hardware - smouldery/shock-collar-control GitHub Wiki

WARNING: LOCAL LAWS MAY VARY, PLEASE ENSURE IT IS LEGAL FOR YOU TO TRANSMIT ON THE 433 MHZ SPECTRUM IN YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE for convenience, I've linked some common residential area regulations below. this is not legal advice, and is not endorsed by any of the below authorities, it's just a link where you can read some more.

Collar and remote

current hardware

only works on SPECIFIC hardware. the most common one is this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W6UVROK/ but it's found in many brands. if it looks like this (shape of remote and receiver) you're probably good, but I can't guarantee anything.

Local Transmitter Controller

current hardware

a Raspberry Pi 2 model B board being held, it is in a black case and a thumb is visible holding back wires. there are six wires of various colours, and a red light above them. on pin 2 and 4 red wires are attached with the label "these are both 5v lines - one goes to each module". on pin 9, a green wire is attached, and on pin 14, a blue wire is attached, which both have the label "these are both GND pins. one to each module". on pin 11, a brown/orange wire is attached - this is labelled "this goes to the TRANSMITTER data pin". on pin 13, a yellow wire is attached - this is labelled "this goes to the RECEIVER pin"

Transmitter module (and optional receiver)

current hardware

At present the project uses a pretty standard 433 MHz transmitter, with an optional 433 MHz receiver useful for debugging. The model number is listed as '2008-8', and is a 3 pin interface transmitter that's 5v. it takes one ground pin, one power pin (5v) and one input pin - it should be pulled low for no transmission, and high for transmission (it should be low by default to minimise community interference. if your transmissions reach other people, transmitting over their 433 MHz signal more than necessary is rude and disruptive, even if it's legal where you are, so please be responsible)

this module is readily available from local electronics suppliers and online international ones, in a range of qualities and prices. I recommend you pick up a 433 MHz receiver as well if you can, it's really useful for debugging. they're usually sold in pairs and if you're getting them from a less reputable seller, consider buying two sets

they sell for anywhere from $2-3 USD a pair to $10-15 USD a pair from brand retailers. Transmitter: 2008-8 433 MHz transmitter, a 3 pin circuit with raised silver disk and copper coloured coil on the board Receiver: a 4 pin circuit board with a small black IC, a green column with a screw on top and copper coils around the side, and a small copper coil of thick wire.

a '2008-8' model 433 MHz Receiver with annotated labels. there are 4 pins, but the second pin from the left is not attached to a wire. the leftmost pin is labelled GND on the receiver , has a blue wire attached and is labelled "GND pin - from pin 9 or 14". the pin second from the right has a yellow wire attached, and is labelled "from pin 11 - Data Out". the pin on the far right has a red wire attached, and is labelled "5v line (from pin 2 or 4)

a '2008-8' model 433 MHz transmitter with annotated labels. there are three pins on the transmitter. the leftmost pin has an orange wire attached, and is labelled "Data line IN - from pin 11". the middle pin has a red wire attached, and is labelled "5v pin - to pin 2 or 4". the pin on the far right has a green wire attached, and is labelled "GND pin - to pin 9 or 14 (or any GND pin)

other compatible transmitters

while the module isn't important (anything that can transmit on 433 MHz will work, but using a different module may require code changes / a different local transmitter controller), it does need to be this frequency as that's the frequency the collar works on. if your collar doesn't work on 433 MHz, you'll need to ensure you find a module that matches your collar.

if you have an SDR that can transmit on 433 MHz on a reasonable bitrate, that may work as well (and means less hardware to buy)

if you do use alternate hardware, and have the time and energy, any notes on this are very much appreciate and can be added to this wiki directly.