SCUFE
What is SCUFE?
SCUFE is the Super Cool Underwater Frequency Emitter that was designed and created in order to direct fish towards specific directions underwater. The top portion has a solar panel on the very top to generate power. The solar panel rests on top of a buoy that houses the control system. The bottom portion is the waterproofed frequency emitter that’s connected to the top portion using an insulated wire.
Meet Us
Passion. Blood. Sweat. Tears. SCUFE.
Meet the four handsome gentleman behind the concept of SCUFE. All 4 founders are extremely different people that harmonize together as one efficient unit; through many long days and nights working on this revolutionary technology, these four founders have found a brotherly bond between one another.
The Charmer
Joseph "Joey" Licht
Originally hailing from the swamps of Clearwater, Florida, Joey is swimmer at Columbia University studying Mechanical Engineering. As charming as he is handsome, Joey will be pursuing a career in vertical transportation in his future.
The Brains
Thomas Danza
Thomas absolutely loves underwater life, as one of his many hobbies involve scuba diving. A serious man on the surface yet a sympathetic and silly man beyond, Thomas has a vast background in quantum optics as well as holographic techniques. He is originally from Bellmore in Long Island.
The Hands on Man
Ian Irish
Ian is an excellent mid-distance track and field runner at Columbia University. He was born and raised in Palos Versed Estates, California. After graduation, Ian will be pursuing a future in his very own start up company with one of his buddies back at California. He also enjoys long walks on the beach.
The Anomaly
James Haddad
All James does is hit the gym and talk about SCUFE; other than these two qualities, there is not much to be said about him. Originally from Dix Hills, Long Island, James will be pursuing a future in Data Analytics. He is a high energy person who knows no limits and vows to one day absolutely wipe mosquitoes from the face of the Earth.
Our
Story
Why SCUFE?
How exactly do we stop invasive underwater species from wrecking havoc amongst the world? Can we possibly stop their carnage? What if there was a way to simply tell these fish to stay away, or even stop? SCUFE relies on the principle that fish are sensitive to low frequency waves and can be attracted or repelled using them; a waterproof speaker is connected to a buoy with a controller to help communicate with fish. A versatile solution as it is, SCUFE can be used for many purposes, such as a fish deterrent or even mass scale fishing.
The Concept Behind SCUFE
The underwater frequency emitter would emit a low frequency signal that can either attract or repel fish, depending on the range used. Fish are quite sensitive to low frequency waves and can associate them with either food or predators.
Testing SCUFE in the Wild
Waterproof Testing
SCUFE was thrown into the pool initially to not only test if the waterproofing was sufficient, but also how the stability of the upper buoy held up without an anchor
Stability Support
A throw ring was attached to the upper buoy for stability purposes, as the top component wasn't stable due to the lack of anchor (no anchors were allowed in the pool; could damage interior)
Internal Controller Components
These were the controller components located in the top portion of the buoy, consisting of an Arduino microcontroller, a battery pack, potentiometer, and LED screen sealed with a solar panel on the top.
Underwater Frequency Emitter Internal Components
A speaker was mounted to the inside of the waterproof pelican case and sealed completely; it was connected to the top component with a waterproof wire.
Test Results
Below are the Test Results from SCUFING Dodge Pool in the Dodge Fitness Center on Columbia University's Campus. After measuring the strength of the frequency emitter at different distances, an effective conservative range of 0.5 kilometers was calculated to be the range of effectiveness for SCUFE.
SCUFE was successfully waterproofed; none of the interior electronics got wet, and none of the swimmers in the pool got shocked
Without the use of an anchor, the upper buoy required the use of a flotation boat ring in order to stay upright successfully.
The underwater frequency emitter was successfully able to withstand underwater pressure of up to 12 feet before the speaker itself collapsed and allowed water in.
How to SCUFE
1
STOP
To start, identify your desired location to place SCUFE and STOP
2
DROP
Next, Measure the desired depth SCUFE should go, turn it on, choose your desired frequency on the interface, adjust your coil of wire then DROP into the desired location
3
SCUFE
First goes the anchor, then the frequency emitter, and finally the buoy. Finally, SCUFE to your heart’s desire!
CAD Modeling
Below are the CAD Models of all of the intricate parts of SCUFE; there were many iterations
CAD of Prototype
CAD model of real SCUFE prototype built and tested
CAD of Ideal SCUFE
CAD model of the ideal SCUFE that was ultimately never met with updated frequency emitter
Upper Buoy Structure
Exterior of upper buoy portion with respective solar panel resting on the top
CAD of Prototype Frequency Emitter
CAD model of the real prototype's underwater frequency emitter design
Interior Skeletal Structure
Interior skeletal structure of the upper buoy along with controller system attached onto controller holder
CAD of Ideal Frequency Emitter Structure
CAD model of the ideal frequency emitter for SCUFE with included hook on the bottom to attach to anchor
Our Competitors in Managing
Underwater Species
What other methods of somehow directing fish are there? How exactly do people tackle the threat of invasive underwater species? And what does SCUFE do that's better than our competitors?
The "Gittings" Trap
The "Gittings Trap" is designed specifically for lionfish, and it doesn't necessarily stop them at all; this trap simply catches them, and must be monitored constaly and resprung. SCUFE doesn't catch the fish and simply directs them to other locations.
Underwater Electric Barrier
This underwater barrier uses an electric field to deter fish from crossing into specific areas, however this electric field could hurt them, and it requires a constant power source; AKA, someone must monitor it in the wild. The range is limited as well, whereas SCUFE lasts a long duration in the wild untouched, doesn't hurt fish, and can even have a modularity applied, linking multiple SCUFES to cover a greater area.
Carp Acoustic Barrier
This primitive acoustic barrier is used for herding invasive carp, and it involves a boat and an two individuals operating a device over the course of a few hours to deter carp from entering a specific area. SCUFE transcends this idea as no one needs to operate it manually over a long period of time, and it works nonstop until the rechargeable power supply drains over time depending on the conditions.
In depth research paper behind the brilliance of SCUFE, as well as the analysis and findings throughout this journey: