Edgefx Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

The project is designed to develop a dish positioning system which can be operated by using a conventional TV remote. The main application of using a dish is to receive signal from satellites and other broadcasting sources.

In order to position the dish to the exact angle to receive the maximum signal of a particular frequency, it needs to be adjusted manually.

In order to overcome the difficulty of adjusting manually, this proposed system helps in adjusting the position of the dish through a simple TV Remote. This system consists of two motors that enable the dish to move both in horizontal and vertical direction.

The TV remote acts as a transmitter whose data is received by an IR receiver which is interfaced to a microcontroller of 8051 family. The TV remote sends coded data to the receiver whose output is then sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller sends control signals to the motors through an interface IC also known as motor driver IC.

The code followed by the TV remote is a standard RC5 code. This code is used in the program to recognize the input code from the TV remote for the controller to develop appropriate output signal for the motor driver IC.

Further the project can be enhanced by using RF control instead of IR which has got line of sight communication restrictions.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 186

The project is designed to control a circuit breaker with help of a password only. A keypad is connected to the project to enter the password. Fatal electrical accidents to the line man are increasing during the electric line repair due to the lack of communication and co-ordination between the maintenance staff and the electric substation staff.

This proposed system provides a solution, which can ensure the safety of the maintenance staff e.g. line man. The control to turn ON/OFF the line lies with the line man only. This system has an arrangement such that a password is required to operate the circuit breaker (ON/OFF). Line man can turn off the supply and comfortably repair it, and return to the substation, then turn on the line by entering the correct password.

The system is fully controlled by a microcontroller from 8051 family. A matrix keypad is interfaced to the microcontroller to enter the password. The entered password is compared with the password stored in the ROM of the microcontroller. If the password entered is correct, then only the line can be turned ON/OFF. Activation / deactivation of the circuit breaker is indicated by a lamp (ON/OFF).

Further the project can be enhanced by using an EEPROM for user to change the password for a more secured system. It can also be interfaced with a GSM modem for remotely controlling the circuit breaker via SMS.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 32

The project is designed to protect an induction motor from single phasing and over temperature. Providing a protection system is very important in industries, using lot of motors such that production is not hampered owing to failure of any motor.

The basic idea for the development of this project is to provide safety to the industrial motor/pump/lift Motor etc. If any of the phases, out of the 3 phases is missing or if the temperature of the motor during operation exceeds the threshold value, motor stops immediately.

The system uses a 3-Phase power supply where three single phase transformers are connected to it. If any of the phases is not available the corresponding transformer stops supplying power to the circuit. This leads to one of the four relays getting switched OFF.

The main relay which is powered through a set of four relays gets disconnected because of one relay not being powered. Thus the main relay that delivers 3 phase supply to the motor gets disconnected. A thermistor is connected to the motor body to sense the temperature. If the temperature increases then supply to the fourth relay is disconnected.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 160

The project is designed to develop a robotic vehicle that can sense metals ahead of it on its path similar to sensing land mines. The robot is controlled by a remote using RF technology.

It consists of a metal detector circuit interfaced to the control unit that alarms the user behind it about a suspected land mine ahead. An 8051 series of microcontroller is used for the desired operation.

At the transmitting end using push buttons, commands are sent to the receiver to control the movement of the robot either to move forward, backward and left or right etc. At the receiving end two motors are interfaced to the microcontroller where they are used for the movement of the vehicle.

The RF transmitter acts as a RF remote control that has the advantage of adequate range (up to 200 meters) with proper antenna, while the receiver decodes before feeding it to another microcontroller to drive DC motors via motor driver IC for necessary work.

A metal detector circuit is mounted on the robot body and its operation is carried out automatically on sensing a any metal underneath. As soon as the robot senses this metal it generates an alarm sound. This is to alert the operator of a possible metal (eg: land mine) ahead on its path.

Further the project can be enhanced by mounting a wireless camera on the robot so that the operator can control the movement of the robot remotely by watching it on a screen.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 149A

Dual converter is a power electronics control system to get either polarity DC from AC rectification by forward converter and reverse converter . It can run a DC motors in either direction with speed control too .

This single phase converter is achieved by using a pair of thyristor controlled bridge (4 SCRs X 2 ) that enables the DC motor to get reversed polarity for either direction rotation and speed control also lowered in steps by Microcontroller triggering each bridge SCR bank of duly interfaced through opto-isolators.

A pair of switches is used to input logical signal for the desired output. If input of 230 volt ac is given to the dual SCR bridge we can have a 100 watt lamp load and the DC polarity across the lamp is checked. Alternatively we can use 12 volt ac at the input and a 12 volt DC motor to verify either direction rotation as the polarity gets reversed.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 290

The project is designed to control the speed of a single phase induction motor in three steps by using cyclo convertor technique by thyristors. A.C. motors have the great advantages of being relatively inexpensive and very reliable.

Induction motors in particular are very robust and therefore used in many domestic appliances such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, water pumps, and used in industries as well. The induction motor is known as a constant-speed machine, the difficulty of varying its speed by a cost effective device is one of its main disadvantages. 

