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Construction of an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Construction of an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

C.I. Onah*, C.M. Iloka
Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract
An ultrasonic pest repeller (UPR) was constructed to repel pest like rodent from home in
order to prevent damage and possible infections or diseases caused by rodents. Rodents
can perceive ultrasonic sound of frequencies within the range of 20 to 65 kHz. Our UPR
when tested emit varying ultrasonic frequencies approximately within the range of 20 to
50 kHz. We found that these varying frequencies are like sound produced by Jackhammer
and causes auditory stress to rodents and discourages them from habituating within the
environment where this sound is effective. Ultrasonic frequencies are frequencies above
20 kHz. This work was simulated with electronics simulator software called PROTEUS
to study and ensure its operating characteristics before construction. This device is more
humane and sanitary to use in home as they do not involve traps and poisons which are
harmful to man. Also, the varying ultrasonic frequencies emitted are inaudible to man.

Keywords: ultrasonic pest repeller, astable multivibrator, prototype, rodents

*Author for Correspondence E-mail: cossyonah@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION also, must be suitable for use at offices and

An ultrasonic pest repeller (UPR) is a device
constructed to repel undesired pest around our
residential area. The undesired pest in this
study context is the rodent. The UPR is based
on sound production; particularly ultrasonic
sound i.e., high frequency sound above
20 kHz. The human hearing range is between
20 to 20 kHz [1]. Humans cannot hear
ultrasonic sound because our eardrum cannot
vibrate fast enough, but, rodents hearing range
extends into the ultrasonic frequency and
ranges from 1 to about 100 kHz [2].
The high frequency sound produced causes
intense auditory stress to the rodents
encouraging or forcing them to leave the area
under the influence of the ultrasound. The
sound is produced intermittently, so that, the
undesired pest would not get used to the
repetitious sound; in other words, it
discourages habituation. The sound being such
a high frequency will not penetrate solid
objects such as walls, doors, floors etc. but
tend to remain in the restricted room bouncing
off hard surfaces.
home, and also be safe to be used around any
non-rodent pets like cats, dogs and birds.
Rodents like rats have been found to be
vectors of diseases like the Miurine Typhus,
Leptospirosis, Trichinosis, Rabbit fever etc.
These diseases caused by rat can spread in a
fast rate and very hard to control in a short
period of time. According to the centre for
disease control, United States, rats bite more
than 45,000 people each year [3]. Also,
rodents can cause massive damage to
properties. According to estimates of the
world health organization, rats contaminate
and destroy enough food worldwide each year
to feed 200 million people [4].
Consequently, traps and poisons can endanger
children and pets which constitute health
hazards. Unlike traps and poisons, UPR has
the ability to provide long-term reductions in
rodent population by creating a “rodent-
unfriendly” environment through the emission
of a jackhammer like sound that discourages
rodent infestations or habitation.

The UPR will help prevent and control the MATERIAL, METHODS AND
outbreak of disease, infection and damages to TECHNIQUE
properties caused by rodents. The repellent Materials Used

RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved Page 1

 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The following materials/components
were used in the construction of the UPR
system:
(i) The CD4017 decade counter IC.
(ii) The NE555 timer IC.
(iii) The CD4013 Dual flip flop IC.
(iv) The CA3130 operational amplifier IC.
(v) Transistors.
(vi) Diodes.
(vii) Capacitor.
(viii) Resistors.
(ix) Piezo tweeter.
(x) Voltage Regulator IC.
(xi) Transformer.
Some other materials for this project
were sourced from various existing
publication, documentation, journals,
encyclopedia, Google and libraries of
higher institutions of learning.
Components Description
The components used in this project are
described in detail below:
The CD4017 Decade Counter
The CD4017 is a synchronous 5 stage Johnson
counters with 10 decided outputs and a
carryout bit. This counter is cleared to zero
count by a logical ‟1” on their reset line.
The configuration of the CD4017 permits
medium speed operations and assures a hazard
free counting speed. The 10 decoded output is
normally in the logical “0” state and go to the
logical “1” state only at their respective time
slot. Each decoded output remains high for 1
full clock cycle. The carry-out signal complete
a full cycle for every 10 clock input cycle and
is used as a ripple any signal to any
succeeding stages.
Fig. 2.1: CD4017 Decade Counter IC [5].
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Onah and Iloka
Figure 2.1 has the following operating
features:
 Wide supply voltage range.
 High noise immunity.
 Medium speed operation.
 Fully static operation.
Applications: In this project, the CD4017
decade counter is used as a frequency
division. Other areas of application are:
 Digital display systems.
 Alarm systems.
 Remote metering etc.
The 555 Timer IC
This is an integrated circuit that can act either
like a timer or an oscillator/multivibrator [5].
The standard 555 package include over 20
transistors, 2 diodes and 15 resistors on a
silicon chip installed in an 8–pin mini dual-in-
line package DIP.
The 555 timer IC can be operated in two
modes: monostable and astable modes. In
monostable mode, it acts like-timer and
operation under a frequency less than 1 Hz.
The astable mode is the most common mode
of application. Here the 555 timer IC produces
continuous stream of rectangular
pulses/waveform having a specified
frequency. Figure 2.2 shows a typical setup
employing the use of the 555 timer IC in
astable mode.
thig
tlo
Fig. 2.2: 555 Timer in Astable Mode
(Collin, 2011).
The 555 timer IC is easy to use (requires few
components and calculations) and inexpensive
and can be used in an amazing number of
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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________
applications, like timers, bounce free switches,
touch switches, pulse width modulation
(PWM), frequency dividers etc.
In practical expression, the frequency of the
output waveform of the 555 timer is given as;
(2.1)
where thigh = 0.693(R1 + R2) C (2.1a)
tlow = 0.693R2C (2.1b)
thigh and tlow are the time for which the output
is high or low respectively. It is measured in
seconds. C is capacitance of the capacitor in
farads; R is resistance of the resistance in
Ohms. For reliable operation the resistor
should be between approximately 10 KΩ and
14 MΩ and the tuning capacitor should be
from around 100 pf to 1000 µf. It should be
noted also that 360 KHz is the absolute
maximum frequency a 555 timer can generate
as it starts to malfunction with irregular burst
of pulses above this frequency.
The CD4013 Dual D-TYPE Flip Flop IC
The CD4013 dual D-type also called a D-type
bistable, is a subsystem with two stable states.
Using the appropriate input signals, one can
trigger the flip flop from one state to the other.
Figure 2.3 shows the input and output
connection of a single CD4013 D-type flip
flop IC.
Fig. 2.3: CD4013 dual D-Type Flip Flop IC
(Onwuzuruigbo, 2009).
Q and Q are the outputs of the bistable. The
logic states of the outputs are always opposite.
The CD4013 dual D-type flip flop has four
input namely:
DATA INPUT: This is connected either to a
LOW voltage, corresponding to logic 0, or to
a HIGH voltage, corresponding to logic 1.
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
CLOCK INPUT: the triangle, , next to the
clock input shows that it is edge-triggered,
that is, it responds to sudden changes in
voltages, but not to slow changes or to steady
logic levels. The clock input of the Cd4013 D-
type bistable is rising-edge triggered; meaning
that it responds only to a sudden change from
LOW to HIGH. Usually, the clock input is
connected to a subsystem which delivers
pulses such as an astable multi-vibrator.
SET INPUT: The set input is normally held
LOW when it is pulsed HIGH, the outputs of
the bistable are forced immediately to the set
state, i.e., Q =1 and Q = 0.
RESET INPUT: The reset input is normally
held LOW. When it is pulsed HIGH, the
output of the bistable are forced immediately
to the reset state, i.e., Q = 0 and Q = 1.
When the clock signal and the Q output are
LOW, and since the Q and Q outputs are
opposite, Q must be HIGH, and because the
data input, D, is connected to Q, it is also
HIGH. When the first rising edge arrives, the
logic state at D is transferred to the Q output
which goes high in turn. This transfer involves
a very short time delay, just a few
nanoseconds. Also, when Q goes HIGH, Q
goes LOW, and D goes LOW. Thus, the
number of pulses at the output of the bistable
is divided by two compared with the number
of pulses at the input [6].
The CA3130 Operational Amplifier IC
Operational amplifiers (Op Amps) are
incredibly useful high performance
differential amplifiers that can be employed in
a number of amazing ways. A typical Op Amp
is an integrated device with a non-inverting
input, an inverting input, two dc power supply
leads (positive and negative), an output
terminal, and a few other specialized leads
used for fine tuning.
The CA3130 is an integrated circuit
operational amplifier that combines the
advantages of both CMOS (complementary
