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/index.htm
    > > >
    > > > There are a number of underwater acoustic modems on the market,
    > > > listed below is a link to one that can supposedly do 28k baud
    > with a
    > > > maximum range of 6 km. Unless you own a oil platform you
    probably
    > > > won't be able to afford it.
    > > > http://www.bmt-wismar.de/bmteng/modem_en.html
    > > >
    > > > Here is link to a college paper that talks about what's needed
    to
    > > > build a underwater acoustic modem:
    > > > http://guinness.cs.stevens-tech.edu/~mtalreja/seniord/
    > > >
    > > > If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can
    help
    > out
    > > > in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Ben <ben@l...> wrote:
    > > > > For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz
    to
    > > > 300Hz (that
    > > > > isn't a typo).
    > http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc
    > > > >
    > > > > Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel
    through
    > > > water well
    > > > > at all, they use ELF...
    > > > >
    > > > > Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    > > > > --
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    > > > > Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE
    > > > >
    > > > > Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.
    > > > >
    > > > > Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    > > > > Mb: +64 21 536 627
    > > > > 87 Spencer Street
    > > > > Crofton Downs
    > > > > Wellington
    > > > > New Zealand
    > > > >
    > > > > "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist,
    the
    > > > glass is
    > > > > half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it
    > needs
    > > > to be."
    > > > >
    > > > > No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email,
    > although
    > > > the
    > > > > Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you!
    > Those
    > > > of you
    > > > > with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to
    > learn
    > > > that
    > > > > there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning
    > > > backwards.
    > > > >
    > > > > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > > > > Reply-To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > > > > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > > > > >
    > > > > > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you
    decide
    > to go
    > > > > > with 420mhz?
    > > > > >
    > > > > > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the
    > > > following
    > > > > > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data
    > link
    > > > is
    > > > > > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum
    data
    > > > > > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz
    > frequency
    > > > > > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host
    computer
    > using
    > > > > > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115
    > > > kbps/sec.
    > > > > > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with
    one
    > unit
    > > > > > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a
    > chlorinated
    > > > > > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of
    about
    > 1 m.
    > > > > > Communication with the vehicle can also be established
    using a
    > > > > > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and
    a
    > live
    > > > > > video feed from the CCD camera."
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > > > > > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    > > > > >
    > > > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > > > > >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    > was
    > > > > > also taught
    > > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > > >> seems that it does anyway"
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact.
    The
    > R/C
    > > > > > sub world
    > > > > >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved
    > for
    > > > > > over 20) The
    > > > > >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the
    > attentuation
    > > > > > caused by
    > > > > >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by
    > the
    > > > > > strength of
    > > > > >> the signal from the controller.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200
    > miliwatt
    > > > > > range there
    > > > > >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate
    > > > control.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and
    > have
    > > > > > discovered
    > > > > >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I
    > will
    > > > > > have a
    > > > > >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > > > > > to "hedge my bets"
    > > > > >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band)
    > that
    > > > > > the Stamp II
    > > > > >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications)
    > The
    > > > > > data radios
    > > > > >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the
    > RSSI
    > > > > > signal I will
    > > > > >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > > > > > reliable comms
    > > > > >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as
    needed..
    > > > > > These radios
    > > > > >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a
    full
    > 5
    > > > > > watts output,
    > > > > >> that will get the job done for sure.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they
    > are a
    > > > > > great
    > > > > >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster
    will
    > get
    > > > > > a great
    > > > > >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> Mike B.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    Original Message
    > > > > >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > > > > >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > > > >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > > > > >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    > was
    > > > > > also taught
    > > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > > >>> seems that it does anyway.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very
    substantial
    > and
    > > > > > popular
    > > > > >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> www.subcommittee.com
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of
    > wavelength,
    > > > > > absorbance,
    > > > > >> something physical -- why their
    > > > > >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine
    > but I
    > > > > > don't
    > > > > >> understand why. Michael
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not
    > work
    > > > > > very well.