As the AC supply frequency cannot be changed, so this project uses a thyristor controlled cyclo converter which enables the control of speed in steps for an induction motor. The microcontroller used in this project is from 8051 family, a pair of slide switches is provided to select the desired speed range (F, F/2 and F/3) of operation of the induction motor. These switches are interfaced to the microcontroller.

The status of the switches enables the microcontroller to deliver the pulses to trigger the SCR’s in a dual bridge. Thus, the speed of the induction motor can be achieved in three steps i.e. (F, F/2 and F/3).

This very concept can be further enhanced and implemented to control the speed of a three phase induction motor. It can also be coupled with firing angle control for any desired speed.

Note: An induction motor is used to observe the output of the project. Motor is not supplied along with the kit. However, it can be purchased on extra cost.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 42

The project uses a digital temperature sensor for precise control of temperature in medical applications or industries. This system is better than analog/thermostat system, which has poor accuracy. For example, it can used for temperature control of an incubator where maintaining a precise temperature is very important.

An incubator is an apparatus used to maintain temperature conditions suitable for a neonate (newborn baby) and used particularly for preterm births of babies. This proposed control system provides the temperature information on a display and, when the temperature exceeds the set point, then the load (i.e. heater) switches OFF. In this project a lamp is provided as a load for demonstration purpose.

The system is using a microcontroller of 8051 family. Display unit consists of four no’s of seven segment display, and are interfaced to the microcontroller. A digital temperature sensor interfaced to the microcontroller for sensing the temperature conditions.

This system also provides four push button switches for adjusting the temperature settings. Then the microcontroller continuously polls the temperature information through a digital temperature sensor and displays over the 7_segment display unit and automatically switches OFF the lamp, when the corresponding temperature exceeds the set point.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 18

The aim of this project is to measure solar cell parameters through multiple sensor data acquisition. In this project a solar panel is used which keeps monitoring the sunlight. Here different parameters of the solar panel like the light intensity, voltage, current and the temperature are monitored.

The microcontroller used here is PIC16F8 family.The light intensity is monitored using an LDR sensor, voltage by voltage divider principle, current by current sensor and temperature by temperature sensor. All these data are displayed on a 16X2 LCD interfaced to PIC micro controller.

The power supply consists of a step down transformer 230/12V, which steps down the voltage to 12V AC. This is converted to DC using a bridge rectifier. The ripples are removed using a capacitive filter and it is then regulated to +5V using a voltage regulator 7805 which is required for the operation of microcontroller and other circuits.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: PIC111

The project is designed to measure the distance of any object by using an ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasonic means of distance measurement is a convenient method compared to traditional one using measurement scales.

This kind of measurement is particularly applicable to inaccessible areas where traditional means cannot be implemented such as high temperature, pressure zones etc.

This proposed system uses an ultrasonic module interfaced to a microcontroller of 8051 family. An ultrasonic transducer comprising of a transmitter and receiver are used for the project. The transmitted waves are reflected back from the object and received by the transducer again.

The total time taken from sending the waves to receiving it is calculated by taking into consideration the velocity of sound. Then the distance is calculated by a program running on the microcontroller and displayed on an LCD screen interfaced to the microcontroller. The ultrasonic sensor produces 40 kHz sound waves.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 47

The main aim of the project is to process the real time data acquisition under supervisory control for large scale remote industrial environment.

In large industrial establishments many processes go on, therefore it is essential to monitor all the processes and control the factors affecting them. Adapting a technology like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) one can achieve the above mentioned objective effectively, and thus saving a lot of manpower.

For achieving this real-time scenario, a temperature logging system for a remote plant operation is taken. Here temperature sensors are duly interfaced to the 8051 microcontroller. Data collected from the temperature sensors are constantly sent to the microcontroller which is in turn connected to a PC.

At the front end, "DAQ System" (software) is loaded on the computer which takes these values and displays them on its front panel, and also logs them in the database. One can set parameters like set point, low limit and high limit on the computer screen.

When the temperature of a sensor goes beyond set point the microcontroller sends a command to the corresponding relay. The heaters (shown as lamps) connected through relay contacts (corresponding to their sensors) are turned OFF (or ON in vice versa). High limit and low limit features are available for generating an AV alarm on the PC in the event of system failure.

Hence, processes at hazardous areas can be controlled with more accuracy and better safety using SCADA. Adapting such a technology will save both money and time.

NOTE: This project works only on Windows XP operating system. The computer must have a serial port (RS232) in it.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 76

This ultrasonic level controller comprises of an ultrasonic module which detects precise range by reflection coming ahead of it. This module is interfaced with the serial port of microcontroller.

Whenever level distance measured by cm falls below a set point the pump starts since by sensing the ultrasonic module signal coming out from the Tx sensor being reflected from the level and is received by the ultrasonic Rx sensor the output of which is fed to microcontroller.

When the microcontroller receives the signal from ultrasonic receiver it activates the relay through a MOSFET that operated the pump on or off.

The power supply consists of an electronic transformer (230V, 50Hz/12V, 25KHz) which steps down the voltage to 12V AC. This is converted to DC using a Bridge rectifier.