metal oxide semiconductor) and bipolar
transistors on a single 8-pin chip. A typical
CA3130 Op amp IC is shown in Figure 2.4.
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 Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Fig. 2.4: Schematic of a CA3130 Op Amp IC
[5].
In this project, the CA3130 Op Amp IC is
used as a low frequency/pulse generator. A
pulse generator is an oscillator that produces a
rectangular pulse at its output. One of the
simplest ways to achieve this is by use of a
single CA3130 Op Amp IC and a few external
parts. One can vary pulse rate of this circuit
separately by use of trimmers.
Transistor
Transistors are semiconductor devices that act
as either electrically controlled switches or
amplifier controls. With a transistor, a small
voltage and/or current flow through its other
two lead – i.e., collector and emitter [5].
There are three main classifications of
transistors namely:
Bipolar Transistors: They are considered as
current driven devices and have relatively low
input impedance. They are classified as NPN
and PNP.
Field effect transistors (FETs): They are
referred to as voltage driven devices which
have high input impedance. The FET is
further subdivided into two namely:
 Junction field effect transistor (JFET).
 Metal oxide semiconductor field effect
transistor (MOSFET).
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT):
they are the next transistor development. This
hybrid device combines the characteristics of
both the bipolar transistor coupled with high
impedance input of the MOSFET device.
Diodes
A diode is a two lead/terminal semiconductor
device that acts as a one way gate to electric
current flow. Diodes can be forward or reverse
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Onah and Iloka
biased in a circuit depending on the anode and
cathode position with respect to the direction
of flow of current.
Fig. 2.5: Power Diode (Diodes, 20th July
2012).
When a diode’s anode (+ve lead) as shown in
Figure 2.5 is made more positive in voltage
than its cathode (–ve lead), a condition
referred to as forward biasing is observed i.e.,
current is permitted to flow through the diode.
However, if the polarities are reversed and
anode is made more negative in voltage than
the cathode, a condition referred to as reversed
biasing is established i.e. the diode acts to
block current flow. Figure 2.6 illustrates diode
biasing with the arrows indicating the
direction of current flow.
Fig. 2.6: Diode Biasing (Onuzuruigbo, 2009).
In this project design, 1N4001 diodes were
used as rectifiers in the power supply circuit
i.e., circuits that converts AC voltage to DC
voltage. The1N4148 diodes were also used for
protection of the CD4017 decade counter
against reverse voltage.
Capacitors
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical
charge. A capacitor comprises two metal
plates separated by a dielectric. A dielectric is
an insulating material that has insignificant
electrical properties. Examples of dielectric
material are paper, plastic, glass, mica,
ceramics etc. [7]. If a voltage source is applied
to the two plates (positive terminal of a
voltage source to one plate and the negative
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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________
terminal of the voltage source to the plate),
equal but opposite charges accumulate on the
two plates as shown in Figure 2.7 [8].
vi.
vii.
viii.
Fig. 2.7: A Capacitor Model (Onwuzuruigbo,
2009).
ix.
This shows the different parts of a typical
capacitor. The ability of a capacitor to store
charge is referred to as its capacitance. The x.
capacitance of a capacitor can be
mathematically expressed with the relation:
⁄ (2.2)
where Q represents the quantity of charge the
capacitor can store in Coulomb.
V is the applied voltage in volts and C is the
capacitance in Farads.
This means that a unit Coulomb of charge
causes a voltage of one volt across the device.
Also, the capacitance of a capacitor depends
on the separation between the parallel plates,
d, the area of one of the uniform plates, A, and
the permittivity, ԑ, of the dielectric used in the
capacitor.
Mathematically put;
(2.3)
The capacitance of a capacitor is expressed in
units of Farads (Dictionary of IEEE standards
terms, 2000). Capacitors can be either:
i. Fixed (if the capacitance of the capacitor
has fixed value)
ii. Variable (if the capacitance value can be
adjusted or varied).
iii. The above is based upon the capacitance
value.
iv. Capacitors can also be categorized based
on polarization, namely:
v. Polar capacitors are those capacitors that
have negative and positive terminals.
They are most times referred to as
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
electrolytic capacitors. They usually have
high capacitance value and therefore are
useful in low frequency application.
Non-polar capacitors do not have positive
or negative terminals. They can be
connected any way round in a circuit.
They usually have very small capacitance
and are more stable in high frequency
application. They also withstand slightly
high temperatures than electrolytic
capacitors.
Capacitors were very useful in this
project. It was applied for the following
purpose:
2200 µf electrolytic Capacitors were used
to smooth the rectified output voltage in
the power supply.
330 pf non polar Capacitor was used as
frequency sensitive voltage divider at the
astable multivibrator.
It was applied in oscillator circuits, and
serves as a spike remover etc.
Resistors
They are passive electronic devices that act to
reduce current flow and at the same time act to
lower voltage levels within circuits. The
relationship between the applied voltage
across a resistor and the circuit flowing
through it is given by the ohm’s law
V = IR (2.4)
where V is the voltage in volts; I is the circuit
in ampere and R is the resistance in ohms.
Resistors may have fixed resistance or they
may be designed to have variable resistance.
There are also resistors that operate with light
or heat exposure (e.g., light dependent resistor
and thermistor). Resistors are also designed
