In an era where the convenience of cell phones, Wi-Fi, and radio communication is almost taken for granted, the thought of being cut off from civilization seems almost alien to many of us. However, for the members of the United States Space Force, this could very well be a future scenario they must navigate.
What steps would you take if your primary means of communication were suddenly unavailable? The second episode of the Space Force STEM Challenge introduces an ingenious solution: constructing a Morse code infrared (IR) transmitter. This device is remarkably simple and cost-effective, requiring no cell signal or Wi-Fi to maintain connectivity.
### Essential Components:
To embark on this project, you will need the following items to establish a two-way communication system:
– A Raspberry Pi single-board computer with the Raspberry Pi OS installed
– An infrared (IR) LED
– An IR photodiode
– A 100K resistor
– A small display for reading messages
Although Morse code will be the primary encoding method due to its simplicity and widespread recognition, the software includes a translation feature, making a Morse code guide optional—though highly recommended for the full experience.
 *(Image credit: Future)*
For those interested in the technical details, including the installation of the operating system on your Raspberry Pi and the script we developed, visit [this link](https://github.com/future-plc/ir_comm). We chose Python as the programming language for its versatility and the abundance of resources available for learning Morse code translation. While you can download our script, we encourage those seeking an extra challenge to try their hand at writing their own.
The setup involves connecting the LED and photodiode to the general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins on the Raspberry Pi. Our script takes brief messages, encodes them into Morse code, and signals through the IR LED. This method allows for communication over considerable distances, provided there is a clear line of sight and no competing sources of infrared light. To avoid interference from strong sunlight, nighttime operation is advised.
 *(Image credit: Future)*
Once assembled, simply type your message, press enter, and the system will handle the rest. The script actively monitors the receiver for Morse code pulses, displaying any received messages on your screen. While transmitting, it temporarily halts listening to ensure clear message delivery.
### Mission Complete
Congratulations! You now possess your very own IR communicator, perfect for staying in touch with a friend. Projects like these don’t just teach you how to create innovative gadgets; they offer a new perspective on problem-solving. Every challenge presents an opportunity for a solution, and it’s your task to find the path forward, whether you’re isolated from conventional communication methods or facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.