Do-it-yourself mechanical and electronic bite signaling device. Feeder bite alarms Homemade bite alarm from a tweeter

Regularly visiting the nearest reservoirs with a fishing rod and bait, I thought about how to apply the education of an electronic engineer to automate fishing. Fishing rods, fish finders, boats, baits and much more can be improved and offered to the fishing community. It was decided to start with something simple and, no doubt, useful in every workplace of silent hunting. So, in this article, you will read about how the bite alarm was developed.

Donkey fishing and bite alarms

I'll tell you in order. The principle of bottom fishing is that the bait, complete with bait, is placed in a special feeder and thrown into the water with a fishing rod, where it lies on the bottom. Floats are not used, instead an indicator is put on the fishing line - a sliver, a bell, a light bulb, etc. When a fish bites, it pulls on the line and the indicator moves. The fisherman picks up the rod and reels the line, at best, along with the fish. Sometimes the indicator is worn on a rod that oscillates when biting. The evolution of indicators began with wooden pegs fixed on a fishing line, then they were replaced by bells. A little later, devices luminous with chemical or LED light appeared. Now the market is full of Chinese devices that, when biting, produce sound and light signals simultaneously. One of the advantages of electronic alarms is that they continue to beep and flash for a while after a bite has ended, giving the fisherman a better chance of noticing it if he or she is looking away or just gaping. As a rule, indicators are placed on the rod or permanently on special pegs. The principle of operation of such devices is based on capturing vibrations of a fishing rod or movements of a fishing line. An important point: there are practically no (I have never seen) electronic devices that are directly attached to the fishing line in the same way as pegs or bells were previously attached.

Simultaneously with the evolution of indicators, there was an evolution of their mounts. It ended with the appearance of a universal suspension, worn on a fishing line, into which Chinese bells or LEDs can be inserted. My own experience and communication with fellow fishermen suggested that not everything has yet been invented and improved.

So, let's designate the living space of the proposed design: a light-sound indicator will be developed, worn directly on the fishing line or inserted into a Chinese suspension. If such things already exist, then I will not be upset, as it is simply interesting to work in this direction.

Principle of operation and choice of element base

Several constructions came to my mind that can be used as the basis of a signaling device:

• piezo alarm. The piezo element oscillates, deforms and generates voltage. This principle is used in many alarm systems, for example, automobile ones;
• moving magnet combined with a Hall sensor. The element fluctuates, the sensor picks it up, the signaling device works;
• the same, only with LED and photosensor;
• sensor with reed switch and moving magnet.

I decided to stick with the first option. A piezo element is good in that it generates voltage when it is deformed, and if voltage is applied to it, then, on the contrary, it deforms and at the same time makes a sound.

That is, it turns out a sensor and a tweeter in one bottle, an obvious savings in space and weight. It remains to choose a specific model of the tweeter. To do this, I went to the nearest radio store and bought all the available models.

Among all the variety, it was necessary to find the loudest and most sensitive squeaker that would work on battery power. It is important to note that in order for the tweeter to make sounds, it must be supplied with a voltage that oscillates at a frequency of the order of several kilohertz. To get such a voltage, I planned to use a special device “signal generator of a special form”, but it just broke down, there was also an idea to take voltage from a sound card, but in the end I decided to solder the generator on a breadboard, and immediately debug both the tweeter and the circuit as a whole . After a short search on the Internet, several variants of multivibrator and single vibrator circuits on logic integrated circuits were found, they were slightly modified and the result was a circuit containing both a single vibrator and a multivibrator. The single vibrator starts for a few seconds after receiving a signal from the piezo sensor (tweeter). While on, it supplies voltage to the multivibrator, which generates oscillations at a frequency of 1-5 kHz, and thereby causes the squeaker to make sounds. After a while, the single vibrator turns off, the circuit calms down and goes into standby mode. Such a bite alarm circuit can be assembled from fairly simple and cheap components. But, being embodied in a real device, it is difficult to change and this is its main drawback. However, the circuit board was soldered as shown in the following figure. In addition to the logic elements, it also has a battery compartment and an operational amplifier (AD822), which is needed to increase the signal from the piezo sensor if it is too small.

After testing various piezo sensors, the MFT-31T-2.8 element was chosen. It turned out to be the most sensitive - during oscillations with a period of 1-2 Hertz and an amplitude of 5-15 cm, a voltage of about one volt is generated. The sound it makes is also pleasing. Anyway, the sound seemed quite loud in the room. Other elements produced less voltage, on the order of several hundred millivolts. And in terms of sound level, they were slightly superior or slightly inferior.

Having decided on the piezo element, I proceeded to select other components of the device. The decision to use logical elements OR-NOT/AND-NOT as a control part bribed with its simplicity and cheapness. To be honest, I didn’t know how else to assemble a penny scheme and have even begun to prepare this one for production. But then the PIC10F220T microcontroller caught my eye. Owners of smartphones, computers and tablets will be interested to know that there are devices with the following characteristics:

