Arduino-Based Wireless Frequency Meter

CHAPTER CHAPTER NAME PAGE

NO NO
1 INTRODUCTION OF ARDUNIO BASED WIRELESS 02
FREQUENCY METER

1.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM 03

1.2 DISCREPTION OF BLOCK DIAGRAM 04-05

2. LIST OF COMPONENTS 06

3 COMPONENTS DISCRIPTION 7-17

4 CODE OF 18-20

5 PCB DESIGNING 21-26

6 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF PROJECT 27

APPLICATIONS 28

ACTUL CIRCUIT DIAGRAM 29

7 CONCLUSION 30

8 REFERANCE 31

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ABSTRACT

The goal of this project is to design and implement an Arduino-based wireless

frequency meter capable of measuring the frequency of an incoming signal and transmitting
the data wirelessly to a remote receiver. The system leverages an Arduino microcontroller to
process the frequency of a signal, with the measurement made using a simple frequency
detection method, such as the pulseIn() function. For wireless communication, the project
utilizes either NRF24L01 radio modules for short-range communication or ESP8266 Wi-Fi
modules for long-range transmission to a server or cloud platform.

The wireless frequency meter is composed of two main units: the sender unit,
which measures and transmits the frequency data, and the receiver unit, which receives the
data and displays it on a local screen or transmits it for remote monitoring. This system is
designed to be low-cost, flexible, and scalable for various applications where accurate
frequency measurements and remote monitoring are required. Possible use cases include RF
spectrum analysis, signal monitoring in wireless communication, and educational
demonstrations in electronics. The project can be expanded with additional features, such as
real-time visualization or integration with mobile devices and cloud platforms.

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

In the modern era of wireless communication and electronic systems, the need
for precise frequency measurement and monitoring is crucial. Frequency analysis plays a
fundamental role in a wide range of applications, from telecommunications to signal
processing and electronics diagnostics. Traditional frequency meters are often bulky,
expensive, and require wired connections, making them less flexible in many practical
scenarios. To address these limitations, this project proposes the development of a wireless
frequency meter based on the widely available and cost-effective Arduino platform.

The wireless frequency meter designed in this project uses an Arduino

microcontroller to measure the frequency of an input signal, which can be a square wave,
sine wave, or any periodic waveform. The measured frequency is then transmitted
wirelessly to a remote receiver, eliminating the need for physical connections between the
measurement unit and the display or monitoring system. This is achieved by using wireless
communication modules such as NRF24L01 for short-range communication or ESP8266
Wi-Fi modules for long-range transmission over the internet.
The system consists of two primary components: the sender unit, which detects
and transmits the frequency, and the receiver unit, which receives the data and displays it
for the user. The receiver unit can be further enhanced with features such as a display for
local output or integration with a web-based platform for remote monitoring. This project
offers a low-cost, flexible, and scalable solution for various applications, including signal
monitoring, spectrum analysis, and educational demonstrations in electronics and wireless
communication.
The development of this wireless frequency meter not only provides a practical
tool for engineers and hobbyists but also contributes to the growing trend of integrating
wireless technologies with traditional measurement systems to enhance functionality and
usability.

1.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM

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1.2BLOCK DESCRIPTION

LM7805,5v regulator: Voltage sources in a circuit may have fluctuations resulting in not
providing fixed voltage outputs. A voltage regulator IC maintains the output voltage at a
constant value. 7805 Voltage Regulator, a member of the 78xx series of fixed linear
voltage regulators used to maintain such fluctuations, is a popular voltage regulator
integrated circuit (IC).The xx in 78xx indicates the output voltage it provides. 7805 IC
provides +5 volts regulated power supply with provisions to add a heat sink.

optocoupler IC: Optocouplers, also known as opto-isolators, are components that transfer
electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using infrared light. As an isolator, an
optocoupler can prevent high voltages from affecting the side of the circuit receiving the
signal. Transferring signals over a light barrier by using an infrared light-emitting diode
and a light-sensitive product, such as a phototransistor, is the main structure of an
optocoupler. On the first page, datasheets provide the main product description, its
features, suggested areas of applications, ordering information, and agency approvals, as
shown in Figure 1 for the VO617A optocoupler with phototransistor output. Following
pages provide key technical specifications, operating conditions, and graphs showing the
behavior of the product

