Design, Construction and Characterization of a Solar-Powered Multi-tone Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller

Nweke F. U., PhD

Abstract: A solar powered multi-tone ultrasonic rodent repeller was designed, constructed and characterized to complement the use of conventional methods of trap and chemical (poison) which have been found totally inefficient in repelling rodents. An Integrated Circuit (IC) timer oscillator was connected in astable multivibrator mode to generate the multiple frequencies and the signal was converted to sound using a piezo which radiates this ultrasound at frequencies of 35 KHz, 38 KHz, 40 KHz and 50 KHz. A shift register was incorporated in the design to automatically shift the voltage Vcc to the required astable multivibrator circuit at time interval which is determined by the clock for the particular frequency generated. The solar energy as power supply was successfully actualized and this enable the use of the device in areas where electricity is not accessible and in farm yards and gardens. The change in the ultrasonic frequencies at interval as a result of multiple frequencies generated by the repeller does not create room for the rodents to get to particular sound and this makes the repeller unique.

Keywords: 555 timer, Ultrasound, Multivibrator, Repeller, Rodents, Piezoelectric and Solar energy