The ripples are removed using a capacitive filter and it is then regulated to +5V using a voltage regulator 7805 which is required for the operation of the microcontroller and other components.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 292

The project is designed to reduce the power loss in industries by power factor compensation through a number of shunt capacitors. This results in reduction in amount of electrical bill for industries and commercial establishments.

Power factor is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power. This definition is often mathematically represented as KW/KVA, where the numerator is the active (real) power and the denominator is the (active + reactive) or apparent power.

Reactive power is the non working power generated by the magnetic and inductive loads, to generate magnetic flux. The increase in reactive power increases the apparent power, so the power factor also decreases. Having low power factor, the industry needs more energy to meet its demand, so the efficiency decreases.

In this proposed system the time lag between the zero voltage pulse and zero current pulse duly generated by suitable operational amplifier circuits in comparator mode are fed to two interrupt pins of the microcontroller. Microcontroller displays the power loss due to the inductive load on the LCD.

The program takes over to actuate appropriate number of relays at its output to bring shunt capacitors into the load circuit to get zero power loss. The 8 bit microcontroller used in the project belongs to 8051 family.

Further the project can be enhanced by using thyristor control switches instead of relay control to avoid contact pitting often encountered by switching of capacitors due to high in rush current.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 251

The objective of this project is to synchronize traffic lights at each junction in such a way that the traffic moving at a specific speed always gets a green light, so that it never stops.

Due to rapid urbanization and increase in population, the traffic congestion has also increased in all major cities. This has become a major problem affecting everybody. Due to unplanned traffic management and sticking to outdated methods, problem has only deteriorated.

In this proposed system multiple microcontrollers are used. They communicate with each other via serial communication. Three microcontrollers are used to synchronize the traffic lights at three junctions.

Each microcontroller is responsible for one particular junction. If the vehicles are assumed to travel at a particular speed, then the traffic signals change in such a way, that the vehicle gets green signal which results in less traffic congestion.

This kind of technology is used in modern automobiles where multiple microcontrollers are used, as the number of microcontrollers increase, the communication between them becomes essential for collective decision.

For communication among themselves serial communication is preferred and a lot of serial buses and protocols were developed optimizing different parameters of the communication. The major advantage of adopting this technology is that, there is no need for any centralized body to monitor the direction of traffic flow. As human involvement is negligible, there will be little scope of human error.

Hence, this approach is boon for government and local authorities facing financial constraints as they can’t spend money on costly cameras and software.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: PIC112

The project is designed to develop a high voltage DC around 2KV from a supply source of 230V AC using the capacitors and diodes in a ladder network based on voltage multiplier concept.

The method for stepping up the voltage is commonly done by a step-up transformer. The output of the secondary of the step up transformer increases the voltage and decreases the current. The other method for stepping up the voltage is a voltage multiplier but from AC to DC. Voltage multipliers are primarily used to develop high voltages where low current is required.

This project describes the concept to develop high voltage DC (even till 10KV output and beyond) from a single phase AC. For safety reasons our project restricts the multiplication factor to 8 such that the output would be within 2KV. This concept of generation is used in electronic appliances like the CRT’s, TV Picture tubes, oscilloscope and also used in industrial applications.

The design of the circuit involves voltage multiplier, whose principle is to go on doubling the voltage for each stage. Thus, the output from an 8 stage voltage multiplier can generate up to 2KV. As this is not possible to be measured by a standard multimeter, a potential divider of 10:1 is used at the output such that 200V reading means 2KV. Due to low input impedance of the multimeter, the reading would actually be approximately 7 times the input AC voltage.

Further the project can be enhanced to generate the high voltage DC up to the range of 30-50 KV by increasing the number of stages. It can then be used for required industrial and medical applications.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 168

The project is designed to provide low voltage start to induction motors. This is achieved by using star to delta conversion. Star/Delta starters are probably the most common reduced voltage starters in the 50Hz industrial motor world. Star delta is used in an attempt to reduce the start current applied to the motor. Thereafter, full load current is applied to the motor.

The Star/Delta starter is generally manufactured from three contactors; and electromechanical timer and a thermal overload for operating a 3 phase motor at 440 volt at ac mains supply 50 Hz. The interlocking arrangement of all the contactor coils is traditionally wired in 440 volt AC.

This project uses a system to start a 3 phase motor at 440 volt AC mains supply 50 Hz with a set of 12 volt DC relays in star mode first and then to delta mode by an electronically adjustable timer. A set of relays are used to shift the motor connections from star to delta with a time delay.

The project is supplied with six lamps instead of a 3 phase motor i.e., two lamps representing each phase winding of the motor. The interlocking arrangement of the relay coils and the electronic timer are all wired in low voltage DC of 12 volt fed from an inbuilt DC power supply for safe handling of the starter during the study. It still retains its application for a 3 phase motor starting with single phasing prevention also.

During star operation the lamps would glow dim indicating the supply voltage across the coils are 440/root of (3). In delta condition after the timer operates the lamps would glow with full intensity indicating full supply voltage of 440volts. The timer comprises of a 555 in mono-stable mode the output of which is fed to a relay for changing the mains supply from 3 phase star to delta.

