Automatic Lighthouse System (ALS)

Introduction

This project is an exercise to improve Arduino skills in programing a self sufficient unit.
The project is inspired by Soviet-era RTG-powered automatic lighthouses placed on northen siberian shore.

This works is based on Arduino Mega2560, more detailed documentation is provided about both code and opertions.

Capabilities

ALS is mostly autonomous in its operation: user interaction is required only when collecting gathered data or when resetting the unit due to its relocation.
The unit is capable of tolerating various abnormalities without freezing.
List of current ALS features:

• Automatic clock sync from GPS satellites
• Battery operated RTC as time signal backup
• 9 V to 40 V input voltage thanks to internal linear voltage regulator
• Bluetoothwireless serial interface for data exchange and programming
• Quick reporting of weather data via LCD
• Storing of weather data on SD
• Programmable LED lightning
• Remote software reboot
• Download of file via Serial
• Configurable settings via dedicated file on SD memory

User guide

A dedicated pdf file illustrates how to operate and program the ALS via bluetooth wireless interface.

Under development

• Upload of file via Serial
• Energy saving mode
• User-friendly GUI
• Code in-depth documentation