Specifications

1.6. REPORT STRUCTURE
Environmental considerations The environment where the devices will
operate is harsh; physical construction requires special attention to corrosion-
resistant materials and weather-proof enclosures. The devices will operate in
the presence of sea air, rain, sun and thunderstorms. Ambient temperatures
can range from les s than 10
◦
C at night to over 35
◦
C in the shade during the
day and w ind speeds can be in excess of 50km/h.
1.6 Report Structure
Having discussed the project background, this document will continue to
discuss the existing system and analyse it’s shortfalls. Thereafter, a specification
will be proposed for a replacement device which addresses these shortcomings.
A brief overview of the proposed system and its operation will be presented
before in-depth design and operational specifics of each system component
are discussed. At the end of each design section, the prototype will be
evaluated against the specification, results presented and conclusions drawn.
Recommendations, along with possible improvements, will then be made
where necessary. Before concluding on the project as a whole, regulations
applicable to radio frequency operation in South Africa will be discussed.
Detailed design information, such as circuit schematics and PCB layouts,
is included in the appendices.
Attached to this report is a data CD containing all relevant datasheets,
quotes and costings, a soft-copy of this document, MPLAB project files,
firmware for the various microprocessors, EAGLE CAD PCB designs and
Gerber outputs.
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