The project also has the provision of single phasing protection since 3 phase motors get burnt if any one phase goes missing during running. The output to the lamps shall be completely cut-off in the event of any phase failure. 

Further the project can be enhanced by using a thyristors in firing angle control principle for soft start of the induction motor that would overcome all the drawbacks of star delta starter.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 13

The main objective of this project is to develop a pre warning system to avoid stampede in places where large gathering of people take place.

In many religious places, political rallies and places where large public gathering takes place there are chances for stampede to occur due to various reasons. This proposed system warns in advance to authorities about gathering of a large number of people in a particular place before any stampede occurs.

This project will help us develop a turbulent pedestrian flow prediction and risk management system in most of pilgrimage places, where stampede is often encountered owing to mass movement. This is achieved when a large number of pressure switches are actuated as the people start gathering in one place.

The switches are interfaced to a microcontroller of 8051 family, when a certain number of switches are pressed which exceeds the predefined number then microcontroller generates an output to switch on a buzzer alerting the authorities about a possible stampede. The status is also displayed on the LCD which is duly interfaced to the microcontroller.

Further the project can be enhanced by interfacing a GSM modem to the microcontroller so that a warning message is sent to the concerned authorities via SMS.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 232

The aim of this project is to develop a home automation system that can be controlled remotely using a landline connection. The home automation is one of the most emerging trends in modernization of home appliance control.  Presently, conventional wall switches are located in different parts of the house and one has to physically go near them and press them to turn the loads on/off. It becomes very difficult for the elderly or physically handicapped people to do so

This system is designed to provide control of home appliances through landline by dialing the designated number for the particular load. Dialing can be done from the home phone or a call made to the home number from outside. This system is designed without engaging a programmable microcontroller but is based on digital logic using DTMF technology (Dual Tone multiple frequency) which receives the command from the landline phone to develop digital output.

This digital signal is further processed to actuate switching mechanism through relay driver to turn on/off the loads/appliances. It can be used to switch appliances from anywhere, overcoming the limited range of other infrared and radio frequency type controls. This proposed system gives a new direction to the development of home automation. 

 The concept of this system can be extended in future by giving an acknowledgement message to the user by system on the status of loads by using GSM modem

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 226

The project is designed to provide a soft and smooth start to a 3 phase induction motor. The three phase induction motor during the initial starting condition draws up much higher current than its capacity and the motor instantly reaches the full speed. This results in a mechanical jerk and high electrical stress on the windings of the motor. Sometimes the windings may get burnt. The induction motor should start smoothly and gradually catch up the speed for a safer operation.

This project is designed to give a soft start to the induction motor based on the SCR firing triggered by heavily delayed firing angle during starting and then gradually reducing the delay till it reaches zero voltage triggering. This results in low voltage during start and then gradually to full voltage. Thus the motor starts slowly and then slowly picks up to full speed.

This project consists of a six anti-parallel SCRs, two for each phase, the output of which is connected to a set of lamps representing the coils of a 3 phase induction motor. The charging and discharging of capacitors is interfaced to comparators resulting in delayed firing pulses during start and then gradually reducing the delay till the motor runs at full speed. Output from the comparators is fed through opto-isolators to trigger the SCRs.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 163A

The project is designed for LED based street lights with auto intensity control using solar power from photovoltaic cells. As awareness for solar energy is increasing, more and more individuals and institutions are opting for solar energy. Photovoltaic panels are used for charging batteries by converting the sunlight into electricity. A charge controller circuit is used to control the charging.

 Intensity of street lights is required to be kept high during the peak hours. As the traffic on the roads tends to decrease slowly in late nights, the intensity can be reduced progressively till morning to save energy. Thus, the street lights switch ON at the dusk and then switch OFF at the dawn automatically. The process repeats every day.

High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID) used for urban street light are based on principle of gas discharge, thus the intensity is not controllable by any voltage reduction method as the discharge path is broken. LED lights are the future of lighting, because of their low energy consumption and long life they are fast replacing conventional lights world over.

White Light Emitting Diode (LED) can replace the HID lamps where intensity control is possible by pulse width modulation. The intensity control helps in saving energy during late nights while traffic density on the streets is low.

A programmable microcontroller of 8051 family is engaged to provide different intensities at the different times of night using PWM technique, for energy saving for solar based system, using a charge controller for battery charging, overload and deep discharge protection.

Further the project can be enhanced by using time programmed dusk to dawn switching based on latitude and longitude of a specific place. It can also be interfaced to a LDR to follow the switching operation precisely.

The project is designed for LED based street lights with auto intensity control using solar power from photovoltaic cells. As awareness for solar energy is increasing, more and more individuals and institutions are opting for solar energy. Photovoltaic panels are used for charging batteries by converting the sunlight into electricity. A charge controller circuit is used to control the charging.

 Intensity of street lights is required to be kept high during the peak hours. As the traffic on the roads tends to decrease slowly in late nights, the intensity can be reduced progressively till morning to save energy. Thus, the street lights switch ON at the dusk and then switch OFF at the dawn automatically. The process repeats every day.