with different operating wattage [5].
Resistor Values and Colour Marking
The value of a resistor can be measured with a
digital ohm meter, or also can be estimated or
roughly calculated using colour bands on it.
Applications of Resistors in This Project: In
this project, fixed value resistors were used as
voltage divider at both the oscillator and
amplifying units. The variable resistors were
also used as frequency trimmers at the
amplifying unit and also to set the clock pulse
rate at the oscillator unit.
Page 5
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Piezo Tweeter
A tweeter is a loudspeaker designed to
produce high audio frequencies, typically
from 2000 to 20,000 Hz (generally considered
to be the upper limit of human hearing).
However there are speed tweeters that can
deliver up to 100 kHz. The name is derived
from high pitched sounds made by some bids.
Fig. 2.8: Piezo Tweeter [9].
A piezo tweeter in Figure 2.8 contains a
piezoelectric crystal coupled to a mechanical
diaphragm. An audio signal is applied to the
crystal, which responds by flexing on
proportion to the voltage applied across the
crystal’s surfaces, thus converting electrical
energy into mechanical. The conversion of
electrical pulses to mechanical vibrations is
the basis for ultrasonic testing [9].
The Voltage Regulator IC
This is a special three terminal IC that is
placed across the output of an unregulated
supply to convert it into a regulated supply. It
eliminates spikes and maintains a constant
output voltage. Figure 2.9 shows a positive
and negative fixed voltage regulator ICs
respectively.
Fig. 2.9: Voltage Regulator ICs (Voltage
Regulator IC, 21 July 2012).
There are different kinds of voltage regulator
ICs namely:
Fixed Voltage Regulator IC: The fixed
regulator IC is designed to output a fixed
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Onah and Iloka
positive or negative voltage. Popular positive
and negative fixed voltage regulators IC are
the LM78xx and LM79xx respectively. The
“xx” digits represent the output voltage. For
instance, LM7805 gives a positive 5 volts
output and LM7905 gives a negative 5 volts
output.
Adjustable Voltage Regulator IC: The
output of this regulator IC can be altered by
applying a reference voltage relative to its
output voltage to its adjustable terminal. The
reference voltage is applied by means of a
voltage divider. There is also positive and
negative adjustable voltage regulator ICs.
The LM7812 positive voltage regulator was
applied at the power supply unit to produce a
fixed 12 volts regulated output.
Transformer
A basic transformer is a four-terminal device
that is capable of transforming an AC input
voltage into a higher or lower AC output
voltage. A typical transformer consists of two
or more coils that share a common laminated
iron core. In Figure 2.10, one of the coils is
called the primary (containing Np turns),
while the other coil is called the secondary
(containing Ns turns) [5].
Fig. 2.10: Transformer (Onwuzuruigbo,
2009).
When an ac voltage is applied across the
primary coil, an alternating magnetic flux of
∫( | ) (2.5)
Emanates from the primary, propagates
through the iron-laminated core, and passes
through the secondary coil. The iron core
increases the inductance and the laminations
decreases power-consuming eddy currents.
Page 6
 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________
According to Faraday’s law of induction, the
changing magnetic flux induces a voltage
within the secondary coil; expressed by the
equation:
(2.6)
Combining the flux equation and the
secondary induced voltage equation results in
the following useful expression;
(2.7)
This equation says that if the number of turns
in the primary coil is larger than the number of
turns in the secondary coil, the secondary
voltage will be smaller than the primary
voltage and vice versa.
In constructing this project, the step-down
transformer was used for power conversion in
the regulated power supply unit.
Construction Techniques and Methodology
In this section, the steps involved in the
construction of the UPR are discussed. The
steps involved are as follows:
i. Drawing of circuit schematic.
ii. Simulation of the circuit using a computer
aided design simulator called PROTEUS.
iii. Building a prototype on a bread board and
troubleshooting.
iv. Final circuit construction.
v. Fabrication.
Drawing of a Circuit Diagram/Schematic
Plate 2.1: The Project Prototype on a Bread Board.
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
The circuit schematic is a blueprint of the
project. The schematic involves all the
information necessary to construct this project
such as what components to buy and possibly
what behavior to expect. The circuit diagram
was drawn using the PROTEUS software.
Simulation of the Circuit
A computer aided design simulator called
PROTEUS was employed during the
construction process to simulate a model of
the project. The PROTEUS is an electronic
simulator program which contains a library of
analog and digital devices, both discrete and
integrated in form. The operating
characteristics of the circuit were monitored to
see how the circuit would operate in real time.
The simulator program made the construction
of this project an intuitive process, saved time
and resources.
Construction of a Prototype on Bread Board
and Troubleshooting
After the drawing of the circuit schematics
and simulation process, a prototype of the
project was constructed on a solder less
modular breadboard. A breadboard acts as a
temporary assembly board on which electronic
parts are placed and joined/connected together
by wires or built-in-conductive pathways
hidden underneath the surface of the
breadboard. At this stage, the circuit was
temporarily constructed to observe its
operating characteristics before the permanent
soldering and construction was done. Plate 2.1
shows the project prototype on a bread board.
Page 7
Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Onah and Iloka
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Circuit Construction Fabrication/Enclosing the Circuit

