Overview
The Byonics PicCon is a micro-controlled hidden transmitter controller engineered for Radio Direction Finding (RDF) activities, including tactical T-hunts, foxhunts, and Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) events. The module acts as an automated station controller that interfaces directly with a transceiver to orchestrate automated beacon audio sequences, Morse code identity transmissions, and complex loop timings required for competitive radio sporting and emergency locator tracking drills.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
| Manufacturer | Byonics |
| Product Category | Hidden Transmitter Hunt Controller (Fox Controller) |
| Core Component | Microchip PIC Microcontroller Hardware |
| Remote Interface Type | Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) 16-Tone Grid |
| Computer Configuration Interface | RS-232 Serial via 2.5mm Data Port |
| Primary Timing Functions | Initial Delay, Pre-tones Delay, Transmission Loop, Runtime Limits |
| Operating Voltage Range | 7 Volts to 18 Volts DC |
| Operational Power Source Compatibility | Standard 9-Volt Battery or External DC Lines |
| Audio Modulation Control | Internal Trimpot Adjustment Potentiometer |
Physical Description
The PicCon features an ultra-compact footprint designed to streamline covert concealment inside remote field enclosures. The layout integrates a multi-function LED indicator to display real-time operational status alongside an on-board physical push-button switch used to manually start or stop transmissions without requiring remote radio command overrides. Physical connectivity consists of a dedicated 2.5mm serial configuration interface for computer adjustments, a standard power connection line, and specialized audio output lines routed directly to the microphone and speaker jacks of the host radio.
History
The PicCon was engineered by Byon Garrabrant (N6BG) to streamline remote field deployments for radio tracking competitions. Prior to integrated micro-controlled solutions, hosting synchronized multi-transmitter foxhunts required cumbersome mechanical switches or large field timers that could not adapt to real-time setup adjustments once deployed in concealed areas.
By utilizing a dedicated Microchip PIC architecture, the design allowed event planners to configure sophisticated transmission parameters either via specialized configuration software or directly over the air using a standard handheld DTMF keypad. The firmware was explicitly optimized to reduce current consumption down to a few milliamperes, allowing the controller to run for extended periods on a basic alkaline battery cell.
As transmitter hunting expanded from simple weekend club events into standardized international tracking sports, Byonics updated the underlying PicCon programming firmware to support precise timing calibrations, interlocking sequence delays, and multi-transmitter delay grids. This flexible firmware architecture was subsequently selected as the processing foundation for the company’s MicroFox line of integrated, all-in-one low-power tracking transceivers.
References
- https://www.byonics.com/downloads/PicCon_v3_Manual.pdf – Official Byonics engineering manual outlining hardware adjustments, DTMF control maps, computer interface steps, and loop configurations for the PicCon platform.
- https://www.byonics.com/downloads/MicroFox_PicCon_Manual_v0.61.pdf – Manufacturer documentation defining the integration of the PicCon tracking firmware framework within portable low-power radio transmitters.