High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID) used for urban street light are based on principle of gas discharge, thus the intensity is not controllable by any voltage reduction method as the discharge path is broken. LED lights are the future of lighting, because of their low energy consumption and long life they are fast replacing conventional lights world over.

White Light Emitting Diode (LED) can replace the HID lamps where intensity control is possible by pulse width modulation. The intensity control helps in saving energy during late nights while traffic density on the streets is low.

A programmable microcontroller of 8051 family is engaged to provide different intensities at the different times of night using PWM technique, for energy saving for solar based system, using a charge controller for battery charging, overload and deep discharge protection.

Further the project can be enhanced by using time programmed dusk to dawn switching based on latitude and longitude of a specific place. It can also be interfaced to a LDR to follow the switching operation precisely.

The project is designed for LED based street lights with auto intensity control using solar power from photovoltaic cells. As awareness for solar energy is increasing, more and more individuals and institutions are opting for solar energy. Photovoltaic panels are used for charging batteries by converting the sunlight into electricity. A charge controller circuit is used to control the charging.

 Intensity of street lights is required to be kept high during the peak hours. As the traffic on the roads tends to decrease slowly in late nights, the intensity can be reduced progressively till morning to save energy. Thus, the street lights switch ON at the dusk and then switch OFF at the dawn automatically. The process repeats every day.

High Intensity Discharge lamps (HID) used for urban street light are based on principle of gas discharge, thus the intensity is not controllable by any voltage reduction method as the discharge path is broken. LED lights are the future of lighting, because of their low energy consumption and long life they are fast replacing conventional lights world over.

White Light Emitting Diode (LED) can replace the HID lamps where intensity control is possible by pulse width modulation. The intensity control helps in saving energy during late nights while traffic density on the streets is low.

A programmable microcontroller of 8051 family is engaged to provide different intensities at the different times of night using PWM technique, for energy saving for solar based system, using a charge controller for battery charging, overload and deep discharge protection.

Further the project can be enhanced by using time programmed dusk to dawn switching based on latitude and longitude of a specific place. It can also be interfaced to a LDR to follow the switching operation precisely.

The main objective of this project is to record the attendance of students using RFID tags. Each student is provided with his/her authorized tag to swipe over the reader to record their attendance.

In classrooms, time is wasted in roll calls as it is done manually. In this proposed system, authorized student is given an RFID tag. This tag contains an integrated in built circuit that is used for storing, processing information through modulating and demodulating of the radio frequency signal that is being transmitted.

Thus, the data stored in this card is referred as the identification/attendance of the person. Once the student places the card in front of the RFID card reader, it reads the data and verifies it with the data stored in the microcontroller from 8051 family. If the data matches, then it displays a message on the LCD confirming the entry of that student else displays a message denying the attendance.

The status of a student’s attendance can be retrieved from this system by pressing the status button interfaced to the microcontroller. Hence, a lot of time is saved as all the students attendance is directly stored in the data base.

The project can be further enhanced by adding features like sending an SMS of the daily attendance of students to their parents. It can also be enhanced by using a finger print module in place of RFID module that has certain drawbacks of tags be misused.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 170

The main functionality of this project is to access the passport details of a passport holder through RFID technology. For this purpose the authorized person is given an RFID card. This card contains an integrated circuit that is used for storing, processing information through modulating and demodulating of the radio frequency signal that is being transmitted. Thus, the data stored in this card is referred as the passport details of the person.

Passport verification and checking is a very time consuming process. This proposed system simplifies the process by giving the authorized person an RFID tag containing all the passport details like name, passport number and nationality etc. Once, the person places the card in front of the RFID card reader, it reads the data and verifies it with that data present in the system and if it matches then it displays the details of the passport holder.

Here we use microcontroller from 8051 family. For display a 16X2 LCD is used. The status also can be retrieved from this system by pressing the status button interfaced to a microcontroller.

Further the project can be enhanced by using finger printer module. This overcomes the drawbacks of RFID and provides high level of security in the system.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 170A

The main objective of this project is to develop a home automation system with a RF controlled remote. As technology is advancing so houses are also getting smarter. Modern houses are gradually shifting from conventional switches to centralized control system, involving RF controlled switches.

Presently, conventional wall switches located in different parts of the house makes it difficult for the user to go near them to operate. Even more it becomes more difficult for the elderly or physically handicapped people to do so. Remote controlled home automation system provides a simpler solution with RF technology.

In order to achieve this, a RF remote is interfaced to the microcontroller on transmitter side which sends ON/OFF commands to the receiver where loads are connected. By operating the specified remote switch on the transmitter, the loads can be turned ON/OFF remotely through wireless technology.

The microcontroller used here is of 8051 family. The loads are interfaced to the microcontroller using opto-isolators and triacs

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 246

The main objective of this project is to provide security in an organization by allowing only the authorized personnel to access the secure area. The security of any organization is a priority for the authorities.

The concern is for the physical property and also for the intellectual property. For this reason only the authorized person with a valid RFID tag is allowed into the secured premises. This tag contains an integrated circuit that is used for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating the radio frequency signal that is being transmitted.