This chip is ideal for a bite alarm: small size, low power consumption, the necessary peripherals on board, including an ADC and a timer. All this at a price of $0.5. By changing the software, you can experiment and bring to mind the functional part, which means that the device receives the design flexibility that is so necessary for new developments. Without hesitation for a long time, I replaced the logic chips with this microcontroller. It remains the case for small - to decide on the power source. A battery with a charge circuit and a connector on the board would complicate the design too much. Just in case, I flipped through several catalogs of radio components. The widespread 2032 batteries were pleasantly pleased - a voltage of 3V with a capacity of 210 mAh. It is easy to calculate that a microcontroller that consumes 100 nA in sleep mode can use such a battery to sleep through autumn, winter and spring, in general, the entire break between fishing seasons. In working mode, she also promised to last more than one fishing trip. The voltage level allowed the microcontroller and other structural elements to work. Given the penny cost of these batteries, it was decided to use them. In addition, suitable mounts KLS5-CR2032-03 were selected, from which the battery can be easily removed and replaced after a complete discharge. In general, the cost of components is $ 5-7. Having adopted the indicated element base, I developed a schematic diagram and turned to a familiar printed circuit board designer. After brief discussions and verbal statement of the TOR, a printed circuit board was designed and then manufactured, which is eventually used in the first prototypes.

Case design and manufacture

What is an electronic device without a housing and what is a prototype without a 3D printed housing? In a few days, the same familiar designer developed the necessary drawings. The body consists of a base and a cover. The base contains a pin for inserting into a Chinese suspension (my know-how) and an eye for attaching to a fishing line.

At that time, I did not yet know that a transparent case could not be printed on a printer. Faced with the harsh realities of early 3D printers, the case walls had to be made thinner to allow light from the LED to shine through the ivory plastic (the only one available in the print shop). Having gained experience in the field of 3d printing, for future samples of this and other devices, a Chinese reprap prusa i3 printer was purchased with a kilogram of translucent plastic. I hope this will increase the freedom of choice in terms of cases, but at that moment I had to use the services of a third-party manufacturer.

The placement of the LED inside the case is dictated by the requirements of the waterproofness of the device. Transmission of light is provided by translucency, but what about the controls - the power button and the choice of sensitivity modes? The answer was found in Google. It turns out that in a computer keyboard under the keys there is a special silicone gasket. The first keyboard that came across was disassembled, the gasket was removed, rounds were cut out of this gasket and glued to the case to seal the buttons. The board is fastened with screws, in the same way, only with the addition of rubber gaskets, the cover and the body of the signaling device are connected.

Software

After sending the printed circuit board to production, the software development phase began. The operation algorithm is quite simple: you press the button - and the signaling device wakes up, subsequent presses change the sensitivity mode, there are four of them in total. If the signal from the ADC exceeds a certain threshold value, which means a bite, the microcontroller generates a sound signal using a piezo emitter. If the button is pressed for more than 5 seconds, the device enters sleep mode. The program came out small and simple, the only difficulty was to fit all the code into the available 256 bytes of flash memory.

Characteristics of the signaling device

In the end, the board was soldered, the program was written, and the whole device was packed into a case. It's time to give the characteristics of the signaling device:

• dimensions 43 x 35 x 18 mm;
• weight 15g;
• fastening on a fishing line or in a suspension;
• 4 sensitivity modes;
• CR2032 battery;
• time to battery discharge in operating mode is approximately 400 hours;
• time to battery discharge in sleep mode > 1 year;
• moisture protection from rain or splashes.

Tests

And then came the long-awaited moment of field testing. End of September, small pond, non-flying weather. Three donks were abandoned and three indicators put on alert. Unfortunately, not a single bite happened in a few hours, so I had to imitate them by twitching the fishing line. At the same time, it was possible to evaluate the reaction of the signaling device to bite and side roll in strong wind conditions, the audibility of sound and the visibility of light signals. The sensor showed good sensitivity with small bites, while the response was equally good in different directions of fishing line movement. However, a strong side wind rocked the device and also caused it to fire. To eliminate the effect of side roll, the sensitivity had to be lowered, lowering it to the fourth level. Of course, at the same time, the reaction to light bites worsened, but in a strong wind they are basically not noticeable. The audibility of the signal was worse than expected. So, during strong gusts of wind, the sound is practically inaudible already from a distance of two meters, although at home or on a fine day on the street it was perceived loud and sharp. It should be noted that we were in hoods.

The visibility of the LED was significantly worsened by the opaque housing. At the beginning of fishing, even at dusk, the indication was noticeable, then with the sunrise I had to look closely to distinguish it. The device has two LEDs - front and rear, this was done so that the alarm was visible from any angle. After testing, I'm thinking of placing both LEDs on the side of the fisherman.

It also turned out that it is necessary to change the algorithm of the button. In real conditions - with strong winds and frozen hands, switching occurs with some emotional effort. Perhaps increase the chatter filter time constant or add a separate on/off button.

Results

Tests have shown that the bite alarm basically performs its functions, while some components require modification. First of all, I plan to make transparent or translucent cases, change their shape and carefully consider the junction of the base and cover for better moisture protection. A more expensive operation is to increase the volume, since this requires changing the circuit and circuit board of the device. And, finally, the most difficult is to eliminate the sensitivity to roll.

In general, work on the indicator took two months of episodic work, or a total of one and a half weeks, not counting the substantive communication with fishermen, which brings only pleasure and, of course, does not count towards the total time.

Since ancient times, people have used various methods to effectively monitor the bite of fish. These were all kinds of floats, gatehouses or visual observation of the tip of the fishing rod. With time and experience came the desire and ability to improve these devices. And with the advent of new technologies, more “smart” bite alarms began to appear. Now there are various types of nods, bells, light, mechanical and electrical bite indicators.

