by hypersoniq » Sun May 18, 2008 5:45 pm
The biggest problem I am having is trying to find good tutorials on the ATMega168 and programming for it in C.
I ordered a bigger breadboard because the one with the kit is just too small. It's 2 side-by-side on a plate with 2 voltage pegs, so I can make a control circuit in 5v with the chip and a higher power frequency generator beside it. If C proves too much (or lack of resources and training) then I might consider a freeduino USB kit, since there are MANY tutorials about that (and it uses the ATMega168 chip)
My first project is a relatively simple plan, fill a container with water (no electrolytes!) and place an antenna in the center (covered with plastic so there is no water-metal contact). Around the antenna will be a plastic coated section of copper tube (to serve as an RF shield, keeping any effects local to the antenna). A simple carrier wave will be applied to the antenna, starting at the lowest frequency available by the processor (probably with several different power levels) and stepping up by the smallest increments to the max frequency available. I will have to get some sort of sensor that logs when a reaction occurs so the test can be run hands off (my best estimate puts run time at 5 to 7 continuous DAYS)
Many are quick to discount that water can be split by frequency alone, and even those that agree with the theory argue over the actual frequency... before I discount it, I would need to see for myself. I have MUCH to learn and this simple first step could take years, but that's my plan.