Thus, once the person shows the RFID tag to the card reader it scans the data present in the tag and compares it with the data present in the microcontroller. When the data matches with that in the microcontroller, the load will be turned ON which is operated by a relay being driven from the output of the microcontroller. If a valid tag is swiped then the system displays a message “AUTHORIZED” else it states “UNAUTHORIZED” and doesn’t allow access.

A lamp is used as an indication besides the LCD display. This project can be further enhanced by interfacing it with GSM technology. Any attempt for unauthorized access can be intimated to the security personnel through an SMS. It can also be interfaced with a finger print module to reduce the drawback of RFID system i.e. exchanging RFID tags.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 158

The project is designed to control a robotic vehicle using a standard TV remote. IR sensor is interfaced to the control unit on the robot for sensing the IR signals transmitted by the remote. This data is conveyed to the control unit which moves the robot as desired.

An 8051 series microcontroller is used in this project as control device.

Transmitting end uses a TV remote through which IR commands are transmitted. At the receiver end, these commands are used for controlling the robot in all directions such as forward, backward and left or right etc. At the receiving end the movement is achieved by two motors that are interfaced to the microcontroller.

RC5 based coded data sent from the TV remote is received by an IR receiver interfaced to the microcontroller. The program on the microcontroller refers to the RC5 code to generate respective output based on the input data to operate the motors through a motor driver IC.

The motors are interfaced to the control unit through motor driver IC. Further the project can be enhanced by DTMF technology. With this technology we can control the robotic vehicle by a cell phone. This technology has an advantage over long communication range as compared to line of sight communication in IR technology.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 28Ac

The project is designed to demonstrate how multiple microcontrollers can be connected in a network to achieve the desired output. This technology is widely used in modern automobiles.

More and more microcontrollers are embedded in different kinds of products from industrial environment to domestic area; a good example is the automobile sector. A modern day car has number of microcontrollers integrated within its system.

As this number increases, the networking and communication between them becomes necessary. The importance of having multiple microcontrollers against a single one is if one of the microcontrollers goes bad only the function related to that particular microcontroller will be affected.

The project demonstrates a command based monitoring tool using the RS232 protocol. A network of three microcontrollers is used in this project. The first one is connected to a keypad for input action while the second one is connected to an LCD display and the third one to drive a relay for controlling any load (LAMP).

Input takes a password on the first MC to display it on the second MC while the third one executes the output only if the password is right. Wrong password if entered will generate a buzzer sound. Though this task can be performed by a single microcontroller, the project uses multiple microcontrollers to explain the concept of networking. It is practically impossible by a single microcontroller to handle input action, display and output which are located way apart.

For example, a display unit requiring 15 connections from the microcontroller needs to be managed using a multi core cable, similarly for a keypad using 7 connections. Thus, for large number of inputs and displays it would require multi core data cable to be connected to the MC running over kilometers, whereas this project uses a pair of wire only thereby reducing the complications in wiring and cost as well.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 62

The project is designed to minimize penalty for industrial units by using automatic power factor correction unit. Power factor is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power. This definition is often mathematically represented as KW/KVA, where the numerator is the active (real) power and the denominator is the (active + reactive) or apparent power.

Reactive power is the non working power generated by the magnetic and inductive loads, to generate magnetic flux. The increase in reactive power increases the apparent power, so the power factor also decreases. Having low power factor, the industry needs more energy to meet its demand, so the efficiency decreases.

In this proposed system the time lag between the zero voltage pulse and zero current pulse duly generated by suitable operational amplifier circuits in comparator mode are fed to two interrupt pins of the microcontroller. It displays the time lag between the current and voltage on an LCD.

The program takes over to actuate appropriate number of relays from its output to bring shunt capacitors into the load circuit to get the power factor till it reaches near unity. The microcontroller used in the project belongs to 8051 family.

Further the project can be enhanced by using thyristor control switches instead of relay control to avoid contact pitting often encountered by switching of capacitors due to high in rush current.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 59

The project is designed to implement FACTS by TSR (Thyristor Switch Reactance). This method is used either when charging the transmission line or when there is very low load at the receiving end.

Due to very low or no load, very low current flows through the transmission line and shunt capacitance in the transmission line becomes dominant. This causes voltage amplification (Ferranti Effect) due to which receiving end voltage may become double than the sending ends voltage (generally in case of very long transmission lines). To compensate this, shunt inductors are automatically connected across the transmission line.

In this proposed system the lead time between the zero voltage pulse and zero current pulse duly generated by suitable operational amplifier are fed to two interrupt pins of the microcontroller, where the program takes over to bring the shunt reactors to the circuit to get the voltage duly compensated.

Back to back SCRs duly interfaced through optical isolation from the programmed microcontroller are used in series for switching the reactor (in our case a choke is used). The microcontroller used in the project is of 8051 family.

Further the project can be enhanced by using firing angle control methodology for smooth control of the voltage. Thus, this is better than switching reactors in steps where voltage control (also in steps) is not very precise.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 244

The objective of this project is to improve power factor of transmission lines using SVC (Static Variable Compensator). Static VAR Compensation under FACTS uses TSC (Thyristor Switched Capacitors) based on shunt compensation duly controlled from a programmed microcontroller.

