#129

Yes, my dog barks. Time to design a deterrent that I can't hear - but that he can!
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Reinforce good behaviour with a bark detector and deterrent
All this text and the links can be found here too:
github.com/Ral...
So we're looking after Dougle (a dog) longer term right now. He's a cute little thing but does like to bark when people come to the door. To the point where you can't hold a conversation. It's the small dog syndrome, I guess.
So I was looking for a "command reinforcer" - that is, something that could reinforce the command STOP without me having to raise my voice (too much). Or even say it at all.
It seems ultrasonic devices are looked upon favourably as they cause no pain, no distress and the dog can quickly learn that the unpleasant noise is directly related to his barking. He is ultimately in control.
That's the plan, anyway. But we all know what happens to the best-laid plans of dogs and Ralph...
Given that Dougle, the dog, is half a sandwich short of a picnic it might take a while. We shall see.
I'm using some electronic intelligence with this device, courtesy of an Arduino UNO (or Nano, in the final version) to detect the bark(s) and determine whether, and for how long, to switch on the ultrasonic oscillator. It's a work in progress but I do have high hopes that this might nudge him in the right direction.
Bark detection is via a microphone preamplifier feeding into a peak detector which then feeds into an analog port of the Arduino. The Arduino will then switch the 12-volt ultrasonic oscillator on and off via a MOSFET (eventually).
I'm tempted to include an LCD screen that displays messages so that we know what it's doing. Failing that it will be some coloured LEDs. Perhaps a stick of NeoPixels to display the bark intensity too...
I went through quite a few audio detection options so the links are all below.
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LINKS
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LM386 amplifier module from HiLetGo (Amazon UK link but available everywhere):
www.amazon.co....
Microphone preamplifier module from HiLetGo (Amazon UK link but available everywhere):
www.amazon.co....
MAX446 data sheet (microphone preamplifier):
cdn-shop.adafr...
The piezo tweeter in the handheld model (just a loudspeaker):
www.diytrade.c...
Everything you might want to know about the LM386 Low Voltage Audio Power Amp:
www.ti.com/lit/...
The KEMO ultrasonic generator that I'm using has a built-in loudspeaker and variable frequency:
www.kemo-elect...
The KEMO ultrasonic "cannon" that I'm not using - possibly good for getting foxes out of your garden though:
www.kemo-elect...
The clap switch that I eventually did not use - but an interesting kit nonetheless:
www.banggood.c...
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