    > > > > >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very
    > low
    > > > > > frequencies
    > > > > >> at
    > > > > >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by
    submarines
    > to
    > > > > > about 60
    > > > > >> feet
    > > > > >>>> below the surface.
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> Frank
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    Original Message
    > > > > >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > > > > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > > > >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > > > > > distance
    > > > > >>>>> of about 100
    > > > > >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want
    to
    > > > > > use a stamp
    > > > > >> and
    > > > > >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any
    > ideas
    > > > > >>>>> would be great.
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Jason
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
    in
    > the
    > > > > >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text
    in
    > the
    > > > > > Subject
    > > > > >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    > the
    > > > > > Subject and
    > > > > >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    the
    > > > Subject and Body
    > > > > > of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and
    > > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > >
    > > >
    > > >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2002-11-28 09:51
    Well, you *could* go and buy a surplus hydrophone. But what is a hyrodphone?
    It is a loudspeaker mechanism with a metal plate attached instead of a paper
    cone.

    Speakers do work well underwater - I was present at the first underwater
    marriage ceremony in the UK. Underwater speakers played "here comes the
    bride etc"

    Why don't you try the speaker thing for yourself in the bath(!)

    Hook up a small loudspeaker to a battery radio and tune to your favorite
    station, put it in a plastic bag and stick your head underwater. You'll soon
    identify the best frequencies for underwater transmission!!

    Tony
    Original Message
    From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2002 3:10 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication


    > Tony, thanks for the info. The simple tone is a good idea, although
    > I'm not sure how well a loundspeaker would work at sending and
    > receiving sound underwater, if at all. To receive and send sound
    > waves in the water a device called a hydrophone is used. The World
    > War II Submarine operator's manual listed in a previous reply below
    > describes the device. Also the follow link to the Association for
    > Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has journal papers
    > that describes the use of a hydrophone for detecting ping signals:
    > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/journal.cfm
    >
    > --- In basicstamps@y..., tony.wells@a... wrote:
    > > Yes, there'se a lot of info around on google under "underwater
    > digital
    > > communications". Much of it refers to acoustic messaging.
    > >
    > > You might try some simple experiments with underwater low speed tone
    > > transmissions between two loudspeaker in plastic bags for
    > waterproofing - a
    > > fun experiment at bathtime!
    > >
    > > Someone may already have experimented with free-air acoustic digital
    > > transmission, so there may already be stuff around that you could
    > adapt.
    > >
    > > For experimenting, you could use one loudspeaker as the sender,
    > and the
    > > other acting as a pickup.
    > >
    > > The sending side is relatively simple. The receive side will need a
    > low
    > > impedance audio amp and a system to turn a recognised tone into a
    > 5V signal.
    > > Do a search on google for circuits on the NE 567 PLL. For best
    > results you
    > > should use one tone for sending binary 0 and one tone for binary 1.
    > So you
    > > will need one low-impedance pre-amp and two tone converters.
    > >
    > > Getit working in free air to start with to prove it works (nice and
    > noisy) ,
    > > then underwater. Try it with one tone at a time at first, and try
    > finding
    > > two seperate frequencies well apart that work well.
    > >
    > > Regards,
    > >
    > > Tony
    > >
    > >
    Original Message
    > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > Sent: Wednesday, November 27, 2002 9:46 AM
    > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > >
    > >
    > > > Ben, thanks for that link, it's an interesting article. I've know
    > > > about ELF for some time, but not those details. The article
    > although
    > > > does not mention the problems with sending sound through water.
    > Here
    > > > is a link to a World War II Submarine Sonar operator's manual that
    > > > talks about what happens to sound when sent through water:
    > > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/chap3.htm#3A
    > > >
    > > > Here is a link to the full manual:
    > > > http://www.maritime.org/fleetsub/sonar/index.htm
    > > >
    > > > There are a number of underwater acoustic modems on the market,
    > > > listed below is a link to one that can supposedly do 28k baud
    > with a
    > > > maximum range of 6 km. Unless you own a oil platform you probably
    > > > won't be able to afford it.
