Portable E-Fence

Team: Donna Metcalf

Project

  • Create a system that uses wireless communication through radio antennas and is powered by batteries.
  • Create a system that is portable and can operate outdoors and in a confined apartment.
  • Create a collar attachment that alerts the dog when they have reached a pre-set boundary.
  • Develop a controller that enables the user to select from three distinct range settings while also incorporating a manual override feature to alert the dog regardless of distance.

System

System flow diagram
System example diagram

Methods

  • Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico – small, cost-effective, programmable in Python
  • Wireless: Dipole RF antenna (2.4/5GHz) with modified connector
  • Vibration Motor: Chosen for intensity and size; alerts the dog upon boundary breach
  • Power Supply: Non-rechargeable batteries for simplicity
  • Code & Development:
    • Started with Arduino + C
    • Shifted to Raspberry Pi + Python
    • Built basic signal → buzz flow; refined through testing and mentorship

Conclusion

  • Final Product: When a signal is sent from the transmitter, the motor turns on.
  • Take Aways: Throughout this project I learned how to
    • Find a problem and research solutions
    • Design a solution based on research
    • Document progress that efficiently communicates with a range of audiences
    • How to program and test code on an unfamiliar language and controllers
  • Future Modifications
    • Design a power supply for a portable system
prototype