BYONICS PicCon v3 User manual

PicCon v3 Manual
Version 3.3 – September 15, 2020
Overview
The Byonics PicCon is a radio controller designed for hidden transmitter hunts, also called T-hunts,
foxhunts, and ARDF. When connected to a radio transceiver via the microphone and speaker jacks. it
will produce tone sequences and Morse code messages at user-programmed times. It is completely
field programmable and controllable via DTMF tones, can also be configured with a computer, and is
quite compact.
PicCon includes an LED, to show the device state, and a push-button switch to allow the starting and
stopping of a transmission without requiring a DTMF receiver. The latest version adds the ability to
configure via Windows software freely available at the PicCon website, http://byonics.com/piccon
PicCon can be customized with many tones, durations, and duty cycles, draws only a few milliamps,
and runs off any 7-18VDC source, including a standard 9-volt battery.
The transmissions consist of a looping sequence as follows:
●an off the air pre-tones delay to support multiple sequenced transmitters
●a looping tones transmission is user configurable and played during the majority of the hunt
●a Morse code message or ID to legally identify the transmitter
●an off the air delay to allow DTMF control, lower duty cycle, or other transmitters to be heard
In addition to the sequence above, it also supports:
●an initial delay to start the transmitter when the hider is not present
●a total runtime to limit the length of the hunt
Interfacing
The following are the interface connections for the PicCon, which are needed before operation.
J1 - Radio and Power interface
Female DB-9 connector J1 is used to interface PicCon to a radio transceiver and power. Premade
cables for many radios can be found at http://byonics.com/cables J1 is compatible with the radio /
power interface on the Byonics TinyTrak3 and TinyTrak4. Connect AUDIO OUT (J1 pin 1) to the
radio’s mic input. If the transmitter doesn’t have a separate PTT input (Yaesu and Icom HTs for
example), short jumper J4 on the underside of the PCB, and PTT OUT (J1 pin 3) will not need to be
connected to the transmitter. For all other transmitters, PTT OUT should be connected to the
transmitter’s PTT input and jumper J4 should be left open / unshorted. PTT OUT is grounded when
the transmitter is to be keyed. Connect the receiver’s audio out (earphone/speaker) jack to the
AUDIO IN (pin 5). Connect J1 GROUND (pin 6) to the radio’s ground. Refer to the transceiver’s
manual for more information. J1 is also used to supply PicCon’s power, via pin 7 (+7 - 18V) and pin 6
(ground).

J1 Pin
Function
1
AUDIO OUT (radio microphone)
3
PTT OUT
5
AUDIO IN (radio earphone)
6
Ground (radio and power)
7
Power (+7 to +18V DC)
J2 - 2.5mm serial interface
The PicCon now supports a serial interface to a computer, which allows for the configuration of all
settings by the MicroFox Config program version 1.97 or later. J2 provides for an RS-232 level serial
connection. The Byonics USB-2.5 cable can be used and is found at http://byonics.com/cables This
interface does not power the PicCon, so power must be supplied via J1. Note that the first time the J2
jack is used, a little extra force may be needed to insert the plug all the way in.
J3 - 1x4 serial interface
In addition to the J2 serial interface, J3 provides an alternate TTL level serial interface. J3 can be
used with the Byonics USB-TTL cable, which can power the PicCon as it configures it.
J4 - Radio PTT type selector (underside of the board)
Jumper J4 connects the Radio PTT line to the Radio microphone with a resistor as required for some
hand held radios. This post should be closed with the jumper shunt if using a radio that keys by
passing current through the mic input (usually Yaseu and Icom HTs). In this case, PTT OUT (J1 pin
3) does not need to be connected to the radio. For mobile radios, and Kenwood compatible radios, J4
should be left off (open), and PTT OUT (J1 pin 3) should be connected to the transmitter. The jumper
shunt can be stored on a single post when not needed.
J5
The five holes under U1 are intended to factory program the microcontroller and are not for the user.
Adjustments
There are only a few adjustments required for proper operation of PicCon. First, the transmit audio
level should be adjusted at R1 for proper deviation. Potentiometer R1 controls the outgoing
microphone audio level. Adjust so that audio tones are comfortable when heard on a second receiver.
The other adjustment point is the receiver volume level. It should be adjusted for best DTMF tone
decoding. Green LED D1 will flash quickly when DTMF is heard.
Quick Start
Connect the PicCon to the radio/power interface cable and connect the others ends to the radio
microphone and earphone jacks, and a 7-18V power source. The LED should flash three times.
When PicCon is initially started or after it has been reset, the only programming that must be done