    > > > http://www.bmt-wismar.de/bmteng/modem_en.html
    > > >
    > > > Here is link to a college paper that talks about what's needed to
    > > > build a underwater acoustic modem:
    > > > http://guinness.cs.stevens-tech.edu/~mtalreja/seniord/
    > > >
    > > > If anyone is serious about building one, let me know. I can help
    > out
    > > > in programming, but my knowledge of EE is limited.
    > > >
    > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Ben <ben@l...> wrote:
    > > > > For underwater comms, Military Subs use ELF. ie - from 30Hz to
    > > > 300Hz (that
    > > > > isn't a typo).
    > http://www.oldradio.com/archives/jurassic/ELF.doc
    > > > >
    > > > > Basically because higher frequency radio will not travel through
    > > > water well
    > > > > at all, they use ELF...
    > > > >
    > > > > Problem then becomes building a receiver or transmitter...
    > > > >
    > > > >
    > > > > Ben, Wellington, New Zealand.
    > > > > --
    > > > >
    > > > > http://www.lennard.net.nz/
    > > > > Ben Lennard, NCEE, Dip EE
    > > > >
    > > > > Electronics R&D - Kiwi Made, Innovative Electronics.
    > > > >
    > > > > Hm: +64 4 972 7567
    > > > > Mb: +64 21 536 627
    > > > > 87 Spencer Street
    > > > > Crofton Downs
    > > > > Wellington
    > > > > New Zealand
    > > > >
    > > > > "To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the
    > > > glass is
    > > > > half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it
    > needs
    > > > to be."
    > > > >
    > > > > No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email,
    > although
    > > > the
    > > > > Dog next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you!
    > Those
    > > > of you
    > > > > with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to
    > learn
    > > > that
    > > > > there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning
    > > > backwards.
    > > > >
    > > > > > From: "codepro" <codepro@y...>
    > > > > > Reply-To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > > Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 23:37:55 -0000
    > > > > > To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Underwater communication
    > > > > >
    > > > > > I am also a amateur radio operator. Mike why did you decide
    > to go
    > > > > > with 420mhz?
    > > > > >
    > > > > > MIT has developed a submarine called ORCA. It states the
    > > > following
    > > > > > in the journal paper that describes ORCA "The wireless data
    > link
    > > > is
    > > > > > a pair of Freewave DGRO frequency-hopping spread spectrum data
    > > > > > transceivers. These devices operate over the 902-928 MHz
    > frequency
    > > > > > band, transmitting at 1 W. They connect to the host computer
    > using
    > > > > > an RS-232 serial port and have a maximum data rate of 115
    > > > kbps/sec.
    > > > > > In air, they have a 20-mile line-of-sight range, but with one
    > unit
    > > > > > underwater, depth becomes the limiting factor. In a
    > chlorinated
    > > > > > swimming pool, the units perform well up to a depth of about
    > 1 m.
    > > > > > Communication with the vehicle can also be established using a
    > > > > > tether which provides an Ethernet link to the computer and a
    > live
    > > > > > video feed from the CCD camera."
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Here is the link to the journal paper:
    > > > > > http://www.auvsi.org/competitions/2002/papers/MIT.pdf
    > > > > >
    > > > > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Mike Blier <w6ffc@p...> wrote:
    > > > > >> "It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    > was
    > > > > > also taught
    > > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > > >> seems that it does anyway"
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I wasn't offering an opinion rather I was stating fact. The
    > R/C
    > > > > > sub world
    > > > > >> has been around for many, many years.(I have been involved
    > for
    > > > > > over 20) The
    > > > > >> ranges we are talking about is quite short and the
    > attentuation
    > > > > > caused by
    > > > > >> the radio receiver and antenna being in water is offset by
    > the
    > > > > > strength of
    > > > > >> the signal from the controller.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> With standard R/C equipment only operating in the 200
    > miliwatt
    > > > > > range there
    > > > > >> is still enough signal to penetrate the water for adequate
    > > > control.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I am also an amateur radio operator for over 43 years and
    > have
    > > > > > discovered
    > > > > >> the RF doesn't always obey the standard conventions... I
    > will
    > > > > > have a
    > > > > >> considerable investment in the current sub project and so
    > > > > > to "hedge my bets"
    > > > > >> I will be using 420 Mhz radios (in the 70 cm amateur band)
    > that
    > > > > > the Stamp II
    > > > > >> will talk to on both ends. (Bidirectional communications)
    > The
    > > > > > data radios
    > > > > >> have as an output the received signal strength. With the
    > RSSI
    > > > > > signal I will
    > > > > >> use it to determine the power output necessary to maintain
    > > > > > reliable comms
    > > > > >> with the shore unit and adjust the transmitter(s) as needed..
    > > > > > These radios
    > > > > >> are programmable under Stamp II control from 50 mw to a full
    > 5
    > > > > > watts output,
    > > > > >> that will get the job done for sure.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> I see you have posted the SubCommette web site link, they
    > are a
    > > > > > great
    > > > > >> bunch and an excellent resource.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> R/C subs are a blast and I am sure the original poster will
    > get
    > > > > > a great
    > > > > >> deal of enjoyment from the hobby.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >> Mike B.
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    Original Message
    > > > > >> From: "Michael Gianturco" <michcg@m...>
    > > > > >> To: <basicstamps@y...>
    > > > > >> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 8:23 AM
    > > > > >> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>
    > > > > >>> It is interesting to see the range of opinions on this. I
    > was
    > > > > > also taught
    > > > > >> that RF doesn't work underwater, but it
    > > > > >>> seems that it does anyway.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Take a look at this site, dedicated to the very substantial
    > and
    > > > > > popular
    > > > > >> hobby of R/C submarines.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> www.subcommittee.com
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Maybe one of these guys could explain, in terms of
    > wavelength,
    > > > > > absorbance,
    > > > > >> something physical -- why their
    > > > > >>> machines remain under good control. I know it works fine
    > but I
    > > > > > don't
    > > > > >> understand why. Michael
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Frank Stratton wrote:
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>> I'm an amateur Radio Operator and RF underwater does not
    > work
    > > > > > very well.
    > > > > >>>> The only RF frequencies that may work at all is the very
    > low
    > > > > > frequencies
    > > > > >> at
    > > > > >>>> 160 khz or less. These frequencies are used by submarines
    > to
    > > > > > about 60
    > > > > >> feet
    > > > > >>>> below the surface.
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> Frank
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    Original Message
    > > > > >>>>> From: Jason W. Day [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:j_w_day@y...]
    > > > > >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 9:12 PM
    > > > > >>>>> To: basicstamps@y...
    > > > > >>>>> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Underwater communication
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Anyone have an idea on how to send a wireless signal a
    > > > > > distance
    > > > > >>>>> of about 100
    > > > > >>>>> feet underwater. Does RF work under water? I just want to
    > > > > > use a stamp
    > > > > >> and
    > > > > >>>>> send a signal to another stamp to turn on a light. Any
    > ideas
    > > > > >>>>> would be great.
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Thanks in advance,
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Jason
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    > the
    > > > > >>>>> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>>
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    > the
    > > > > > Subject
    > > > > >> and Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>>
    > > > > >>>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > >>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > >>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
    > the
    > > > > > Subject and
    > > > > >> Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >>>
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > > > Subject and Body
    > > > > > of the message will be ignored.
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > > > > >
    > > > > >
    > > >
    > > >
    > > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
    > > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
    > Subject and
    > > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > > >
    > > >
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