After a successful prototype construction and Since the project is a low voltage device, a
troubleshooting, the next step was the plastic box was preferred in enclosing the
construction of a permanent circuit. This was circuit. Simple perforated holes were made on
achieved by use of the perforated Vero board, the top and bottom of the box to ensure
a soldering iron, soldering lead, IC inserter, conductive cooling. Plate 2.2 shows the
solder sucker tool and a digital multimeter. complete packaged project.

Plate 2.2: The Complete Packaged Project.

Fig.
Q3
Q1
BD131
LS1
SOUNDER
BD131

R1 D1
100K

R3 1N4148 RV2 Q4
D2 R6
100K U3 4.7K Q2
U1
8

BD132
7

1N4148 RV3 4 3
VCC

U2 R Q
3
6 14 3 D3 7 BD132
CLK Q0 DC
2 13 2
E Q1
4 5
Q2 RV4 CV
Q3
7 1N4148 R5
4
1
5

R2 CA3130 Q4
10
D4 18K
100K 1
GND

Q5
R4 Q6
5 2
TR TH
6
U4:A
6
6

4.7K Q7
9 1N4148 RV5 R7
Q8
1

11 555 5 1
S

Q9 D5 D Q
1.0K
15 12 3
RV1 MR CO CLK
470k RV6 R8
4017 1N4148 2
Q
R

1.0K
C3 C2
4

10n 330p 4013

C1
1u

2.11: Circuit diagram of the Ultrasonic Pest Repeller.