before operation is setting the Morse ID to the operator’s callsign. This is done with the C1 command.
A remote transmitter can be used, or the radio connected to PicCon. To use the connected radio,
PTT will need to be pressed by hand to generate DTMF tones. Most radios will send the DTMF tones
out the radio’s earphone jack when it transmits them, so PicCon should be able to use them. To
program the Morse ID, send DTMF “C”, then DTMF “1”, followed by a number of two-digit codes,
each representing a letter or number in the desired callsign. The letter “A” is entered with the code 01,
“B” with 02, and so on. The numerals 0 to 9 are entered as DTMF “3” followed by the DTMF of the
numeral itself. The callsign entry is completed with a DTMF “#”. For example, to enter the callsign
N6BG, send the following DTMF digits: “C1 14 36 02 07 #”. Modify the example and enter the correct
callsign now. After the callsign is entered, operations can begin by pressing SW1 or sending a DTMF
“1”. This will start PicCon transmitting with the default tone sequence and transmission sequence and
timing. It can be stopped by pressing SW1 again. Operation can be then further controlled and
configured with the commands below.
Computer Configuration
The PicCon settings can be configured
via DTMF tones or with a USB serial
cable and the Windows MicroFoxConfig
program version 1.97 or later. The
cables and software are available from
http://byonics.com/piccon PL2303 USB
drivers can be found at
www.prolific.com.tw. The configuration
program can only be used within 3
seconds powering the PicCon.
The default settings that appear when
the configuration program is started are
recommended for a basic hunt with the
PicCon transmitting tones for 15
seconds, and then a Morse code ID. It
then will stop transmitting, and repeats
every 30 seconds. The only setting users must change is the Morse Code ID text to be their assigned
amateur radio callsign.
The TX Frequency, RX Frequency, and Disable RX settings are not applicable to the PicCon, as the
RF frequencies are set on the connected radio. The Calibration option is available in the Config
program but not via DTMF commands. It can be used to tweak the long term timing of a PicCon.
Positive calibration numbers make the unit run faster. If you determine that the PicCon is running
0.03% slow, set the calibrate to +0.03% to correct.
The PicCon will work with a TTL or RS232 serial cable. The cable must be connected to J2 via a
2.5mm plug, or J3 via a 1x4 0.1” pitch header in the following order:

Pin
Function
Typical Color
1 (square pad)
Ground
black
2
Serial In
green
3
+3V to +5V power
red
4
Serial Out
white
After installing the USB drivers, inserting the USB cable, and setting the desired options in the
configuration program, select the connected cable COM port, cable to the PicCon jack, apply power if
using J2, quickly press Read Version, then Write Config to apply the settings. The TTL serial cable
will power the PicCon. The program can only communicate to the PicCon within the first 3 seconds of
it getting power.
Note: When using a TTL serial cable, the PicCon will not operate until it receives the first serial
command from the config program, so do not be surprised when the LED doesn’t flash on powerup.
DTMF Configuration and Control
The PicCon can be remote controlled and configured by sending DTMF tones from either the
connected radio, or a separate radio on the same frequency. The transmitting radio needs to be able
to send all 16 DTMF tones : 0-9, *, #, and A-D. On some radios, the A-D keys may not be labeled.
The receiver volume may need to be adjusted for best DTMF decoding. Sending DTMF 3 and
watching the LED is a good way to find a suitable volume level. The LED will flash quickly while
DTMF tones are being decoded and at a medium speed during configuration. The PicCon can be
DTMF locked to prevent other DTMF controls or configuration until it receives the unlock code, default
1234.
DTMF Control Codes
DTMF tone
Function
1
Start transmission
2
Toggle transmission (or SW1)
3
Stop transmission
D
Lock DTMF control
DTMF Configuration Codes
DTMF configuration is divided into 3 command sets. The A commands take 6 DTMF digits, the B
commands take 4 DTMF digits, and the C commands are a variable length, and terminate with the #
tone.
A1mmss
Set the pre-tones off the air delay to mm minutes and ss seconds. The default is
off, and can be set with A10000.
A2mmss
Set the tones duration to mm minutes and ss seconds. The default is 15 seconds,
and can be set with A20015.

