GB2314751A - Angling bite indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A fishing float which when partly pulled below the surface of the water by the action of the fish taking the bait attached to the hook, emits a coded radio signal. This signal which is specific to the receiver unit triggers the emissions of a visible and audible alarm. The receiver unit is easily transportable and may be carried by the angler or placed close to the fishing rod.

Description

Contents.

Page 2. Angling Bite Indicator Page 3. Circuit Description-Float Page 3. Circuit Description-Receiver Page 5. Claims Page 6. Abstract Page 7. Appendix 1 Page 7. Variation of Sensor Switches Page 7. Light Sensor Operated Float Page 7. Pressure Switch Operated Float Page 7. Auxiliary Float Operated Float Page 8. Mechanical Switch for Fig 15 or Fig 16 Page 8. Magnetic Switching for Fig 15 or Fig 16 Page 8. Light Operated Switching for Fig 15 or Fig 16 Page 9. Temperature Operated Float Page 9. Capacitance Operated Float Page 9. Pin Operated Float Page 10. Master and Slave Float Page 10. General Variations Page 11. List of Draw nqs Page 13. Key to Drawing Numbers Page 15. Drawings Fig 1 to Fig 2 Angling Bite Indicator This invention relates to a system of bite indication for float fishing using a rod and line.

Float fishing is a well known method of bite indication for angling whereby the float is moved or pulled below the surface of the water being fished by the action of the fish taking the bait.

Float fishing however requires constant visual monitoring and the angler must be alert and remain vigil at all times. In bad weather and poor visibility o observation of the float can be difficult.

According to the present invention, there is provided a remote system of bite indication for float fishing, comprising of a float with electrode sensing controller an encoder unit and a wireless transmitter. At or near the fishing rod is a wireless receiver unit with a decoder and audible and visual indication. The receiver unit is freely portable and cars be carried or attached to the fisherman or attached to the fishing rod or rod accessories.

A specific embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Referring to the drawing Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, the float device consists of a two piece hollow plastic enclosure, colour cap end 3 and float body 6, with a tube 8 through the centre of the two pieces to take the fishing line. The two sections of the float device are connected together by a screw thread 7 and the interior is made waterproof by means of "o" rings 5.

Mounted within the body 6 are two electrodes 4, which are connected to the circuitry il shown hatched on the body of the +loat device .

In order to operate the transmitter within the float device, the circuitry 11 within the float body 6, is armed by closing switch 10. The action of the float being partly submerged by a fish taking the bait attached to the float by fishing line passing through tube 8, causes electrodes 4 to be submerged and a low conducting current path is made, which activates the encoder and transmitter and a coded radio frequency message is transmitted, which in turn activates the receiver Fig. 5, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7 warring the angler that a bite i i- in progress.

Variations of sensor switches to actitate the encoder and transmitter are listed in Appendi. @.

Circuit Description-Float Referring to Fig. 9, when both electrodes 4 are submerged, a low current conducting path is created between the transistor 13 base and 0 volts via the base resistor 19 switching output of the transistor 13 high, which in turn provides power, activating the encoder 14 and the radio frequency transmitter module 15.

The code pattern is set by open or closed P.C.B. tracks 16 at the side of the encoder 14.

The encoder timing system is set using a single resistor 17. The resulting digital code is fed to the modulation input o+ the transmitter module 15. A ready built and aligned radio transmitter module 15 type TXM-418F, transmits the digital code +rom the encoder 14, in accordance with the Licence Exempt DTI(RA) specification MPT 1340.

An internal helical antenna 12, comprising of twenty-six turns of 0.5mm diameter7 enamelled copper wire, close wound on a3.2mm diameter former is directly connected to the transmitter module 15, with the other end left open circuit.

Power 1 s provided by a three volt lithium battery 9 via the switch 10.

Diode 18 prevents damage to the circuit fro accidental reverse polarity of the battery.

Circuit Description-Recsiver Referring to Fig. 10, the incoming 418Mhz coded signal picked up by the antenna 20 which is connected to a ready built superheterodyne radio receiver module 21 type SILRX-418-A. This receiver module 21 i@ the matching unit to the approved transmitter.

The digital output of module 21 is fed to the input of the decoder 22.

The code pattern is set by open or closed P.C.B. tracks 23 or D.I.P. switches at the side of the decoder 22.

Decoder system timing is set using a single resistor 24.