Prior to the implementation of SVC, power factor compensation was done by large rotating machines such as synchronous condenser or switched capacitor banks. These were inefficient and because of large rotating parts they got damaged quickly.

This proposed system demonstrates power factor compensation using thyristor switched capacitors.

Shunt capacitive compensation - This method is used to improve the power factor. Whenever an inductive load is connected to the transmission line, power factor lags because of lagging load current. To compensate for this, a shunt capacitor is connected which draws current leading the source voltage. The net result is improvement in power factor.

The time lag between the zero voltage pulse and zero current pulse duly generated by suitable operational amplifier circuits in comparator mode are fed to two interrupt pins of the 8 bit microcontroller of 8051 family. Thereafter program takes over to actuate appropriate number of opto-isolators duly interfaced to back to back SCRs. This results in bringing shunt capacitors into the load circuit to get the power factor till it reaches unity.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 243

The aim of this project is to develop a system for wireless message communication between two computers using 2.4 GHz trans-receiver units.

In offices, communication between employees is essential. This project uses a pair of 2.4 GHz transceiver modules duly powered by 5 volt DC and alarm circuits. They are used for bidirectional real time chat communication from one PC to another wirelessly using hyper terminal.

While one of the user attempts to initiate a chat, intimation upon that message is received first by a buzzer sound. There after the other user can start communicating over the chat mode from his PC.

A pair of transceiver modules are connected to the PCs using a DB9 (De-Sub) connector and through serial data cord using RS232 protocol communication between the module and the PC. An on-board dedicated ac to dc power supply is used at both ends to power the units.

This concept in future can be further enhanced to link more number of systems forming a network of dedicated computers such that number of employees can communicate with each other. NOTE: The project works only on operating systems having hyper terminal (E.g. Windows XP). The computer must have a RS232 serial port.

The aim of this project is to develop a system for wireless message communication between two computers using 2.4 GHz trans-receiver units.

In offices, communication between employees is essential. This project uses a pair of 2.4 GHz transceiver modules duly powered by 5 volt DC and alarm circuits. They are used for bidirectional real time chat communication from one PC to another wirelessly using hyper terminal.

While one of the user attempts to initiate a chat, intimation upon that message is received first by a buzzer sound. There after the other user can start communicating over the chat mode from his PC.

A pair of transceiver modules are connected to the PCs using a DB9 (De-Sub) connector and through serial data cord using RS232 protocol communication between the module and the PC. An on-board dedicated ac to dc power supply is used at both ends to power the units.

This concept in future can be further enhanced to link more number of systems forming a network of dedicated computers such that number of employees can communicate with each other. NOTE: The project works only on operating systems having hyper terminal (E.g. Windows XP). The computer must have a RS232 serial port.

The project is designed to build an obstacle avoidance robotic vehicle using ultrasonic sensors for its movement. A microcontroller of 8051 family is used to achieve the desired operation.

A robot is a machine that can perform task automatically or with guidance. Robotics is generally a combination of computational intelligence and physical machines (motors). Computational intelligence involves the programmed instructions.

The project proposes robotic vehicle that has an intelligence built in it such that it guides itself whenever an obstacle comes ahead of it. This robotic vehicle is built, using a microcontroller of 8051 family. An ultrasonic sensor is used to detect any obstacle ahead of it and sends a command to the microcontroller.

Depending on the input signal received, the microcontroller redirects the robot to move in an alternate direction by actuating the motors interfaced to it through a motor driver IC.

This concept in future can be extended in such a way that if a destination is fed to the robot, the robot can map the whole terrain and can reach its destination by deciding a suitable path and avoiding obstacles.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 249

The main objective of this project is to develop a pre warning system to avoid stampede in places where large gathering of people take place.

In many religious places, political rallies and places where large public gathering takes place there are chances for stampede to occur due to various reasons. This proposed system warns in advance to authorities about gathering of a large number of people in a particular place before any stampede occurs.

This project will help us develop a turbulent pedestrian flow prediction and risk management system in most of pilgrimage places, where stampede is often encountered owing to mass movement. This is achieved when a large number of pressure switches are actuated as the people start ga   thering in one place.

The switches are interfaced to a microcontroller of PIC16F8 family, when a certain number of switches are pressed which exceeds the predefined number then microcontroller generates an output to switch on a buzzer alerting the authorities about a possible stampede. The status is also displayed on the LCD which is duly interfaced to the microcontroller.

Further the project can be enhanced by interfacing a GSM modem to the microcontroller so that a warning message is sent to the concerned authorities via SMS.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: PIC116

The project is designed to send secured message by using a secret code from a computer keyboard connected to the transmitting unit via RF technology. The message is retrieved at the receiver end only upon entering the secret code used by the transmitter. Thus, complete secrecy is maintained in this communication process.

For example in military operations, secrecy is of paramount importance. So when there is a need for sending any secret message, one can type the message through a computer keyboard interfaced with the system comprising of a 8051 family microcontroller and a RF transmitting module.

