Welcome to TechXcite

Modules

Wireless Transmission: Burglar Alarm

WARNING: The Wireless Burglar Alarm Electronics kit is longer available. We will continue to look for viable alternatives and will revise Activities 2, 3, and 4 at a later date if possible. For now, we advise against using this module.

This TechXcite: Discover Engineering! module introduces kids to the fascinating technology of signal transmission. It is an interdisciplinary engineering project for students to build an alarm system that could be used in their own rooms. An alarm system needs a sensor to detect an intruder, a transmitter to send the signal, and a receiver to trigger an alarm to warn the user. The students experiment with a simple switch detector. They build a transmitter and receiver that send and receive a signal via wires, and then modify them by adding a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter and receiver chip set to send the signal wirelessly. Finally, the students record sounds that play when the alarm is triggered. Students utilize electrical engineering and mechanical engineering to create these practical alarm systems.

If you're using this curriculum and not a part of the TechXcite grant, please click here and fill out a brief survey to let us know where you're using it and with how many students. Click the links below to access PDF files of the module:

If you are a 4-H agent or other staff using this TechXcite curriculum module and materials kit as part of the research grant, please complete the following brief survey which asks questions about how you were trained. Please complete the survey even if your only form of training on the module is to watch the pre-recorded videos below. It is not necessary to complete the paper based training survey included with your materials kit if you complete this online survey. » Click Here to Take the Survey

Video Training

The training playlist contains multiple videos. Click the playlist button to see all of them. Click next to skip to the next video.

Ordering Materials

Additional Resources click items below to expand

Video of College Grads for use in Activity 1

http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/smgphp/mosart/video_archive_2.html
The video labeled MIT graduates shows students on graduation day trying to do the opening part of activity 1. Your students may enjoy watching this after attempting it themselves. This is from the MOSART (Misconceptions-Oriented Standards-Based Assessment Resources for Teachers): Self Service Site.

Wireless Communication

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless
This site provides an overview and introduction of wireless communications fundamentals. It gives a history of the development of wireless communications and describes common uses and types. Additional information is provided about the radio frequency which is used by many devices.

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless
This site provides an overview of the current state of wireless communications. It gives many examples of devices that rely on wireless communications. Also, the site includes descriptions of current cellular wireless communication types and has links to more detailed information on specific types of wireless communications (i.e. IR, GSM, WLAN).

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessinternet/a/internetservice.htm
This site contains information about wireless communications to provide internet access. Satellite, Public Wi-Fi, and Mobile Broadband, are all described.

http://www.wireless-nets.com/resources/downloads/wireless_industry_report_2007.pdf
This site includes in depth report covering current wireless platforms, their attributes, current state, and technological issues. It includes information on Bluetooth, Zibee, WiFi and WiMax.

Encoder / Decoder

http://www.basicsofcomputer.com/what_is_encoder_decoder.htm
This site includes the very basics including definitions and functions.

http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/encoding-and-decoding
This site includes definition and uses of encoder / decoder. It gives examples of common encoding and decoding. Also included is a list of commonly used codes for data transmission.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoder
This site contains a description of decoder and provides links to encoder. It gives a great example of simple decoders and uses.

Radio Frequency (RF)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_frequency
This site gives definition of Radio Frequency (RF) frequency range. Properties and uses for both communication and power transmission are described. The RF frequency spectrum is described and detailed. Medical uses of RF energy are described.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/radio8.htm
This site provides an overview on how AM radio works from transmitter to receiver. It provides an easy to understand but thorough description.

Transmitter Circuit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3I_e7gIyfQg
This site includes a video explanation of the history of radio transmissions including its method and use. It provides a demonstration and schematic of very simple RF transmitter circuit. Also the site provides an explanation of AM radio signals

http://www.lirc.org/improved_transmitter.html
This site contains a simple signal-powered infra-red transmitter circuit schematic with a definition of how it works.

http://www.electronicsteacher.com/list-of-schematics/t/transmitter_circuits.php
This site includes a large list of transmitter circuit schematics that can be home/class built.

Wireless Transmission

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/wireless
This site provides an overview of the current state of wireless communications. It gives many examples of devices which rely on wireless communications. Also, the site includes descriptions of current cellular wireless communication types and has links to more detailed information on specific types of wireless communications (i.e. IR, GSM, WLAN).

This curriculum is currently being piloted and has not been approved by National 4-H Council. If you have suggestions or would like more information, please contact us at techxcite@duke.edu.