Signal information is compared by the decoder 22 to its local code and if no errors or unmatched codes are found, the output will become high for the duration of the transmission.

CMOS gate type 4001BE, 25, is configured as a monostable timer.

When the input of the gate 25 is taken high by the decoder 22, a timed period is initiated, taking the output of 25 high, the base resistor 35 and the transistor 26 base also go high, switching the transistor 26 output high, which in turn, light the L.E.D. 27 and sounds the sounder 28.

Capacitor 29 and resistor 30 set the monostable 25 timing duration.

After the timed period, the L.E.D. 27 and sounder 28 are switched off until the next high is received.

Power is supplied by a nine volt battery 1 via switch and reverse battery polarity protection is provided by diode 32.

Resistor 34 reduces the battery voltage to the L.E.D. 27.

Resistor 36 biases the monostable 25 input low when a signal is not being received.

Resistor 37 pulls up the detect pin of the receiver module 21 to supply voltage when the detect circuit for power saving is not being used.

Capacitor 38 decouples supply noise and hash.

The receiver electronics are housed in enclosure SLI as shown in Fig.5, Fig.6, Fig.7, and Fig..

Appendix 1 Variation of Sensor Switches Light Sensor Operated Float Referring to Fig. 9. Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 a light sensor 41 and a light emitter 42 are installed in place of the electrodes 4.

The base resistor 19 is connected to an I.R. phototransistor 41 and an I.R. L.E.D. 42 is connected across the power supply via the switch 10. When the phototransistor 41 and the L.E.D. 42 are submerged, reflected light is received by the photo-transistor 41 from the L.E.D. 42, switching 41 into conduction which provide a low to transistor 13 base activating the encoder 14 and the R.F. transmitter module 15.

Sensitiity is adjusted by the variable resistor 43.

Pressure Switch Operated Float Referring to Fig. 9, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the pressure switch 44 is fitted in place of the electrodes 4.

The pressure switch contacts 44 are connected across the base resistor 19 and 0 volt supply. When the float 6 is partly submerged, the change of pressure between the water, closes the pressure switch contacts 44, providing a low to transistor 13 activating the encoder 14, and the R.F. transmitter module 15.

AuxiliarY Float Operated Float Referring to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16, this shows two versions of the main float 6 with a side auxiliary float 45 or central auxiliary float 48 which are free to move with in limits 46 set by the main float 6.

The action of the fish taking the bait, produces a mechanical movement 47 between the main float 6 and the auxiliary floats 45 or 48. This mechanical movement 47 is used to operate various sensor switches as described for Fig. 15 or Fig. 16 light, mechanical, and magnetic switches which all interface with Fig. 9.

Mechanical Switch for Fig. 15 or Fig. 16.

The movement 47 operates a mechanical contact which is connected in the same manner as the pressure switch contact 44 in Fig. 13.

Magnetic Switching for Fig. 15 or Fig. 16 The movement 47 moves a magnet 49 which operates a reed switch 70 with the contact connected in place of the electrodes 4. The reed switch 71f} contacts are connected across the base resistor 19 and 0 volt supply, as own in Fig. 17. The movement 47 operates reed switch 70 providing a low to transistor 13 activating the encoder 14 and the .F. transmitter module 15.

The magnet 49 can also operate a Hall effect switch 51 as shown in Fig. 18. Connections for the H.E.S. 51 are as follows:- output from the H.E.S. 51 is fed to a comparator 52, which is set by resistors 53, 54, and 55 to a reference voltaqe just above the quiescent output of the H.E.S. 5|1.

The comparator 52 output is normally high but switches low when a magnet 49 is moved near the H.E.S. 51, which provides a low for transistor 13 base and activate the encoder 14 and the R.F. transmitter module 15. Voltage required by the H.E.S. 51 is four and one half volts mini mum, so an additional battery i.- needed with a dropping resistor 56 fitting in the R.F. transmitter module 15 power line.

Light Operated Switching for Fig. 15 or Fig. 16.

Reflective light operated switching is accomplished by the movement 47 moving a reflective target using components as shown in Fig. 11.

The movement 47 can also operate as an interrupter light switch, by using the circuit as in Fig. 19, which is similar to Fig. 11 except the photo-transistor 41 and variable resistor 43 are interchanged. Light falling on the photo-transistor 41 initiates conduction, biasing transistor 13 high, switching it off. Interruption of the light by mechanical movement 47 of a shutter 57, switches the photo-transistor 41 off, allowing the variable resistor 4; to provide a low to transistor 1: base, switching it on and activating the encoder 14 and the R.F. transmitter module 15..

