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[tassie48]

Hi Crew years ago I had a circuit board that when hooked up flashed a Morse code signal ,now looking for a company that make them so my signal light can flash a Morse code message ,hopefully one of you guy's has either used one or knows of where I can get one from ,my message is Enemy to port .tassie48

[tigertiger]

Consider DIY.
Tutorial for Raspberry PI, for older people.
This project on making a Morse generator.
https://www.google.com.hk/search?q=morse+code+signals+raspberry+pi&rlz=1C1GCEU_zh-CN__1161__1161&oq=morse+code+signals+ras&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigATIHCAYQIRiPAjIHCAcQIRiPAjIHCAgQIRiPAtIBCDg1MjFqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:b03174e8,vid:LGdLZqHjhXg,st:0

[C-3PO]

Hi Tassie48,

Very easy to achieve - is it an LED you want to flash?

Something I cobbled together some years back - changing one line of program code would facilitate your message "Enemy to port" to be sent...

Code: [Select]


// ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
// Type your own message below between the two quotation marks
sendmsg(“Enemy to port”) ;
// ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



https://youtu.be/8_SiZkciRsA

Regards
C-3PO (aka G6SWJ)

[John W E]

hi there


many moons ago - AcTion used to do a morse code circuit - and unit - I am unsure if they still do it.


But, if it is just a basic flashing light/LED you require to assimilate morse code  there are 2 very easy and not over the top circuits, which an average person wielding a red hot soldering iron and a bit common sense could construct on a bit of copper strip board.   Here are the 2 links - I am referring to.   One uses a 555 chip the other one uses just basic transistors.


John
How to Make a Simple LED Flashing Circuit using 555 Timer IC
Simple Flashing LED Circuit using transistors


P49 Morse/Aldis Sounder/Flasher ACTion Electronics®   

[JimG]

The difficulty comes when you want to flash an actual morse code message not just having a fixed flashing light. This really needs some form of a microcontroller such as an Arduino or a microprocessor such as a Raspberry Pi. Using either an Arduino Nano or Pi Zero would keep the size down and both have programmable outputs that can be switched on and off with suitable timing. The only real difference is the programming language used in each although there is probably existing code to  do this job that can be easily modified to give the message needed. It would be relatively easy to have a set of messages that can be switched from the Tx.
Jim

[chas]

There is the simple mechanical alternative. A notched wheel on a small geared drive. The notches operate a pair of contacts or micro switch, the size of notch decides whether it makes a dot or dash so an accurate message is childs play. The method goes back to at least the 1950s and is easy and cheap to make.
 I can find pictures if you're interested.
Chas

[C-3PO]

Message "ENEMY TO PORT" sent @ both 12 and 22 WPM (Words per minute)

Cost of Arduino Nano board approx £5 - AA Battery is not used and is for size reference only.

https://youtube.com/shorts/OP4p0bwm0SI?feature=share




Regards
C-3PO

[John W E]

hi there


it is all very well, if you are able to figure out and programme Arduino nano boards - but - the gentleman in question has just asked for a basic, very simple solution.   Not saying the gent is not capable of this mind; but, if he was knowledgeable enough to programme these, I don't think he would have asked this question - although I might be wrong.   However, keeping things very simple is marvellous in this world.



I was going to type this out in morse code but not using this for 60 odd years, when I was in the boy scouts and I couldnt be bothered to go and search now for a computer programme to do it, we will leave it at that.   Sometimes things can become over complicated for no reason.


John

[C-3PO]

Where did Tassie48 mention " Basic" or "Very simple solution"?

My post on here was to simply say "What like this" and show the video.

Not for the first time via a PM I have offered to create a bespoke solution for a Mayhemer at zero cost to them

Maybe I should get out my box of 555's and blow the dust off them or get out my chisel to keep you guys happy.

Maybe we should bin our RC sets and go back to using string.

C-3PO

[Colin Bishop]

Overthinking things maybe?

Whilst getting things technically correct, what are the chances that anyone witnessing the ''enemy to port' light sequence will have the faintest idea of what it is all about? Just the owner of the boat really. So really, what is the point? Just random dots and dashes will have the same effect.

If you are going to add special effects then they are things that need to be registered by viewers such as gun flashes, smoke and maybe some sound effects although the latter tend to be over promoted as engine sounds are not usually noticeable outside the vessel making them.

I used to fit lighting to my models but never actually ran them in the dark so it was bit pointless really. They looked nice on the dining table and that was it.

It is an interesting question. Just because you can add various effects is it really worth the effort? Who will appreciate them?

Most 'working' features on models are only really appreciated and noticed by their owners. There are of course exceptions such as Geoff's muzzle flashes on his naval models and of course the pyrotechnics of the Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team but for the average modeller there is often little advantage in investing a lot of time and effort in effects that will not be appreciated by the bystander - if that is the desired audience.

It all comes down to a matter of personal preference of course but I have now reached the age when my models have become simpler to operate as the extra effort in adding special effects  is no longer justified.

Just my take on things though, I would be interested to hear what others think.

Colin

[tassie48]

Hi crew many many thanks for all your input great to see such good help with a small request ,C-3PO message and email sent ,Colin great input buddy I look at the model this way if it has a feature I like to display it ie flashing signal , and search light with a led pencil beam I run my models at night running navigation lights ,search,signal lights and interior lights all at different times of course, it's a fun thing to do most of all my  models are lit up one way or another , I had both the shock and the pride once when an ex crew member that worked on one of my models during WW 2, comment how he stood there shut his eyes and could remember his ship looking at the model on the water ,look i know its not everyone's cup of tea just what i like doing and enjoying to all whom have assisted me thank you keep building and keep sailing crew tassie48

[Colin Bishop]

Tassie,

I completely understand what you are saying, if it makes YOU happy then that is all that matters. I do much the same in a different way. I enjoy building working scale boats, they don't tend to be types that have many opportunities for working features but I do fit them out with all the running gear, motors  and R/C etc. But I hardly ever run them, partly because it is a hassle getting them to the nearest water but also because after a few turns around the lake I tend to get bored.

I used to love navigating the old MPBA Scale Competition courses held all over the country but they are long gone except in a few instances hundreds of miles away! I still enjoy building  though.

Colin