434 MHz tx module: This is an ASK Hybrid transmitter receiver module at 434 Mhz. The
transmitter Module employs a crystal- stabilized oscillator, ensuring accurate frequency
control for best range performance. There is no requirement of external RF components
except Antenna. The Multiprotocol Tx Module (or MULTI-Module) is a 2.4GHz
transmitter module which enables almost any transmitter to control many different
receivers and models, including many popular helicopters, planes, quadcopters, and
miniquads.The 433 MHz band is within the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio
bands, which are generally reserved for unlicensed use. The ISM bands are a set of radio
frequency bands internationally designated for the use of industrial, scientific, and medical
devices that operate on radio frequencies.

434 MHz Rx module : The 434MHz RF receiver module has an antenna, a receiver
circuit, and a data output pin.The antenna receives the radio waves sent by the transmitter

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module. The receiver circuit extracts the original data signal from the received radio
waves by demodulating them.This signal is then transmitted to the data output pin and
can be linked to an electronic device, such as a microcontroller, to receive the data signal.

Arduino uno: Arduino uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It

has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog
inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header
and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply
connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or
battery to get started. You can tinker with your UNO without worrying too much about
doing something wrong, worst case scenario you can replace the chip for a few dollars
and start over again.

16*2 lcd display : Nowadays, we always use the devices which are made up of LCDs
such as CD players, DVD players, digital watches, computers, etc. These are commonly
used in the screen industries to replace the utilization of CRTs. Cathode Ray Tubes use
huge power when compared with LCDs, and CRTs heavier as well as bigger. These
devices are thinner as well power consumption is extremely less. The LCD 16×2 working
principle is, it blocks the light rather than dissipate. This article discusses an overview of
LCD 16X2, pin configuration and its working.

Diode 1n4007: Rectifiers are diodes and are commonly used basic electronic components
that convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). A diode behaves as a one-
way valve that allows current to flow in a single direction, a process known as
rectification. Rectifiers play an important role in numerous devices and power supply
systems, providing a unidirectional flow of electric current, which is essential for the
proper functioning of many electrical and electronic components .Rectifiers are essential
components of DC power supplies for electronic devices, including household appliances
and industrial machinery. They are crucial to battery charging systems, converting AC
power to DC to charge batteries in electric vehicles, laptops, smartphones, and other
portable devices. Moreover, rectifiers are used in various industrial processes that require
a controlled DC voltage, such as electroplating, welding, and electrolysis. Below is a
discussion of one type of rectifier, a 1N4007, by delving into the 1N4007 diode datasheet
prepared by Vishay Intertechnology.

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CHAPTER 2
List of Components

SR No Components Quantity

1 Ardunio uno 1

2 Resistor 2

3 Capacitors 2

4 LM7805,5V Regulator 1

5 MCT 2E Optocoupler IC 1

6 434MHZ TX Module 1

7 434MHZ RX Module 1

8 Diode 1N4007 1

9 16*2 LCD 1

10 9V Battery 1

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CHAPTER 3

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

4.1 RESISTOR

A resistor is an electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current
in an electronic circuit. Resistors can also be used to provide a specific voltage for an
active device such as a transistor.
All other factors being equal, in a direct-current (DC) circuit, the current through a
resistor is inversely proportional to its resistance, and directly proportional to the
voltage across it. This is the well-known Ohm's Law. In alternating-current (AC)
circuits, this rule also applies as long as the resistor does not contain inductance or
capacitance.

Types of Resistors:

 Linear Resistors.
 TFixed Resistors.
 Variable Resistors.
 Non-Linear Resistor.

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LM7805,5v regulator:

Voltage sources in a circuit may have fluctuations resulting in not providing fixed
voltage outputs. A voltage regulator IC maintains the output voltage at a constant value.
7805 Voltage Regulator, a member of the 78xx series of fixed linear voltage regulators
used to maintain such fluctuations, is a popular voltage regulator integrated circuit (IC).

The xx in 78xx indicates the output voltage it provides. 7805 IC provides +5 volts
regulated power supply with provisions to add a heat sink.