Temperature Operated Float Referring to Fig. 9, Fig. 18, Fig. 20, and Fig. 21, a thermistor 58 or similar temperature sensor switch is fitted in place of the electrodes 4. When the f Float 6 is submerged so that the thermistor 58 is just below the surface, its resistance wi 11 change because of the difference between the air and water temperature. Circuit connections are as shown in Fig. 18 for the Hall effect switch 51. The thermistor 58 and resistor 59 replace the H.E.S. 51 as shown in Fig. 21.

Capacitance Operated Float Fig. 22, Fig. 23, and Fig. 24, show a capacitive switching float and circuit which is as follows: The inside of the float 6 is fitted with a conductive surface 62, which forms one plate of a capacitor. The other plate of the capacitor is formed by the water 63 as the float 6 is pulled down by the action of a fish taking the bait. CMOS quad nand gate 64 is configured as an astable oscillator. The output is connected to the existing circuit as in Fig. 9, but the base resistor 19 is changed to 4.7 Kilohms. Resistor 65 and capacitor plates 62 and 63 control the timing function. Capacitor 66 is used as a pulse stretcher to give reasonable time tor the R.F. signal to be sent. Diode 67 prevents the capacitor 66 from discharging through the gate 64 when it is high.

Oscillation starts, when the float 6 is pulled low enough to allow sufficient capacitance between the water 63 and the inner conductive surface 62. Gate 64 output provides a low from the diode 67, which in turn produces a low at the transistor 13 base activating the encoder 14 and R.F. transmitter module 15.

Pin Operated Float Referring to Fig. 25, and Fig. 26 a pin 60 is engaged in the float 6, which holds the switch 61 off. When the pin 60 is partly or wholly withdrawn from the float 6 by a fish taking the bait, the switch 61 operates, activating the circuit. Various sensor switching methods can be operated by the movement of this pin and are the same as described for Fig. 15, or Fig. 16.

Master and Slave Floats Referring to Fig. 27, the master and slave floats consist of two floats, the master float 6 contains the R.F. module, encoder, switch, battery main circuitry. The slave float 68 contains the sensor s-wi switch. All 1 master- and slave + I oats are connected by extra f +lexible electrical cable 69 and any sensor switching system used for the single floats as described in this document, can be used for the slave float.

Alternatively, the master float 6 can contain the light operated sensor system as in Fig. 11, but with light conducted to and from the slave float 68, by light guides or optical fibre cable, in place of the extra flexible electrical cable 69.

A particular advantage with the master and slave float principle is that a range of interchangeable slave floats from large to very small can be used.

Operation of the master and slave floats is b a f fish taking the bait and partly or total 1 submerging the s1 S float which in turn activates the sensor switch. The coded R.F. signal is transmitted from the master float.

General Variations The encoder and decoder integrated circuit can be changed to allow the use of other than binary code e.g. trinary codes which will increase the total number of code patterns available.

Frequency 418MHZ is used under specification MPT 1340 for the transmitter, but use of other 1 eqal radio frequencies as they become available may be required.

Most electronic components shown in this document use through hole technology although surface mount technology equivalent miniatture electronic components may well be used.

A simple timing circuit may be installed to the transmitter to limit the number of operations or duration of the R.F. signal. As a well known timer such as the TS555 or similar would be used, no further details are needed.

Volume and tone controls may be I natal led to the sounder circuit. As these circuits are widely published no further details are included.

H battery save circuit may also be connected to the receiver to reduce battery consuption. These circuits are published in the transmitter manufactures data books, so no further details on these circuits are provided.

List of Drawings Figure 1 Shows the float device in side view as in use with line, hook, swivel, and float stops attached. igure 2 Shows the float device in side view in a vertical position.

Figure 3 Shows the + float device in plan view.

Figure 4 Shows the float device in section side view vertical, depicting the location o+ the sensing controller, encoding unit, transmitter, battery, and switch.

Figure 5 Shows the front elevation of the receiver.

Figure 6 Shows the plan elevation of the receiver.

Figure 7 Shows the side elevation of the receiver.

Figure 8 Illustrates the internal arrangements of the receiver.

