Team information
Team DEADS is sponsored by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
problem definition
The mission of Team DEADS is to design a wireless sensor and receiver system to interface with the existing Zon propane cannons for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Land Owners. The system is to autonomously detect wildlife and trigger the propane cannon deterrent system, thus reintroducing the element of surprise.
The sensor interface must be able to detect the presence of large animals and wirelessly transmit notification of their detection to a receiver and controller unit attached to the propane cannon. The controller must then activate a low volume propane valve which will feed propane to the cannon. A graphical system concept overview is provided on the main page. The system must implement a wireless sensor-cannon network capable of allowing any number of sensors to communicate with any number of cannons within transmission range. The wireless network scheme must allow for easy configuration and setup by the user in the field.
The controller unit will allow the operator to select from discrete periods of time, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes in 5 minute intervals. Once the system is activated, it must detonate the cannon in random intervals for the user defined period of time, prior to returning to an idle mode, i.e. the user defines 20 minutes and the cannon will fire at random intervals during those 20 minutes.
The Zon cannons do not have or require a power source to operate. They operate solely on the mechanical energy provided by the pressurized gas. The system components must be low voltage, weather-proof and lightweight for portability. Sensors must have a minimum detection range of 200 feet and a communications range of 300 feet. Motion detectors should have an adjustable range of operation and a wide angle of detection.