CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Long-Range Bluetooth Audio Transmitter & Receiver
HARDWARE | FIRMWARE | MOBILE/WEB APPS
Project Overview
Designed a dual-mode Bluetooth audio transmitter and receiver system capable of transmitting real-time natural sounds up to 1 km. The solution allows users to experience ambient nature audio indoors via an outdoor mic-equipped transmitter disguised as a nut.
Client Requirement & Objectives
Seamless Indoor Nature Audio Experience: The system should enable real-time transmission of outdoor audio, particularly useful during harsh winters or in noise-controlled environments, allowing users to experience nature sounds indoors.
Nature-Inspired Aesthetic: The transmitter casing was required to mimic the shape and texture of a natural nut, making it discreet for placement in bird nests or on tree branches.
Dual-Mode Hardware Design: A single hardware design should support both transmitter and receiver functionalities, made possible through configurable firmware or settings.
Integrated Components in Compact Form: The transmitter needed to house a sensitive microphone, a long-range Bluetooth module (up to 1 km), and a 3000mAh rechargeable battery, all within the small nut-shaped enclosure.
System Design & Build
Dual-Mode Hardware: Designed a single PCB that could be configured via firmware as either a transmitter or receiver to simplify production.
Long-Range Bluetooth Design: Integrated a high-gain Bluetooth module capable of transmitting audio up to 1 km with low latency.
Custom Nut-Shaped Enclosure: Engineered the internal layout to fit within the organic nut shape, maintaining aesthetics and functionality.
Audio Path Optimization: Tuned the microphone and audio signal path to deliver clear, natural sound with minimal distortion even in variable weather conditions.
Project Tech Stack
Key Challenges & Solutions
PCB & Mechanical Constraints: Fitting a full-featured PCB, microphone, and 3000mAh battery inside a small, irregular nut shape required custom 3D board design and strategic component placement.
Microphone Positioning: Ensured optimal mic placement on the shell exterior to capture clean audio regardless of device orientation in trees or nests.
Power Management: Implemented a power-saving protocol that activates Bluetooth audio transmission only when a receiver is actively connected, falling back to BLE advertising in standby.
Environmental Robustness: Selected components and coatings suitable for outdoor conditions, including moisture resistance and cold-weather operation..
Client
ChirpSounds brings nature indoors with smart audio devices that stream live bird sounds into your home.
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