Description of the Circuit Operational i. The oscillator unit.

Principle ii. The amplifying unit.
The circuit diagram of the UPR is shown in iii. The output unit.
Figure 2.11. iv. The regulated power supply unit.
The circuit is made up of four main units The function of each unit is described as
namely: follows:

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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Oscillator Unit

R1
100K

R3
100K
U1

8
3
6
2

4
1
5
R2 CA3130
100K
R4
4.7K

RV1
470k

C1
1u

Fig. 2.12: The Oscillator Unit of The Project.

Figure 2.12 shows the oscillator unit which
consists of the CA3130 op-amp, UI, a 470 Ω
variable resistor, RV1, 3 100 kΩ fixed
resistors and a 4.7 kΩ fixed resistor. The
CA3130 Op Amp is wired as a low-frequency
square wave oscillator. The clock pulse from
this unit generates a frequency which is ≤
150 Hz and is fed into the input of the CD
Vcc
4017 decade counter, U2, for each clock pulse
output of the CA3130 Op-amp, the logic one
of the CD4017 decade counter shifts from
outputs Q0 to Q4. RV1 is used to change clock
pulse rate.
The Amplifying Unit

D1

1N4148 RV2
D2 R6
4.7K
U3
8

1N4148 RV3 4 3
VCC

U2 R Q
14 3 D3 7
VCC

CLK Q0 DC
13 2
E Q1
4 5
Q2 RV4 CV
Q3
7 1N4148 R5
10 18K
Q4 D4
1
GND

Q5
5 2 6
Q6 TR TH U4:A
6
6

Q7 RV5
9 1N4148 R7
Q8
1

11 555 5 1
S

Q9 D5 D Q
1.0K
15 12 3
MR CO CLK
RV6 R8
4017 1N4148 2
Q
R

1.0K
C3 C2
4

10n 330p 4013

Fig. 2.13: The Amplifying Unit.

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Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 2.13 shows the amplifying unit which
consists of a CD4017 decade counter, U2, five
1N4148 signal diodes, D1 to D2, five 100 kΩ
presets/variable resistors/trimmers i.e. RV2 to
RV6, a 555 timer, a CD4013 dual D-type flip
flop, two 1kΩ fixed resistor, R7 and R9.
The pulse output from the oscillator unit is fed
into the clock input of the CD4017 decade
counter. Five presets RV2 through RV6, one
of each connected to Q0 to Q4 output pins of
U2 through signal diodes, D1 to D5, are set at
different values from 10 to 60 kΩ, to produce
Fig. 2.14: The Output Unit.
Figure 2.14 shows the output unit which
consists of two BD131 NPN, labeled Q1 and
Q3, two BD132 PNP, Q2 and Q4, bipolar
transistors and a piezo sounder/tweeter, LS1.
The Q and Q outputs of the CD4013 are
connected to the transistors. The CD4013 is a
bistable dual flip-flop IC, which generates a
symmetrical square wave whose frequency
value of the Q and Q is half the frequency
value of the input from the astable
multivibrator. The transistors do the function
of final amplification in push-pull mode and
drive the high frequency piezo
tweeter/sounder.
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Onah and Iloka
different frequency output at each shift of the
decade counter. The diodes serve as a
protection against reverse current. The outputs
of the presets are connected to pin 7 of the 555
timer, U3. The 555 timer is wired as an astable
multivibrator operating at a frequency of
above 80 kHz. Its output is not symmetrical.
At this stage, the low frequency generated by
the oscillator unit is amplified to a very high
frequency.
The Output Unit
The Regulated Power Supply Unit
Electric circuits usually require a dc power
supply that can maintain fixed voltage while
supplying enough current to drive a load.
Batteries make good dc supplies, but their
relatively small current capacities make them
impractical for driving high-current frequently
used circuits.
In constructing this project, a regulated
12 volts power supply was designed and
constructed to convert a 230VAC, 50 Hz line
voltage into a usable fixed dc voltage. The
circuit diagram designed and simulated with
LIVEWIRE software is shown Figure 2.15.
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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
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Fig. 2.15: Circuit Diagram of the 12 volts Regulated Power Supply.