7805 Voltage Regulator IC Specifications

Minimum Input voltage is 7V
Maximum Input Voltage is 35V
Current rating Ic = 1A
Maximum Output Voltage VMax=5.2V
Minimum Output Voltage VMin=4.8V

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Optocoupler IC :
Optocouplers, also known as opto-isolators, are components that transfer electrical
signals between two isolated circuits by using infrared light. As an isolator, an
optocoupler can prevent high voltages from affecting the side of the circuit receiving the
signal. Transferring signals over a light barrier by using an infrared light-emitting diode
and a light-sensitive product, such as a phototransistor, is the main structure of an
optocoupler. On the first page, datasheets provide the main product description, its
features, suggested areas of applications, ordering information, and agency approvals, as
shown in Figure 1 for the VO617A optocoupler with phototransistor output. Following
pages provide key technical specifications, operating conditions, and graphs showing the
behavior of the product

434 MHz tx module

This is an ASK Hybrid transmitter receiver module at 434 Mhz. The transmitter Module
employs a crystal- stabilized oscillator, ensuring accurate frequency control for best range

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performance. There is no requirement of external RF components except Antenna. The

Multiprotocol Tx Module (or MULTI-Module) is a 2.4GHz transmitter module which
enables almost any transmitter to control many different receivers and models, including
many popular helicopters, planes, quadcopters, and miniquads.
The 433 MHz band is within the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio bands,
which are generally reserved for unlicensed use. The ISM bands are a set of radio
frequency bands internationally designated for the use of industrial, scientific, and
medical devices that operate on radio frequencies.
Features

Operating Frequency Range: 433.92MHz

Actual Circuit Shape: SAW

Date Rate: 8Kbps
Max Supply Voltage: 1.5~12

434 MHz Rx module:

The 434MHz RF receiver module has an antenna, a receiver circuit, and a data output pin.
The antenna receives the radio waves sent by the transmitter module. The receiver circuit
extracts the original data signal from the received radio waves by demodulating them.

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This signal is then transmitted to the data output pin and can be linked to an electronic
device, such as a microcontroller, to receive the data signal.

Specifications
 Range in open space(Standard Conditions) : 100 Meters.
 RX Receiver Frequency : 434 MHz.
 RX Typical Sensitivity : 105 Dbm.
 RX Supply Current : 3.5 mA.
 RX IF Frequency : 1MHz.
 RX Operating Voltage : 5V.

Arduino uno:
Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has 14 digital
input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz
ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button. It
contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer
with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started. You can

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tinker with your UNO without worrying too much about doing something wrong, worst
case scenario you can replace the chip for a few dollars and start over again.

Features :

 USB Port. All Arduino boards feature a USB. ...

 Reset button. The Arduino UNO PCB features a reset button. ...
 Main IC. ...
 Power LED indicator. ...
 Voltage regulator. ...
 TX RX LEDs. ...
 Pins. ...
 Crystal Oscillator or Ceramic Resonator.

Diode 1n4007:

Rectifiers are diodes and are commonly used basic electronic components that
convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). A diode behaves as a one-way
valve that allows current to flow in a single direction, a process known as rectification.
Rectifiers play an important role in numerous devices and power supply systems,
providing a unidirectional flow of electric current, which is essential for the proper

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functioning of many electrical and electronic components.

Rectifiers are essential components of DC power supplies for electronic devices,
including household appliances and industrial machinery. They are crucial to battery
charging systems, converting AC power to DC to charge batteries in electric vehicles,
laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices. Moreover, rectifiers are used in various
industrial processes that require a controlled DC voltage, such as electroplating, welding,
and electrolysis. Below is a discussion of one type of rectifier, a 1N4007, by delving into
the 1N4007 diode datasheet prepared by Vishay Intertechnology.

function of 1N4007
The 1N4007 diode has a maximum peak repetitive reverse voltage of
1,000 volts and an average rectified forward current of 1 ampere. It is
typically used in rectification applications in electronic circuits,
converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

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16*2 lcd display :

Nowadays, we always use the devices which are made up of LCDs such as CD
players, DVD players, digital watches, computers, etc. These are commonly used in the
screen industries to replace the utilization of CRTs. Cathode Ray Tubes use huge power
when compared with LCDs, and CRTs heavier as well as bigger. These devices are thinner
as well power consumption is extremely less. The LCD 16×2 working principle is, it blocks
the light rather than dissipate.

LCD 16×2 Pin Function :

Pin1 (Ground/Source Pin): This is a GND pin of display, used to connect the GND terminal
of the microcontroller unit or power source.