Electronic signaling devices

In the distant 60s, the development of electronic signaling devices began. They combined visual and audible alarms. One of the more popular bite alarms was the Heron. The main disadvantage of this device was the need to connect it to an external battery.

Development did not stand still. Contacts with wires were replaced by small sensor blocks built into the body of the signaling device. They are much more reliable and more sensitive than older models.

Modern electrical signaling devices can receive a bite signal through:

• Form

Such devices are attached directly to any convenient place on the rod, using adhesive tape. It can be used for both summer and winter fishing. The indicator housing is made in the form of a small cylinder, weighing about 12 grams. It is sealed and does not sink. The cylinder has an on-off button and sensitivity level settings for:

1. Predatory or large white fish;
2. Small white fish;
3. Winter fishing.

There are also auto (on-off) functions of the device when hooking. To save energy, there is an option to turn off the device if there are no bites for a long time (more than three hours)

The principle of operation of such devices is to remove information from the rod blank by a sensor built into the body. False signals from the wind, disturbances of the reservoir are not recorded. The bite signal is given by sound (up to 50 m) and LED (up to 100 m).

• Lescu

These are electrical signaling devices of a traditional form. They are produced with fasteners for installation on a rod blank, or mounted on a rod pod, a rod stand. They consist of:

1. Corps;
2. signaling roller;
3. Batteries (crowns);
4. Microcircuits;
5. Sound, light signaling device.

The body is made of plastic or metal. It has a special place where the power supply is installed. In the upper part there is a roller with a photocell for fishing line. Inside the case there is a microcircuit, LEDs and a sound signal speaker. On the surface there are buttons for on-off, volume, sound tone selection, as well as a light signaling button.

The case has a threaded mount for screwing onto a stand or rod pod. The signaling device itself is also a stand for the rod. More expensive models have waterproof cases. For budget models, you can advise - to fill the board with candle wax on your own. This will prevent moisture from getting on the chip.

One of the most popular mechanical signaling devices is Megatex (picture below.)

Operating principle such signaling devices is simple:

1. The body is screwed onto the stand. It is brought to the working position (power is connected, turned on). The desired sound tone and volume are adjusted (this is convenient when fishing with several rods).
2. Tackle is thrown, a fishing rod is installed on the signaling device. The line starts up on the roller.
3. Slack is selected (swingers or mechanical bite alarms are needed to tension the fishing line), the friction on the reel is correctly set.

When biting, the fishing line through the roller sends a signal to the photocell. In turn, it generates a signal with sound and light. This informs the fisherman about the beginning of the bite.

As a rule, electrical signaling devices have 2 indicators. Red shows bite. Green or blue lights up when the device is turned on. It also burns for a few more seconds after the end of the bite. This makes it possible to see on which of the fishing rods the fish were biting.

Rating of top 3 models of electronic signaling devices

« Jay", inexpensive, practical option. Extremely popular model recently “Jay 3”. It ranks at the top of our rankings.

Attaches to the rod or whip of a winter fishing rod with adhesive tape. It has:

1. Protection against false signals (waves, wind, algae);
2. Removable CR1220 battery;
3. Metal waterproof, non-sinking case;
4. Energy saving shutdown function;
5. When operating from -40 to +100ºС, the shelf life is up to one year.

Instruction:

1. Press the button, a beep will sound. When the button is released, a short beep - the device is on, a long one - off.
2. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th clicks - sets the sensitivity levels.
3. 7th, 8th, 9th clicks - setting melodies for a bite.
4. 10th press - setting the on / off auto mode when hooking.
5. By pressing and holding the button (20 seconds), the tone and volume of the sound are set.

Cheap alarm "Barracuda" (barracuda), made of black rubberized plastic.

1. Waterproof body;
2. Volume and tone adjustment;
3. Light and sound alarm;
4. A krone battery (9 V) is used for power.

The control buttons are located on the front side of the signaling device. The rubberized case allows to use the device in any weather conditions. The board is covered with a waterproof coating.

Electronic Chinese signaling device "Hoxwell" It has:

1. Light, sound indicator of inclusion;
2. Eight tone levels;
3. Volume control, mute mode;
4. Settings memory function;
5. LED bite direction scale;
6. Built-in signal transmitter;
7. Enable night mode.

These are models protected from moisture ingress, with a lateral arrangement of control buttons. The case is additionally protected by rubber pads along the seams of the joints. A battery is used for power. These models are also equipped with pagers.

Electronic signaling devices with pagers

Modern professional signaling devices are equipped with built-in signal transmitters. This is convenient for day or night fishing, being at a relatively large distance from the rods. The bite signal is transmitted to the pager. The signal transmission distance reaches 200 m. The pager can notify the fisherman with a vibro, sound or light signal. Each set of signaling devices has its own pager. It can simultaneously receive signals from 4 devices.

Advantages of using models with a built-in signal transmitter:

1. Obtaining information about the tension of the fishing line, at a distance from the place of fishing.
2. On which of the rods did the bite occur?

The pager is configured together with signaling devices, which allows you to select and control the signal. It is necessary to remember about the timely charging of the device, so as not to be left without communication with signaling devices during fishing.

Ready-made sets of signaling devices

Such sets are equipped with a pager, usually 4 signaling devices, batteries and chargers (if necessary). The set is packed in a plastic case. The signaling devices are equipped with built-in transmitters for communication with the pager.

They also have special connectors for connecting electronic swingers. They have waterproof cases. These kits are easy to transport, easy to assemble and use. Ready-made sets of signaling devices have a rather high cost. However, they differ in the quality of the models and in practice, the absence of fakes.