This project has a unique feature of tagging the message with a secret code as selected by the sender. The message is then transmitted through the RF transmitting module. At the receiver end the signal is received by the RF receiver module. The message is then retrieved only if the secret code is known to the receiving personnel. Once the secret code is entered, then message is displayed on the receiving unit on the LCD display.

Further this project can be enhanced by adding a feature of bidirectional communication also incorporating encrypting and decrypting the message for higher degree of security.

Note: Computer keyboard is not supplied with the kit.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 23

The project is designed to develop an automatic tripping mechanism for the three phase supply system. The project output resets automatically after a brief interruption in the event temporary fault while it remains in tripped condition in case of permanent fault.

The electrical substation which supply the power to the consumers i.e. industries or domestic can have failures due to some faults which can be temporary or permanent. These faults lead to substantial damage to the power system equipment. In India it is common to observe the failures in supply system due to the faults that occur during the transmission or distribution.

The faults might be LG (Line to Ground), LL (Line to Line), 3L (Three lines) in the supply systems and these faults in three phase supply system can affect the power system. To overcome this problem a system is built, which can sense these faults and automatically disconnects the supply to avoid large scale damage to the control gears in the grid sub-stations.

This system is built using three single phase transformers which are wired in star input and star output, and 3 transformers are connected in delta connections, having input 220 volt and output at 12 volt. This concept low voltage testing of fault conditions is followed as it is not advisable to create on mains line. 555 timers are used for handling short duration and long duration fault conditions.

A set of switches are used to create the LL, LG and 3L fault in low voltage side, for activating the tripping mechanism. Short duration fault returns the supply to the load immediately called as temporary trip while long duration shall result in permanent trip.

The concept in the future can be extended to developing a mechanism to send message to the authorities via SMS by interfacing a GSM modem.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 165

The project is designed to demonstrate detection of any object ahead of the ultrasonic transducer. It can be used for applications like security area monitoring and wild life photography etc.

This ultrasonic detector consists of two parts: an emitter, which produces a 40 kHz sound wave; and a detector, which detects this 40 kHz sound wave and sends the signal back to the microcontroller.

The ultrasonic module is interfaced to the microcontroller of 8051 family. Whenever any object approaches near the ultrasonic module, the signal transmitted the transmitter is reflected by this object and is received by the module. When the microcontroller receives the signal from ultrasonic receiver it actuates the output to take the appropriate action.

An LCD is interfaced to the microcontroller for displaying the status of the module like whether the object is detected or not.

Further the project can be enhanced by interfacing a GSM modem to the project so that, when the object is detected then the controller sends an SMS to the user.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 34

The main objective of this project is to provide security in an organization by allowing only the authorized personnel to access the secure area.

The security of any organization is a priority for the authorities. The concern is for the physical property and also for the intellectual property. For this reason only the authorized person with a valid RFID tag is allowed into the secured premises.

This tag contains an integrated circuit that is used for storing and processing information and modulating, demodulating the radio frequency signal that is being transmitted.Thus, once the person shows the RFID tag to the card reader it scans the data present in the tag and compares it with the data present in the system.

When the data matches with that in the microcontroller, the load will be turned ON which is driven by a relay and it displays a message and ldquo;AUTHORIZED and rdquo; else states “UNAUTHORIZED” and doesn’t allow access.

This project can be further enhanced by interfacing it with GSM technology. Any attempt for unauthorized access can be intimated to the security personnel through an SMS.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: PIC104

The project is designed to get a display of all three conditions of power factor ie  linear, lagging and leading choosing  appropriate load. Power factor is defined as the ratio of real power to apparent power.

In this proposed system the time lag between the zero voltage pulse and zero current pulse duly generated by suitable operational amplifier circuits in comparator mode are fed to two interrupt pins of the microcontroller.  The microcontroller used is of 8051 family. It displays the time lag between the current and voltage on an LCD.

The program takes over to actuate appropriate number of anti-parallel SCR’s at its output in series with either an inductor or a lamp or shunt capacitors into the load circuit to derive  the power factor of each type of load  for display.

Further this project can be enhanced in future  by using delayed firing angle control method for  each connected load through thyristors for achieving precise power factor.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 245

The project is designed to control a robotic vehicle by using a RF technology for remote operation. A low power laser light is interfaced for demonstrating the possibilities of destroying a distant object by its beam. An 8051 series of microcontroller is used for the desired operation.

At the transmitting end using push buttons, commands are sent to the receiver to control the movement of the robot either to move forward, backward and left or right etc. At the receiving end two motors are interfaced to the microcontroller where they are used for the movement of the vehicle.

The RF transmitter acts as a RF remote control that has the advantage of adequate range (up to 200 meters) with proper antenna, while the receiver decodes before feeding it to another microcontroller to drive DC motors via motor driver IC for necessary work.

A laser pen is mounted on the robot body and its operation is carried out from the microcontroller output through appropriate signal from the transmitting end. The laser light used is just for demonstration purpose and not a powerful one.

Further the project can be enhanced using DTMF technology. Using this technology we can control the robotic vehicle by using cell phone. This technology has an advantage over long communication range as compared to RF technology.

Additional Information:

• Item Code: 27