Pin2 (VCC/Source Pin): This is the voltage supply pin of the display, used to connect the
supply pin of the power source.

Pin3 (V0/VEE/Control Pin): This pin regulates the difference of the display, used to connect
a changeable POT that can supply 0 to 5V.

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Pin4 (Register Select/Control Pin): This pin toggles among command or data register, used
to connect a microcontroller unit pin and obtains either 0 or 1(0 = data mode, and 1 =
command mode).

Pin5 (Read/Write/Control Pin): This pin toggles the display among the read or writes
operation, and it is connected to a microcontroller unit pin to get either 0 or 1 (0 = Write
Operation, and 1 = Read Operation).

Pin 6 (Enable/Control Pin): This pin should be held high to execute Read/Write process,
and it is connected to the microcontroller unit & constantly held high.

Pins 7-14 (Data Pins): These pins are used to send data to the display. These pins are
connected in two-wire modes like 4-wire mode and 8-wire mode. In 4-wire mode, only
four pins are connected to the microcontroller unit like 0 to 3, whereas in 8-wire mode, 8-
pins are connected to microcontroller unit like 0 to 7.

Pin15 (+ve pin of the LED): This pin is connected to +5V

Pin 16 (-ve pin of the LED): This pin is connected to GND.

Features of LCD16x2 :

The features of this LCD mainly include the following.

 The operating voltage of this LCD is 4.7V-5.3V

 It includes two rows where each row can produce 16-characters.
 The utilization of current is 1mA with no backlight
 Every character can be built with a 5×8 pixel box
 The alphanumeric LCDs alphabets & numbers
 Is display can work on two modes like 4-bit & 8-bit
 These are obtainable in Blue & Green Backlight
 It displays a few custom generated characters

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Capacitors :

capacitor, device for storing electrical energy, consisting of two conductors in

close proximity and insulated from each other. A simple example of such a storage
device is the parallel-plate capacitor. If positive charges with total charge +Q are
deposited on one of the conductors and an equal amount of negative charge −Q is
deposited on the second conductor, the capacitor is said to have a charge Q. (See also
electricity: Principle of the capacitor.)

Capacitors have many important applications. They are used, for example, in digital
circuits so that information stored in large computer memories is not lost during a
momentary electric power failure; the electric energy stored in such capacitors maintains
the information during the temporary loss of power. Capacitors play an even more
important role as filters to
divert spurious electric signals and thereby prevent damage to sensitive components and
circuits caused by electric surges

capacitor types and their properties:

 Ceramic Capacitors.
 Film Capacitors.
 Power Film Capacitors.
 Electrolytic Capacitors.
 Ceramic capacitors.
 Film capacitors.
 Paper Capacitors.
 Electrolytic capacitors.

9v Battery :

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This is General purpose 9V Original HW marked Non-Rechargeable Battery for all

your project and application needs. As we experienced the use of this battery in our testing
lab for various purposes, we can assure you the best quality, long life and genuineness of
this battery among all the options available in the market at this cost. With its Universal 9V
battery size and connecting points, it can be used in many DIY projects as well as
household applications and they can easily be replaced and installed, the same as you
would an AA battery or a AAA battery.
Whether you need a new battery for your applications like a Flashlight, Portable
Phone Charger, Wireless doorbell, Wireless audio transmitter-receiver systems or your
kid’s toys, etc. or even if you are looking for a long-lasting, reliable option for your
sensor devices like a smoke detector, everyone needs a good 9-volt battery every once in
a while.

CHAPTER 4

CODE

 Transmitter Side

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#include <VirtualWire.h> // For 433 MHz communication

const int inputPin = 2; // Frequency input signal

volatile unsigned long pulseCount = 0;

unsigned long prevTime = 0;

unsigned int freq = 0;

void countPulse() {

pulseCount++;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

vw_setup(2000); // Bits per second

vw_set_tx_pin(12); // Change to your TX pin if needed

attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(inputPin), countPulse, RISING);

void loop() {

delay(1000); // Measure every second

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detachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(inputPin));

freq = pulseCount;

pulseCount = 0;

attachInterrupt(digitalPinToInterrupt(inputPin), countPulse, RISING);

char freqStr[10];

itoa(freq, freqStr, 10); // Convert int to string

vw_send((uint8_t *)freqStr, strlen(freqStr));

vw_wait_tx(); // Wait until message is sent

Serial.print("Frequency: ");