Light signaling devices (firefly)

For night fishing, one of the most common types of signaling devices are fireflies. They are easy to use, affordable and suitable for all types of fishing (bottom, float or spinning).

Basically, signaling devices manufactured by the manufacturer have the following forms:

• In the form of a nail or stick;
• In the form of a light bulb, which increases the area of ​​​​illumination.

According to the principle of operation, such devices are divided into three types:

1. Collapsible capsules with small batteries and LED. Such fireflies are reusable, thanks to the replacement of batteries.
2. Light-accumulative signaling devices. The principle of their operation is the accumulation of light during their short-term illumination. For their work, you need to have a good flashlight.
3. Disposable chemical fireflies. They consist of a plastic flask with component A. Inside of which there is a capsule with reagent B. Under mechanical action, components A and B are mixed, and a reaction occurs - luminescence.

Light signaling devices can be of different colors. For chemical species, the most popular is the yellow-green glow. It's a pretty bright color. He is calm enough not to irritate the eyes. There are also light and sound bite alarms. They will be discussed below.

Fireflies are attached:

• On the float, inserting into their silicone antennas. Or with the help of elastic bands - on their tops.
• To the tip of the rod, using silicone rubber bands. Special plastic fasteners are also sold. Several fireflies can be installed in such mounts.

The main brands that you can buy in a fishing store: Ocean Sun, Kostal, Balzer, Salmo, Rodinson, Liman Fish, Strike Alert.

Do-it-yourself light signaling device

As mentioned above, light signaling devices have proven themselves well for night fishing. To buy them in the store, you can easily make such an indicator at home. For manufacturing you will need:

1. Straws for a cocktail;
2. Crocodile clips;
3. Glue gun;
4. LEDs;
5. Round flat batteries 3 V;
6. Heat shrink, according to the size of the battery.

A piece of straw, 3–4 cm long, is filled with a glue gun. An LED is inserted inside. Its legs protrude by 0.5 cm. A battery is inserted into the heat shrink tube, 2 cm long. A piece of straw with a fixed hairpin is inserted into one end of the heat shrink. Fits tightly with a lighter. A straw with an LED is inserted into the other end. The legs of the LED are located on different sides of the battery (+, -). Sits down so that it can be pulled out.

Such a homemade device is enough for the entire fishing season. Manufacturing does not take much time, does not require soldering and high costs.

Audible alarms

1. Bells on a clothespin;
2. Rattles;
3. Bells.

Such indicators are used on bottom gear at night. Sound signaling devices are also installed during daylight hours, when it is difficult to visually monitor a large number of gear. They are usually mounted on a fishing line or donkey rod tip. (Pictures enlarge.)

Very often, the factory fasteners of the bell are difficult to reset during cutting from the fishing line. This interferes with the normal reeling of tackle when fighting. Therefore, you can modify the signaling device holder yourself. For this you will need:

1. Thin-walled rubber hose, approximately 3 cm in diameter.
2. A small bolt with a nut that will fit into the ear of the bell

A ring is cut off from the hose, 1.5 cm wide. An incision is made on the ring and a hook is shaped. A hole must be made in its long part. Through it, the bell is attached to the elastic with a bolt.

You can make your own bell. For example, from decorations, on the backs of old iron beds. They look like a cylinder with conical tops.

For manufacturing you will need:

1. Saw the cylinder in half;
2. Make a hole in the upper part;
3. Attach a nut to the self-tapping screw, tying it on a fishing line. This will be the tongue of the bell;
4. Self-tapping screw, screwed into the hole from the inside of the bell;
5. A wine cork is put on the tip. An incision is made in the cork for attaching the indicator to the fishing line of the rod.

You can make a bell out of an old phone call. We disassemble the call, we get two cups. In the upper part, through the hole, the tongue is fixed. For it, you can use the nut on the fishing line. To install the signaling device on the fishing line, you can use a cork.

Do-it-yourself bells differ from factory fixtures in their special sound. This allows you not to confuse their sound on a fishing trip with their neighbors.

Mechanical signaling device

Mechanical signaling devices play the role of visual control over the bite. One of the simplest can be a piece of clay or dough, suspended on a fishing line or an ordinary part of a branch found on the shore.

Purchased mechanical signaling devices can be divided into three types:

• "Monkey". This is a fairly simple design of a rod and a tube (cylinder). The tube is put on the fishing line between the reel and the first ring. The rod is stuck into the ground at an angle or vertically. A signaling device is hung on it. When biting, he moves freely along the line. Such a signaling device can be made with your own hands, using foil instead of a tube.
• Bad (hanger)- This is a load fixed on a chain or flexible cable with a clip for fishing line. At the other end is a stand mount. This is a fairly sensitive type of alarm. Works well in calm weather. Hangers are much lighter than classic swingers.
• swinger- is one of the most popular (especially among carp anglers) mechanical types of signaling devices. The principle of their work is to raise, lower the device on the fishing line. There are several options for sale:
• Classical is a swinger, consisting of a weight of 100 grams, which moves freely along a metal lever. One end of the lever is equipped with a hinge for attaching to the stand. At the other end is a plastic head with a special clip for fishing line.

It is installed as follows: after casting, the rod is placed on a stand; excess fishing line is reeled; the fishing line is wound into the mount on the head; the desired sag is regulated by the movement of the load along the lever; when hooking, the line comes out freely from the clamp on the head.