Figure 9 Shows the electronic circuit diagram of the float.

Figure 10 Shows the electronic circuit diagram of the receiver.

Figure 11 Shows the electronic circuit diagram for the variation of sensor, light operated float.

Figure 12 Shows the float in side view with sensor as in Figure ii.

Figure 13 Shows the electronic circuit for variation of sensor, pressure switch operated float.

Figure 14 Shows the float in side view with sensor as in Figure 13.

Figure 15 Shows the variation side auxiliary operated float in a-ida view.

Figure 16 Shows the variation central auxiliary operated float in side view.

Figure 17 Shows the circuit diagram for magnetic operation using a reed switch for Figure 15 or Figure 16.

Figure 18 Show the electronic circuit diagram for magnetic operation using a hall effects switch for Figure 15 or Figure 16.

Figure 19 Shows the electronic circuit diagram for light operation for Figure 15 or Figure 16.

Figure 20 Shows the variation for temperature sensor operated float in side view.

Figure 21 Shows the electronic circuit diagram for Figure 20.

Figure 22 Shows the variation for capacitance sensor operated float.

Figure 23 Shows the internal view of Figure 22.

Figure 24 Shows the electronic circuit diagram for Figure 22.

Figure 25 Shows the variation pin operated float.

Figure 26 Shows the internal view of Figure 25.

Figure 27 Shows the variation for master float and slave float.

Key to Drawing Numbers 1 Fishing line 2 Float stop 3 Cap end 4 Electrodes 5 "O" rings 6 Float body 7 Screw thread 8 Tube through the centre of the float 9 Battery lithium 3 volt type CR1220 10 Switch 11 Circuitry 12 Antenna 13 Transistor PNP type BC558 14 Encoder integrated circuit type HT12E 15 Wireless radio frequency transmitter module type TXM-418F 16 P.C.B. tracts for code setting 17 Resistor 820 Kilohms 18 Diode type 1N4001 19 Base resistor 1.8 Kilohms 20 Antenna: receiver unit 21 Wireless radio receiver module type SILRX-418-A 22 Decoder integrated circuit type HT12F 23 P.C.B. tracts or D.I.L. switches for code setting 24 Resistor 68 Kilohms 25 Cmos quad two input nor gate type 4001BE 26 Transistor NPN type BC548 27 Light emitting diode 28 Piezo sounder 29 Capacitor 1.5 Microfarads 30 Resistor 3.9 Megohms 31 Battery 9 volt alkaline 32 Diode type 1N4001 33 Switch 34 Resistor 470 Ohms 35 Resistor 2.2 Kilohms 36 Resistor 1 Megohms 37 Resistor 10 Megohms 38 Capacitor 10 Microfarads 39 Swivel 40 Hook 41 I.R. photo-transistor 42 I.R. light emitting diode 43 Resistor variable 100 Kilohms 44 Pressure switch 45 Auxiliary float 46 Limit stops 47 Movement between main and auxiliary floats 48 Auxiliary float 49 Magnet 50 Receiver enclosure 51 Hall effects switch type UGN3503U 52 Comparator type CA3130E 53 Resistor 2.7 Kilohms 54 Resistor variable 4.7 Kilohms 55 Resistor 2.7 Kilohms 56 Resistor 300 Ohms 57 Shutter 58 Thermistor 59 Resistor variable 10 Kilohms 60 Pin 61 Switch 62 Conducting surface capacitor plate 63 Water acting as capacitor plate 64 Cmos quad nand gate type 4011BE 65 Resistor 68 Kilohms 66 Capacitor 0.1 Microfarads 67 Diode IN4001 68 Slave float 69 Cable extra flexible 70 Reed switch Drawings Fig 1 to Fig 27

Claims (2)

1. Claims 1. A remote system of angling bite indication for float fishing, comprising of a float with a sensing controller, an encoder unit and wireless transmitter, The action of the float being partly submerged, by a fish taking the bait attached the float by fishing line, activates the encoder and transmitter, resulting in a coded radio frequency message to be transmitted.

   At or near the fishing rod is a portable wireless receiver unit with a decoder, which is activated by the radio signal and emits an audible and visible alarm.
2. 2. A remote system of angling bite indication for + 1 oat fishing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing controller is operated by the action of the float being partly submerged, creating a low conducting path between two electrodes placed in the main body of the float.