Serial.print(freq);

Serial.println(" Hz");

 Receiver Side

#include <VirtualWire.h>

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

vw_setup(2000); // Bits per second

vw_set_rx_pin(11); // Change to your RX pin if needed

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vw_rx_start(); // Start receiver

void loop() {

uint8_t buf[VW_MAX_MESSAGE_LEN];

uint8_t buflen = VW_MAX_MESSAGE_LEN;

if (vw_get_message(buf, &buflen)) {

buf[buflen] = '\0'; // Null-terminate the string

Serial.print("Received Frequency: ");

Serial.print((char *)buf);

Serial.println(" Hz");

CHAPTER 5

PCB DESIGNING

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5.1PCB DESIGNING

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PCB MAKING

1) Photo printing.

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2) Screen printing.

SCREEN PRINTING

PCB production by photo printing method is expensive, through accurate. The

screen process uses a resist ink applied through a stencil or mask to the surface of the
blank circuit board. The stencil is produced and attached to a fine mesh, metal, nylon,
polyester or silk screen. The resist ink is forced through openings in the stencil onto the
surface of the blank board. This process produces a positive of the circuit on the copper
foil. When dry the board is ready for etching.

PREPARATION OF SCREEN
A light rectangular wooden frame is used for this purpose. A piece of screen
fabric material is stretched tightly over the frame. Commercial screens are often made of
a fine wire mesh. Special frames are available in the market to hold this screen. The
frame is hinged on one end of the base of printing board. This base of the printing board
is larger in area than the frame. The following equipments are used for screen printing
process.
1. Photosensitive film.
2. Developer.
3. Blackout solution.
4. A rubber squeeze.
5. The resist paint or ink.

A pre-sensitized film is used to make the screen stencil. A major source of this
material and relater screen process suppliers is the Ulano Company (USA) and wood
peck industries (Bombay’ India).

The exposure process is very similar to that used to make photographic negative.
A black sheet of paper is placed on the exposure board. A piece of film larger than the
circuit board is placed film-side down (plastic backing side up) on the top of the paper.
The art work is placed on the top of film. They are all held in place with a piece of
untainted glass. Exposure is about 8 minutes using a number two photoflood lamp. The

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lamp should be about 18 inch above the film and glass. After exposure, the film is put in
a tray of developing solution for about 90 seconds. Only the developer available from the
above companies should be used. Screen preparation chemicals are also available from
lunar caustic Pvt. Ltd., pune; Raman industries, Bombay. It is sold in two packages
identified as Hi-Fi A and B developer. The direction states that the temperature of the
developing solution should be between 40ºC and 46 ºC, but the film in the tray emulsion-
side up. The developing solution is not light sensitive as it is prepared from light. The
developer life is 24 hours. After that, it becomes useless, fresh developer is required. The
tray holding the film and developer must be oriented during development.

After the required time, the film is removed from the tray of developing solution.
It is washed in running warm water. Placing the soft side down on the bath may run the
work. The purpose of this process is to wash out the film and remove areas which will
permute the ink to be printed on to the blank circuit board. The wash out water should
flow over the stencil. This will wash away the unexposed emulation on the film. Use
gentle water flow; otherwise it will damage the film. This process requires several
minutes to complete. After the wash out is finished, the film has to cooled. This will firm
the screen stencil. Return the film to flat surface. The glass used to hold the film during
the rinse process is convenient, but any solid flat surface can be used. The stencil film is
attached to the screen. In order to archives good adhesion, the film stencil must be held
on the flat surface and must be raised up higher than the surface you are working on. Use
a hard build up of about 1/2”. Gently lower the screen and frame onto the film. The
weight of frame is sufficient to press the screen material onto the soft film emulsion.

Place a pad of unused newsprint on top of the screen. Gently wipe the newsprint
with a soft cloth. This will make the soft emulsion work up onto the screen. Don’t apply
pressure; change the newsprint until it no longer shows any green film color. Do not use
printed paper for the pad. Only clean newsprint will work successfully. Once the
moisture is removed by this method, the screen is set aside to dry. This required about
one hour of time. When the emulsion is dry, the backing material is carefully peeled off
the film. The result is negative mask, attached to the screen. Check the screen again for
leaks in areas which should be protected. Hold it under a strong light. Tough up with a
small paint brush and block out material thinned with water.