Classic swingers are mainly used in combination with electronic signaling devices.

A lightweight swinger consists of a plastic tube with a wire rod inside. At the front end is a bright head with a fishing line attachment. At the other end there is a loop for installing a signaling device on the rod throughput ring. It works in the same way as the classic swinger. Only constantly is on the form. The price of this model is much lower.

Another of the mechanical signaling devices is a nod. It's very easy to make it yourself. To do this, in any fishing store you can buy a spring nod for a winter fishing rod. This spring has a whip attachment and a bright ball on the end. To put a nod on the bottom gear you need:

1. Cut the rubber mount near the hole through which it is put on the whip
2. Put it on the tip of the rod near the first ring
3. To secure, a thread is wrapped around the fastening circle and tied. Top with insulation
4. The fishing line is passed through a ring, a spring with a ball

The gear is ready to go. The sensitivity of the nod is adjusted by the movement of the spring. This design allows you to see even the lightest bites. It is good to use for gear with a hard blank tip.

Side bite alarm for feeder

At its core, the feeder itself is a rather sensitive tackle. However, sometimes this is not enough with strong winds and large breaking waves. Also, on reservoirs where it is not possible to put the feeder parallel to the shore, the visibility of bites decreases. For such conditions, a side signaling device or a side jib tip will be indispensable.

Finding a ready-made design in stores is quite problematic. Here are some tips on how to make such a device yourself:

Details for the signaling device: attachment to the rod; metal rod; steel wire.

1. Fasteners can be made from a conventional plastic clamp for PVC pipes. A rubber ring will help to fix it on the rod.
2. The tube or rod is selected according to the diameter of the hole in the clamp.
3. Steel wire with a diameter of about 1 mm and a length of up to 20 cm is bent in an arc. One end is bent at an angle of 90º. The length of the bend is approximately 5 cm. It is attached to the rod with glue and threads. At the second end, a hook is made for fishing line. To better see the bites, colored cambrics are put on the wire.
4. The whole structure is attached in front of the first winding ring closer to the coil.

Take the usual shop nod for a winter fishing rod, insulating tape. Installation method:

1. There is an elastic band on the nod for putting it on a fishing rod. With the help of electrical tape, it is mounted on the form next to the coil.
2. A cut is made on the nod ring, into which the fishing line will be wound.
3. A nod is installed in the groove on the elastic band, a fishing line is started. The signaling device is ready for operation.

These simple and sensitive adaptations respond well to even sluggish bites from inactive fish.

Bite alarm for ice fishing for girders

Zherlitsy are designed for catching predatory fish on live bait. Gutter devices:

1. Base;
2. Reel with fishing line;
3. Rack with a signaling device.

For a bite signaling device, a flag is most often used. This is a piece of bright matter (usually red) on a narrow, thin plate 40 - 60 cm long. Sometimes springs are placed. The operation of this indicator is very simple. When setting up, the flag, in a bent position, is fixed on the coil. The predator, taking the bait, pulls the line. Scrolling, the coil releases the flag. It straightens up, which allows you to see the bite.

A little advice. To distinguish your flags from other people's gear, it is better to make the signaling device of the original shape and color.

From all of the above, we can conclude that regardless of the conditions and methods of fishing, signaling devices play an important role in successful fishing. The angler himself can choose which model suits him. Buy signaling devices in the store or make them yourself, with your own hands, how to improve your gear.

All fans of stationary fishing are divided into floaters and bottomers. And if the first bites are tracked by a change in the behavior of the floats, then the latter are forced to invent all kinds of bite signaling devices.

They even invented it to the point that they combined the signaling device with the tip of the rod. This is how the feeder quivertip appeared. But, nevertheless, all kinds of donks and, as well as some feeders, are equipped with various devices and mechanisms for the convenience of catching.

Do not forget about winter fishing enthusiasts, their fishing rods, for the most part, also have a bite indicator - a nod. They are also equipped with summer fishing rods, for example, when fishing with a tackle called "Side nod".

Types of signaling devices

All devices that monitor the bite on the donk or fishing rod are divided into sound and visual. Some mechanical devices and modern electronic signaling devices can combine both methods of notification.

Let's try to systematize biting indicators according to their design, how they work, according to the type of notification, according to their location on the bottom gear and other features:

1. Pendulums.
2. Nods.
3. Bells.
4. Fireflies.
5. Electronic devices.

Let's consider each of them in detail.

Pendulums

The essence of all models of pendulum indicators is to control the mechanical displacement of any structural element. The simplest pendulum is a twig or piece of clay hung on a donkey line.

Modern bite signaling devices of this type are simple devices, which are a tube with two rings at the ends. Their choice is quite wide thanks to the products of our Chinese comrades presented on the modern fishing market, but they are easy to make yourself.

Homemade pendulum signaling device

Here is a quick guide on how to make a simple do-it-yourself bite alarm:

1. We take a soft wire 30 centimeters long. The choice of elastic wire is also possible, only it will be more difficult to make a pendulum and use it.
2. At one end we fold a loop with a diameter of about a centimeter.
3. We put on a rod with a loop a plastic tube 10-15 centimeters long. In this case, the bent end of the wire should enter the tube by about one centimeter.
4. We put some light bright body on our rod. It can be a body from an old float, a capsule from a chocolate egg (you can still put a couple of peas in it for sound) or something like that.
5. Next, we put on a short one-two centimeter segment of the tube on the wire.
6. We bend the loop at the end of the wire so that its plane is perpendicular to the first loop, and the cut off tip enters the small tube by one centimeter.
7. We fasten the first loop in the rod ring, and pass the fishing line through the second.