A3mmss
Set the loop time to mm minutes and ss seconds. This should be set to at least the
duration of the tones, plus the time to send the morse ID. The default is 30 seconds,
and can be set with A30030.
A4hhmm
Set the initial delay to hh hours and mm minutes. The default is off, and can be set
with A40000.
A5hhmm
Set the total runtime to hh hours and mm minutes. The default is off, and can be set
with A50000.
A6xxxx
Set the transmit frequency to 14x.xxx MHz. Not supported in PicCon.
A7xxxx
Set the receive frequency to 14x.xxx MHz.  Not supported in PicCon.
A8xxxx
Set the 4 digit unlock code. The default is 1234 and can be set with A8 1234.
B1xx
Set tone duration in 5 ms units. This controls the tone sequence speed. The default is
50 ms and can be set with B110.
B2xx
Set morse code speed in words per minute. Valid settings are between 03 and 31
wpm. The default is 20 wpm and can be set with B220.
B3xx
Set morse tone to tone code xx. This sets the audio frequency of the morse code ID.
Refer to the DTMF Tone Codes table below. The default code is 24 (784 Hz) and can
be set with B324.
B4xx
Set flags bits to xx. This sets various on/off options. The possible flags codes are:
● 1 for Random tones, instead of the C2 sequence.
● 2 for Random tone speed, instead of the B1 setting.
● 4 for Random morse tone, instead of the B3 setting.
● 8 for Auto-Start right after powerup, rather than waiting for a DTMF 1 or 2.
● 16 for Disable LED, to make the transmitter more difficult to visually see.
To set more than 1 flag, just add the codes together, for example, to enable random
tone speed and auto-start (2+8=10), send B410. The default flags are just auto-start and
can be set with B408.
C1 xx xx
xx .. #
Set the morse code message/callsign. Use the DTMF Morse Codes table below. To
keep the transmissions legal, a valid amateur radio callsign should be included in this
message. Each character is entered as a 2 digit code and the message is terminated
with a #. Maximum message length is 60 characters. For example, to set to N6BG enter
C1 14 36 02 07 #.
C2 xx xx
xx .. #
C2 xx xx xx .. # - Set the tone sequence. This sets tones that are repeated during the
tone sequence. Each note is entered as a 2 digit code from the chart below and the
sequence is terminated with a #. Maximum tone sequence length is 160 notes. The
default tone sequence can be set with C2 01 20 01 20 01 11 11 11 01 20 01 20 01 11
11 11 01 23 01 23 01 16 16 16 01 23 01 23 01 16 16 16 01 26 01 26 01 20 20 20 01 26
01 26 01 20 20 20 01 28 01 28 01 23 23 23 01 28 01 28 01 23 23 23 #.

DTMF Morse Codes
code
char
code
char
code
char
code
char
code
char
code
char
code
char
code
char
00
space
07
G
14
N
21
U
28
.
35
5
42
SK
51
,
01
A
08
H
15
O
22
V
29
/
36
6
43
$
52
:
02
B
09
I
16
P
23
W
30
0
37
7
45
AS
53
;
03
C
10
J
17
Q
24
X
31
1
38
8
46
‘
55
BT
04
D
11
K
18
R
25
Y
32
2
39
9
47
(
57
?
05
E
12
L
19
S
26
Z
33
3
40
!
48
)
58
@
06
F
13
M
20
T
27
-
34
4
41
“
50
AR
59
_
SK, AS, and AR are procedural signs.
DTMF Tone Codes
code
note
freq
code
note
freq
code
note
freq
code
note
freq
code
note
freq
01
silence
11
F#
4
370
21
E5
659
31
D6
1175
41
C7
2093
02
A3
220
12
G4
392
22
F5
698
32
D#
6
1244
42
C#
7
2218
03
A#
3
233
13
G#
4
415
23
F#
5
740
33
E6
1318
43
D7
2350
04
B3
247
14
A4
440
24
G5
784
34
F6
1397
44
D#
7
2489
05
C4
262
15
A#
4
466
25
G#
5
831
35
F#
6
1480
45
E7
2636
06
C#
4
277
16
B4
494
26
A5
880
36
G6
1568
46
F7
2793
07
D4
294
17
C5
523
27
A#
5
932
37
G#
6
1661
47
F#
7
2960
08
D#
4
311
18
C#
5
554
28
B5
987
38
A6
1760
48
G7
3136
09
E4
330
19
D5
587
29
C6
1046
39
A#
6
1864
49
G#
7
3323
10
F4
349
20
D#
5
622
30
C#
6
1109
40
B6
1975
LED
The LED will show the various states of the PicCon. It flashes 3 times on powerup. If a TTL serial
connection is found, it flashes 3 more times (but only after the first serial data is received). If it is
jumpered for a system restore, it will flash 3 more times. The LED can be disabled to make the fox
more difficult to find. The list below shows the LED meaning during operation.
●LED on Solid - Transmitting
●LED Fast Flash (20Hz) - Receiving DTMF
●LED Medium Flash (5 Hz) - Receiving configuration tones
●LED Slow Flash (1 Hz) - In a transmit sequence but currently off the air.
●LED Off - Not in a sequence
Restore
The PicCon can be restored to factory settings by temporarily shorting pins 5 and 6 of U1 together
and applying power. There will be 3 extra LED flashes to show the settings have been restored.
Starting the config program, and writing all the default values is an additional way to restore settings.

Notes
● If the assigned COM port is not showing in the config software, it can be manually entered, or
the COM port can be changed with Windows Device Manager.
● Disabling the FIFO buffer in the Com Port settings may improve serial communication.
● We recommend leaving a note with the transmitter identifying it as an Amateur Radio, and
listing a contact telephone number. These days, your transmitter may cause undue alarm if
found by a member of the public and outside agencies are contacted.

PCB
Schematic