Fig. 2.16: Oscilloscope Graph Showing the Rectified Voltages Before and After Filtration.

The output voltage of the rectified voltage RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND

before and after filtration is shown in the DISCUSSIONS
oscilloscope voltage time graph of Figure Results
2.16. This project was powered with 12volt
The power supply was properly constructed to regulated output power supply. The output
eliminate spikes which can lead to improper terminals of the piezo tweeter were connected
operating characteristics such as false to the oscilloscope and the following
triggering and may destroy the ICs in the observations were made:
process. 1. The circuit generated square waves
with varying period, which
consequently correspond to varying
frequencies.

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Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Onah and Iloka
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2. The generated square waves are The corresponding frequency

symmetrical i.e., has equal mark and f6 =
space, and one of the square wave is
the inverse of the other. In other to further analyze the circuit operation
Secondly, I tested the circuit with a ceramic from the standpoint of the simulation, the
earpiece used in mobile phone and was able to frequency output from the astable
hear different tones or sounds. multivibrator i.e., the 555 timer, the following
calculations were made:
Analysis i. At RV2 = 10 kΩ
From the varying sound which was heard = 1 x 10 x 10-6 = 10 µS
through ceramic earpiece used in mobile The corresponding output frequency of the
phones it indicated that the circuit generated astable multivibrator
sounds of different frequency. =
ii. At RV3 = 20 kΩ
With the aid of the visual observation made = 1.5 x 10 x 10-6 = 15 µS
from the oscilloscope and from the simulation The corresponding output frequency of the
of the circuit using the PROTEUS software astable multivibrator
simulator, approximate calculation of the
frequencies generated by the circuit were =
made as follows: iii. At RV4 = 30 kΩ
= 2 x 10 x 10-6 = 20 µS
The period T was calculated from the The corresponding output frequency of the
oscilloscope during simulation by the astable multivibrator
equation: =
T = number of division in a cycle X time each
division represents. [10]. (3.1) iv. At RV6 = 60 kΩ
The frequency was calculated using the T6 = 2.5 x 10 x 10-6 = 25 µS
formula: The corresponding output frequency of the
f= 1 (3.2) astable multivibrator
T =
f is frequency in hertz. T is period in second. The frequency generated by the operational
The following calculations were made at amplifier was also calculated from the
different values of the variable resistor RV2 standpoint of the circuit operation during
through RV6 . simulation.
i. At RV2 = 10 kΩ It was observed that it generated a square
T2 = 2 x 10 x 10-6 = 20 µS wave whose period is
The corresponding frequency T1 = 7 x 1 x 10-3 = 7 ms
f2 = The corresponding frequency it generated was
ii. At RV3 = 20 kΩ f1 =
T3 = 3 x 10 x 10-6 = 30 µS Figure 3.1 shows the nature of the output
The corresponding frequency wave when tested with an oscilloscope.
f3 =
iii. At RV4 = 30 kΩ DISCUSSION
T4 = 4 x 10 x 10-6 = 40 µS Reasons for Observed Result and
The corresponding frequency Comparisons with Previous Work
f4 = The square wave with varying period which
corresponds to varying frequencies as
iv. At RV5 = 50 kΩ observed from the oscilloscope was due to the
T5 = 4.5 x 10 x 10-6 = 45 µS variable resistors connected across each output
The corresponding frequency of the CD4017 decade counter where they
f5 = were used as frequency trimmer. One of the
iv. At RV6 = 60 kΩ square waves being the opposite of the other
T6 = 5 x 10 x 10-6 = 50 µS was as a result of the bistable CD4013 dual
flip flop IC used in the construction.

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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
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Symmetrical output square wave Non symmetrical wave generated by the

generated by piezo tweeter astable multivibrator

Fig. 3.1: Nature of Output Wave at Different Units of the Circuit As Observed With the
Simulator Digital Oscilloscope.