This design works very simply. After casting, we stretch the line so that the pendulum takes a position of forty-five degrees relative to the blank. Now, when pulled, it will rise, and when loosened, it will fall.

Such signaling devices are also called "swingers", although in fact a swinger is a plumb line, which is mainly used in conjunction with an audible signaling device and looks like a load that is attached to a fishing rod stand on a chain or metal rod.

The swinger is put on the fishing line through the balls brought together in the upper part, which, when hooked, release the fishing line. Such devices are produced, for example, by Prology. Some of them are equipped with an electronic mini-device with batteries and LEDs for bite visualization in the dark.

nods

Nods are used in winter fishing and to equip a light summer fishing rod for mormyshka fishing. This tackle is called: "side nod".

Winter fishing rods, for the most part (except for float or vents), are equipped with nods. Moreover, a good half of anglers prefer to use a homemade bite signaling device - a nod made using their own technology.

A side bite alarm for a summer rod is also easy to make yourself. Here is the sequence of making this gear:

1. We attach a piece of soft tube to the end of the fishing rod with tape or electrical tape, we will need it to mount the nod itself.
2. We fix a soft, but elastic wire with one end in a prepared tube. In order to better hold the wire, you may need to bend it twice or three times.
3. We bend the wire at an angle of ninety degrees to the rod.
4. We place a bright element on the end of the wire, which will be clearly visible during the fishing process.
5. At the end of the wire we make a loop for passing the fishing line.

Another option often used for donkeys is to attach the nod to the rod blank between the reel and the first ring. In both cases, in the fishing language, this side bite signaling device is called a “side nod”.

bells

In this category, we have included a variety of sound devices that help in fishing. This type of indication is used on bottoms at night or with a significant amount of bottom fishing gear that is not in the visibility zone. Among other things, sound alarms are the only choice of our visually impaired fellow hobbyists.

Sound indicators are:

• small classic bells, they have long been equipped with bottom gear, including those with a rubber shock absorber;
• bells - eggs on a clothespin, produced in abundance by the Chinese;
• rattles, including homemade ones.

Fireflies

We have combined a rich variety of light indicators for catching fish at night into this category. The bite signaling device for night fishing with feeder or bottom tackle has evolved from a bright piece of paper that gives reflections in the firelight to modern electronic and chemical models.

In addition to the fact that indicator lights are part of many electronic devices, they are also available separately. Light indicators of bites can be chemical, electrical or luminous.

Electronic devices

Electronic bottom gear alarms are now available in every choice. Fishing with them, in addition to luck, brings to the process a share of technological progress and a sense of one's own "advancement" in the soul of the angler. The principle of operation of such devices is based on the passage of the fishing line between the contacts or on the vibration of the rod blank. Moreover, bite signals can be given by sound, light, or transmitted using radio waves to a pager.

It is not advisable to use a pager as a feeder bite signaling device, because with feeder fishing, the choice of indication is obvious - a quiver tip (sensitive tip). These devices are used by carp fishermen, who, after feeding the point and casting gear, rest in tents, waiting for a bite.

The simplest electronic bite alarm for the feeder is a small device that is attached to the rod blank. A fishing line is passed through its contacts and an audible signal is heard when it is shifted.

At the next level there are indicators that are attached to the rodpod or. The principle of their work is also based on the length of the fishing line between the contacts. Modern fishing shops can offer a whole set of bite alarms in a separate case.

Such gadgets are often used in carp fishing. Each of these devices has its own signal melody and light indication, which helps the angler to correctly identify the fishing rod on which the bite occurred. To fix the bite to the shore, you need a swinger that pulls the line with its weight.

Separately, it is necessary to talk about the device, which works, like the “Strike alert” already mentioned above, due to the vibration of the blank. This is the Megatex Electronic Bite Signaling Device, which is a light and sound device. It is easily attached to the rod and adjusted to different degrees of sensitivity. And the model "Joy-3" is a truly smart biting signaling device. It can also be used on due to the miniature size of the device.

Instructions for self-production

There is a category of anglers who prefer hand-made fishing accessories to store gear. And if every Left-hander can make pendulum signaling devices or nods, then to make an electronic model you need to become Kulibin. There are always articles from the Internet with a variety of electrical circuits to help.

For those who are not particularly strong in schemes, we present a design based on a banal electronic key fob from our beloved Chinese brothers:

1. We fix the keychain on the stand for the feeder.
2. The contacts of the device are brought out.
3. We close the button of the key fob-tweeter.
4. We attach a strip of plastic one millimeter thick to the fishing line.
5. Insert the strip into the gap between the contacts.

Here we have assembled the simplest do-it-yourself electronic bite signaling device. Now, when biting, the plastic will slip out due to the movement of the fishing line and close the contacts. A beep will sound - it's time to cut. In order for this model to work even when the fishing line is weakened when biting to the shore, it is necessary to use a swinger with it.

Another option for making a bite indicator light is in the next video.

Under bite signaling, fishermen understand some adaptations to rods that help to perceive the bite of fish.

The price of fishing signaling devices is very different, ranging from 20 rubles for simple bells, and ending with whole carp installations, for several hundred dollars.

But if you came to this article, then most likely you want to make your own bite alarm, while investing a minimum of money and time.

