Micro-RC Repeater Controller with Open-Source Feature

Overview

The Micro-RC repeater Controller device was modernly designed based on GNU open-source while all SMD components are utilized.

Explanation

An Atmel ATmega1281 microcontroller is the basis of the Micro-RC along with picoOS RTOS and the CML Microcircuits MX828 CTCSS/DCS/SelCall full duplex PL encoder/decoder chip. Several onboard features are packed into a low/mid price range controller although the entire 4-layer PCB has only 3x6” measurement. The ATmega1281 is an advanced RISC type processor and a flashable microcontroller that runs at 16MHz. This allows extensive flexibility for firmware and software options. Onboard A/D converters, timer/counters, Flash & SRAM memory, EEPROM, and RS232 are included.

Multiple tasks can be executed by a real preemptive RTOS with an onboard DTMF decoder for programming capabilities and remote control. The controller supports record via digital audio voice recorder using the onboard industry standard ISD Chip-Corder. All current status and control events in real time are displayed on a full backlit 20x2 LCD character display. The four onboard A/D inputs are used for ambient temperature, expansion I/O A/D input, squelch noise level monitoring, and 12V power source voltage level. The RTC time and date clock is supported with backup battery.