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PRINTING BASE PREPARATION

We have now a screen to which a stencil is attached. Areas, which are to appear
on the board as conductor or pads are clear. There is no blackout on the screen in these
places. The next step is to prepare printing base.

The blank board is placed on the printing frame in exactly the same place each
time. The registration guides are used to ensure good registration. Pieces of cardboard or
scrap circuit board are tacked in place on the base board. The registration guides are
placed on three sides of the area, surrounding the blank board. Sometimes a small piece
of double sided tape is placed in the center to hold the board in place.
The screen frame is held to the printing board base with two hinges. Using a
hinge with a removable pin will make cleaning easier.

Now, for actually printing, the resist on PC board, place a clean blank board,
copper side up in the registration area of the base. Lower the screen and frame so that the
screen resets firmly on the copper foil. Pour some of the resist ink or paint on the screen
in one of the blocked out areas. Take a rubber squeeze, preferably the kind used for
screen printing, and pull the ink over the negative part of the screen. A piece of stiff
cardboard may be substituted for the squeeze. Continue pass over the negative in to a
block out area. One pass of the ink over the negative part of the screen should do if you
have used enough ink. Gently lift the screen frame. The board with resist pattern on the
circuit should be seen in all its glory. Carefully left the board from the registration area
on the base. Set it aside to dry, the board is ready for etching when the ink on it is dry.
There are several different kinds of ink resists available. Some use a water based ink, and
other use a lacquer or oil base. Oil base ink is much slow drying than lacquer based ink.
This means that the clean up may be delayed with oil based products. On the other hand,
lacquer based ink dries faster and thus speed up the overall processing time of the board.
The next step is to clean the board and send it for etching.

ETCHING THE BOARD

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All the work done so far has been to prepare a blank copper board for etching.
Thematically, any one of the following solution is used to etch a board.

1. Ammonium parasulphite.
2. Chromic acid.
3. Cupric chloride.
4. Ferric chloride.

The most common etchant used in industry is ferric chloride (Fecl3). It is cheap
chemical and lest dangerous and easily available in market. Never use kitchen utensils for
holding etching solution. Etching is the process of attacking and removing the
unprotected copper from the PC board to yield the desired conductor pattern.

Methods of etching include tray rocking, tank etching and spray etching. Out of
these, tray rocking is the simplest one. This consists of a tray of pirex glass, attached to a
powered rocking table. If powered rocking table is not available, then the PC board is
kept on the glass marbles which are kept in the tray along with the etchant solution. Dry
etchants are available liquid etchants are available. Ferric chloride crystals of 500gm are
mixed in water to make total solution of 1 liter. During the etching process, the
concentration weakens because the soluble cupric and ferric ions precipitate out of the
solution, in the form of sludge that tends to settle on the bottom of the etching vat.

Ideal etching condition requires that the etchant be heated to a temperature of

between 60º to 70 º C. with the temperature maintained reasonably constant, the length of
time required for etching will be consistent.

DRILLING OPERATION

The PCB gives the holes to take the various components that will be mounted on
it. With greatest precision, these holes must be drilled.

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In industry, depending on production volumes, manual, semi – automatic or

pneumatically – controlled drilling equipments are used.

A whole stack of boards can be drilled using various jigs and bushes. The speed
of drill is an important consideration with maintaining the size and location of holes with
required tolerances and minimizing deformity at their edges.

For paper laminates, high speed steel can be used at 8000rpm or less.
For epoxy – glass laminates, it uses tungsten carbide bit at about 15,000 rpm.
For high precision, the drill is at 1, 00,000 rpm.
If accuracy is not important, jigs are used to punch all holes in PCB.
When holes are drilled in a PCB, the laminate is uncovered in PTH.

To provide a conducting layer within the holes, electrode less copper platting is
used. The plate is coated with palladium and immersed in an electrolyte containing
copper ions.