Types of bite alarms

So, let's start by figuring out how signaling devices can notify us of a bite, and they can do it in the following ways:

• sound signal;
• light signal;
• movement.

Audible alarms include: rattles, bells, electronic sound sensors and other noise elements.

Light sticks can be attributed to light sticks, which are attached directly to the tip of the rod or to the float. Light signaling devices are used only in the dark.

Concerning motion detectors I, then these include: soft tops, side nods, or bright rattles that are attached to a sagging fishing line. Lateral nods can catch the slightest bites and can be used on both spinning and donking.

We figured out the theory, now we turn to practice, in which we will try to clearly describe the process of assembling various signaling devices from improvised means and tools.

Do-it-yourself buzzer (instruction)

This signaling device is very easy to manufacture, therefore it is most popular with fishermen, especially mature ones.

Stages of a homemade bell:

1. Get a small bell;
2. find a hollow rubber hose up to three centimeters in diameter;
3. cut a piece of hose 2-5 centimeters;
4. in one part of the tube, make a slot into which the fishing line will enter;
5. put this tube on the bell, if it does not fit tightly, then glue it with glue;
6. attach a braided or nylon cord to this entire installation.

The principle of such a signaling device is that it clings to the fishing line with a tube with a slot, at the moment of hooking the bell comes off the fishing line so as not to interfere with the fight, and we tied the thread so that the bell does not fly away and is not lost. Tie the thread to what the rod rests on, for example, on the flyer or half of the rod.

You can also use a wine or champagne cork instead of a rubber tube. If we compare this signaling device with a rattle, which is attached like a clothespin, then the bell turns out to be more convenient, since it is reset on its own when hooking, and the rattle must be removed manually so that it does not interfere with sweeping.

Side signaling device

Such a signaling device is good because it is applicable in all weather conditions, as it does not respond to strong winds. Watch the video, in which you will see the process of creating a side gate step by step.

Do-it-yourself light electronic bite signaling device

A simple analogue of this signaling device is a phosphorus stick, which glows if it is broken.

But the version of our device is good because it lasts for a long time, and the phosphorus stick is only for the night.

So, for our homemade product you will need the following materials and tools:

• Straws for cocktails;
• scissors;
• glue gun with glue rods;
• LEDs;
• batteries (3 V);
• heat-shrink tubing;
• lighter;
• crocodile clips.

Sequencing:

1. Cut a piece of straw 3-5 cm long.
2. Fill the cut piece of straw with hot glue.
3. While the glue is hot, insert the LED into the straw. The LED leads should stick out about 5mm.
4. Insert a round battery into the heat shrink.
5. Cut off the excess part of the heat shrink so that 1-2 cm remains on each side of the tube.
6. Insert the straws into the heat shrink from both sides.
7. Use a lighter to heat up the heat shrink to pull it down the straw.
8. Connect the straw to the diode and heat shrink so that one diode contact touches one side of the battery, and the second contact touches the other side of the battery.
9. Glue a hairpin to the free end of the tube with a glue gun, which will be attached to the fishing line.

And now the same thing only in video format. Enjoy watching.

Another version of the electronic signaling device

Here are some more options for homemade bite alarms

Signaling device "Reel"

Rattle built into the stand

And here is another version of the signaling device that we found on the Internet. A very interesting idea. The recess for the rod is stretched with elastic bands between the bent wire.

It is worth noting that this design is not sensitive, and is able to capture only powerful bites.

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Most anglers use bottom tackle, which is distinguished by its catchability and simple design. But in order to effectively use donks, signaling devices are needed.

Even on self-securing rigs, the angler must react to the bite in time and carefully lead the fish into the landing net. On feeder rods, a flexible whip - a quiver-tip - serves as a sentry, by bending and fluctuations of which the bite of a fish is visible.

When fishing with other bottom gear, signaling devices are needed:

• sound;
• visual;
• combined type.

Electronic signaling devices provide both audible and visual registration. When a fish bites, electronic signaling devices for donkey emit a sound signal, lights on them light up, creating a visual effect.

The principle of operation of the gatehouse for the donkey is based on the fact that at the time of the bite, the fishing line transmits vibrations of the equipment, fixed by the signaling device. The fish, having captured the nozzle, moves in an arbitrary direction. The signaling device for the donkey reacts to the pulls of the fishing line, regardless of their strength.

A powerful jerk is much more noticeable - it can be fixed by both a factory and a home-made device. Larger fish often bite cautiously, and it is important for the signaling device to be sensitive in order to fix such a bite.

Requirements for signaling devices for donkey:

• high sensitivity;
• simplicity of design;
• water protection;
• reasonable price.

Each angler chooses bite indication devices depending on:

• fishing conditions;
• own needs;
• weather conditions;
• estimated fish in the catch;
• time of day.

At night, visual indicators are ineffective, even when illuminated. It is impossible to sit for several hours without taking your eyes off the rod, and if you get distracted, you will miss the bite. Therefore, at night, sound sensors are needed for the donkey. And if they also provide a visual effect, the return on such equipment is significantly increased.

The weight of the transducer is important, and this applies not only to the convenience of the angler. In strong winds, the lightweight design will show false bites, and the meaning of the device itself is tripled.

It is not difficult to buy a signaling device; models are sold in stores for both summer and winter fishing. But quality gear doesn't come cheap. Therefore, many anglers prefer to make their own sensors from improvised materials, it is both cheaper and takes a little time.

