[Laser] Arduino

[n5gui at cox.net]

I am looking for someone with some specific experience or knowledge of Arduino modules.

I purchased a "uno" module from the local Radio Shack to see if it will be appropriate for a project.  At its basis, what I want to do is set up the module to read an audio input line and output a PWM signal which will then be interfaced to a laser module or LED for a communication system.

What I have read so far indicates that the project should be pretty simple, but so far I have not found enough information to suggest if the "simple" method will be fast enough for a system that would be compatible with my current light communication demonstrations:  I have a Ramsey LBC6K which has been mostly retired since I built an an analog LED transmitter system.

I have considered doing this project for some time, but the modules that seemed to be available, like the Basic Stamp, seemed to be much too slow, as it runs a basic interpreter.  While that makes programming easier, it cannot run the output near the 20 KHz sample speed that I would like.

What has given me some hope for the Arduino module is that it runs a C compiler in the host computer, the object code from which is then loaded into the module via its USB port.  Since the module's clock is 16 MHz, I put the upper limit of an 8 bit PWM output at 62.5 KHz, but that does not allow any overhead for reading the 10 bit ADC.

Even if the "normal" way to upload the software for the unit cannot utilize the full speed of the module, there might be a "hack" that allows a hand tuned machine code routine to be installed.

I would like for the project to be something that is within the skill range of a Scout Troop ( with a little adult supervision ) to be a versatile part of a light communications demonstration -  blinking Morse, tone Morse, AF-PSK, AF-FSK, PWM voice, maybe even FM voice or PPM voice.


Anyway, I would appreciate comments and help.


James
 n5gui