Previous work done on this project showed
that the device failed to be effective in
repelling rodents due to the fact that only a
fixed ultrasonic frequency was emitted and
rodents tend to adjust to it. But in this current
project work, an improvement was made on
the output frequency; such that varying
ultrasonic frequencies were emitted. Rodents
find it difficult to adjust to the varying
frequency because it causes auditory stress to
them and thus discourages habituation.
Parameters of Device Output
Frequency: From the result and analysis of
this project, the circuit intermittently radiates
varying ultrasonic frequencies within the
range of 20–50 kHz. This varying frequency is
as a result of the variable resistors set at
different values connected across each output
of the decade counter. The variable resistor
serves the purpose of frequency trimming.
Duty Cycle: A duty cycle is the time that the
circuit is in an active state. It is usually
expressed in percentage.
For this circuit, the duty cycle is calculated
from the operating characteristics of the
astable multivibrator using the formula:
Duty cycle = thigh x 100%
(3.3)
thigh + tlow
thigh = 0.693 (Ra + Rb)C (3.4)
is the time the output frequency of the astable
multivibrator is high/active. Ra and Rb are
resistance of the resistors and C is the
capacitance of the capacitor connected across
the discharge, trigger and threshold pins of the
555 timer in an astable mode.
tlow = 0.693RaC (3.5)
is the time the output frequency of the astable
multivibrator is low/inactive.
:. thigh = 0.693 x (4.7 kΩ + 18 kΩ) 330 pf
= 5.19 µs
tlow = 0.693 x 4.7 kΩ x 330 pf
= 1.08 µs
:. Duty cycle = 5.19 µs x 100% = 83%
5.19 µs + 1.08 µs

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Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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This implies that the circuit is active 83% of
the time and inactive 17% of the time, once
switched on.
Effective Operating Conditions: The
ultrasonic frequency radiated by the circuit is
of low intensity and can be reflected by hard
surfaces such as walls, glass, metal, tile or
wood. For this reason, the circuit becomes
more efficient when used indoors because of
the bouncing effect of the ultrasound. If used
outside, where there are no reflecting surfaces,
the ultrasonic frequency being of low
intensity, fades or attenuates rapidly when it
travels over a long distance, as such rodent
activity increases around the area where the
sound has faded and become ineffective. A
room of about 100 square feet will require two
units of the ultrasonic repeller for effective
result.
Safety: This project is not harmful to human
being since it produces ultrasonic frequencies
of low intensity that are inaudible to man.
UPR is non-toxic and safe to use around
children. It is more humane and sanitary than
traps and poisons, and there is no need for
dangerous physical contact with dead rodents
as ultrasound does not kill rodent but
discourages them from habituating within the
environment where this sound is effective.
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
This project is an improvement on the
ultrasonic repellent devices available today.
This is seen by the construction technique
applied in this project which is an integration
of the two most effective repellence
mechanisms, namely: the bio-sonic and
ultrasonic mechanisms discussed in the
literature review. The circuit has been
empirically constructed to be much more
effective in repelling pest (i.e., rodents)
because, ultrasonic frequency is automatically
varied which creates an acoustically hostile
environment for rodents and discourages
habituation. The output frequency is
sufficiently high and within the range of
approximately 20 to 50 kHz.
Nevertheless, I was faced with difficult
challenges during the construction process of
this project especially not being able to
RRJoSST(2013) 1-15 © STM Journals 2013. All Rights Reserved
Onah and Iloka
determine the sound pressure level of the
ultrasonic frequency emitted by this circuit
due to the fact that the sound pressure level
measuring device was not readily available.
Recommendation
Based on my experience during the course of
constructing this project, the following points
are recommended:
The project should be looked into in future to
improve the design to modern trend in
technology so as to increase the operational
efficiency of the system.
To increase repellence efficiency and reduce
cost of applying this device in a large room
say about 800 square feet, I recommend that
the idea of an electronic mobile pest repeller
be considered in the future.
Standard electronics workshops with
improved modern electronics equipment’s
should be established in universities to
encourage ideas and innovation amongst
students.
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 Research & Reviews: Journal of Space Science & Technology
Volume 2, Issue 1
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