Do-it-yourself bite alarm

The most common homemade donkey gatehouses are:

• pendulum type;
• nod type.

A homemade universal signaling device for donks is mounted on a fishing line and attached to the rod rings. When a fish bites, the tackle, which is in a taut state, changes its position in the water, and the fishing line shifts, transmitting vibrations to the gatehouse.

The advantage of such a signaling device is that it is attached to the rod and remains hanging on its ring during hooking. However, the angler needs to keep an eye on the bottom tackle with a hand-made pendulum bottom sensor in order to make the hooking in time.

The easiest way

To make the simplest pendulum tracking sensor for a donkey, you will need:

• a piece of aluminum or copper wire 20–25 cm long;
• 2 cambric with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wire section;
• lead weight with a ring;
• pliers.

The procedure for making a homemade tracking sensor for the donkey:

1. put the load on the wire and fix it in the middle by twisting the wire into a ring;
2. put cambric on the wire;
3. bend the ends of the wire into rings and fix them with cambric.

Mounting on the bottom:

• move the cambric and hook the wire ring on the bottom ring of the rod;
• fix the gatehouse with a cambric;
• move the second cambric and put the ring on the fishing line;
• fix the ring with a cambric.

Due to the load, a home-made signaling device will pull the fishing line, and when biting, transmit a signal about this, moving in a vertical direction.

After fishing, the bite indicator is removed from the line and stored in the tackle box. The manufacture of such a device will take 5-7 minutes, it is convenient to transport and operate.

Pendulum signaling device

Homemade pendulum signaling devices are attached to a stretched fishing line of a rod and, when biting, make movements similar to the movements of a pendulum.

The simplest pendulum gatehouse consists of:

• bell;
• rubber stopper or a rectangular piece of foam rubber.

To make such a device, you need:

1. cut a piece of rubber in the shape of a parallelepiped, 5 × 2 × 1 cm in size;
2. insert a bell ring from the end of the rubber and fix it with wire or thread;
3. on the opposite end of the rubber, make an incision with a blade to fix the sensor on the fishing line of the rod.

After casting the tackle, the rod is placed on a stand, and the guard is attached to the line below the last ring of the rod. Due to the weight of the indicator, tension is created on the line, when biting, it begins to move in a horizontal plane, warning the angler about the need for hooking.

After hooking, the signaling device flies off the line, without creating problems when playing the caught fish. In order not to look for the flying guard in the grass, a piece of thin rope or fishing line is attached to the elastic band, which clings to the rod stand with the other end.

Kinder bite alarm

The simplest wire donkey alarm can be improved with a plastic case from a Kinder Surprise toy. It needs to be fixed on a fishing line instead of a lead weight, which will make it possible to adjust the weight of the weighting agent.

In strong winds, pendulum signaling devices for donkeys turn out to be ineffective due to false alarms. It is necessary to make the load heavier, and for this, additional lead loads are placed in the body from the Kinder Surprise.

A lighter sensor is more sensitive, but if the weather calls for it, it's better to make it heavier to provide the necessary comfort.

In order for the signaling device for the donkey from Kinder Surprise to work when the fish bite towards the shore, you need to tighten the main fishing line more and put a load of at least 20 grams.

Electronic indicators for donkeys have serious advantages over other similar accessories:

• are highly sensitive;
• do not register false bites;
• fix bites towards the shore;
• allow the angler to be distracted from the tackle;
• Easily mounted on racks or rod pods.

The high cost of donkey electronic devices, with active use, quickly pays off. Now in stores there are electronic devices made in China with fastening directly to the rod.

To install such a sensor on a tackle, you do not need a rod-pod or stand, it is fixed on the form and does not require any additional devices. Independently, an electronic device will be able to be made by those who know how to hold a soldering iron in their hands and are able to distinguish a resistor from a microcircuit.

For this you need:

• small plastic alarm clock;
• resistor;
• piece of hard steel wire 25-30 cm.

Production order:

1. the extreme contacts of the resistor are soldered together;
2. the middle contact of the resistor is attached with a wire to the alarm clock board;
3. the resistor is attached to the alarm clock body with glue;
4. holes are made with an awl in the case opposite the resistor hole;
5. a nod with a curved tip is made from the wire for attaching the fishing line;
6. a nod of wire is rigidly attached to the hole in the housing (resistor).

Such a device is attached to the blank of the rod with adhesive tape, the tackle is thrown, the whip is installed on the rack. The fishing line should be tight, a nod is fixed on it, and the guard is ready for use.

Donkey buzzers are necessary when the angler needs to take his mind off the process, or when several rods are used. Thanks to the sound indication, you can fully control the process and respond in a timely manner to a possible bite of the fish.

The simplest example of a sound indicator of a bite is a bell with an elastic band, the design of which was discussed above. Anglers also use bells or rattles, which are attached to the donkey whip with a clothespin and, when it vibrates, make a loud and melodic sound.

Sound sensors are also effective at night, but it is desirable that there be also a light indication. Ball bells have a special hole for a fishing firefly that can signal rod swings during night fishing.

A few years ago, anglers invented various designs of light indicators on LEDs or fireflies, but now there is no such need. Chinese LED devices for registering bites are quite inexpensive, you don’t need to invent something, it’s easier to buy a ready-made accessory.

When fishing on donks, indicators play a big role. After all, several donoks are most often used, and it is very difficult to do without additional means of indicating fish bites.