CHAPTER 6
ADVANTAGES &DISADVANTAGES

 ADVANTAGES

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High accuracy of measurement up to ±0.01% of reading

Wide dynamic frequency range from kHz to GHz
Digital display of frequency value up to 3-4 decimal places
Fast response time and higher sampling rate
Minimal warm-up time and excellent long-term stability
Ease of use due to digital display and programming flexibility
Greater portability due to compact size and lightweight design
Multifunctional use through optional modules and firmware upgrades
Lower maintenance requirements and longer operational life
Suitable for field use and production line testing due to rugged design
Compatible with computers and data logging for documentation

DISADVANTAGES

Relatively higher initial cost compared to analog frequency meters

Requirement of stable power source for optimum accuracy
Dependence on integrated circuits and microprocessors makes repairs difficult
Firmware or hardware faults may cause entire unit failure
Sensitivity to electromagnetic interference in noisy environments
Restricted to measuring frequency only and not other signal parameters
Larger size and higher power needs than handheld mini frequency counters
Limited battery backup in case of power failures during field use

APPLICTIONS

Testing of radio transmitters and receivers in telecom equipment installations.

Measurement of oscillators, function generators, and power supplies in electronics labs.
Frequency characterization and calibration of instruments like DMMs, LCR meters, etc.
Checking the performance of instruments involving frequency counters,

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and frequency synthesizers.

Measuring the speed of motors, generators, and other rotating electrical machines.
Monitoring fluctuations in power distribution and utility frequency.
Testing microprocessor timings, crystal oscillators, and quartz resonators.
Condition monitoring through vibration analysis, ultrasonic inspection, etc.
Testing antenna parameters and mobile network installations.
Quality control checks and troubleshooting of electronic manufacturing processes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our gratitude to the pioneers and researchers in the field
of wireless communication whose work has laid the foundation for understanding and
utilizing the wireless frequency spectrum. The development of wireless frequency meters
and the exploration of various frequency bands have been instrumental in advancing
modern communication technologies. Special thanks are due to the regulatory bodies
such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for their continuous efforts in defining and allocating frequency
spectrums globally, ensuring the harmonious use of the electromagnetic spectrum for a
wide range of wireless applications.

 Actual Circuit

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Arduino-Based Wireless Frequency Meter

CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION

Conclusions of Wireless Frequency Meter Analysis:

1.Broad Frequency Range: Wireless frequ

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Arduino-Based Wireless Frequency Meter

ency bands span from extremely low frequencies (ELF) to extremely high
frequencies (EHF), covering a massive range from a few Hertz (Hz) to
hundreds of Gigahertz (GHz). Each frequency range has distinct
properties that determine its effectiveness for different communication
technologies. Lower Frequencies (ELF to MF):
2. Characteristics: Long wavelengths, lower data transmission rates, and extended signal
ranges.
3.Applications: Best suited for long-range communication such as
AM radio, maritime, and aeronautical navigation. These frequencies
can penetrate water and the ground, making them ideal for submarine
communication and navigation systems.

4.Mid-Frequencies (HF to VHF): Characteristics: Shorter

wavelengths, higher data transmission capacity, and moderate range.

FUTURE SCOPE
1. 5G, 6G, and Next-Generation Networks
With the deployment of 5G and research into 6G technologies, frequency meters will
play a crucial role in monitoring high-frequency bands such as mmWave and THz. These
meters will be essential in optimizing signal quality, managing interference, and ensuring
seamless connectivity in dense urban environments.
2. Integration with IoT and Smart Devices
Wireless Frequency Meters can be embedded into IoT devices, routers, and smart
infrastructure for real-time spectrum analysis. This will help manage network congestion,
detect unauthorized usage, and enhance communication efficiency in smart homes, cities,
and industries.
3. AI and Machine Learning Enhancements
The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will enable frequency
meters to not only monitor but also predict and adapt to changing signal environments.

CHAPTER 8
REFERENCE

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/electronics-projects/arduino-based-
wireless-frequency-meter

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2. https://duino4projects.com/craft-your-own-wireless-frequency-meter-with-
arduino-a-diy-guide/
3. https://uniprojects.net/project-materials/design-and-construction-of-a-
arduino-based-wireless-frequency-meter/
4. https://www.irjet.net/archives/V11/i10/IRJET-V11I1008.pdf
5. https://issuu.com/irjet/docs/irjet-v11i1008
6. https://www.homemade-circuits.com/frequency-meter-circuit-using-arduino/
7. https://hackaday.io/project/174836-diy-simple-arduino-frequency-meter-up-
to-65mhz

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