Louis T
I started testing some alternative MP3 Sound Modules, my goal to get similar functions but at 50% less than the cost of MP3 Trigger ($50 + s/h). This could help people with low budget that want to get into robotics or just wanted to build a low cost robot. I choose these two modules in theory from reading their data sheet should work with EZ-B thru very simple sendserial command already built into ARC:
This MP3 module im testing and is working very well with EZ-B, it supports 40 MP3 files, 6 outputs:
This MP3 module supports 199 MP3 files and 8 outputs but I can't get it to work because it required baud rate of 4800 which ARC doesn't support but i would like to have it working because it supports 199 MP3 files and have better features than the above module:
However both modules needs an audio amplifier but for the price you can't beat for small to large robot projects that don't need a lot of sound files.
I have already got it working well with my Wall-E project, there is just one problem because the volume reset once power is disconnected so i found a way around that by using a init script at connection to change to max volume and a start up sound. All costs less than half price of MP3 Trigger
.
Here is a rough wired pic using Wall-E own speaker, MP3 module, and a dual 3W amplifier. I will post more details soon but still i would like to be able to use the 199 mp3 module, nice thing is both module output stereo sound and you are not limited to small speakers, just use bigger amp for bigger speakers and blue color matching EZ-B board
More details on wiring and custom scripting coming soon...might make a demo video if i have some free time.
on my wall-e project since wall-e only says a few voices will get the cheapest one on my ROOMBA project will use I2C one i found since it will run at a faster baud rate amp circuit fairly easy to design made so many at my work reading the specs can only use 9600 buad rate not that great ,but i guess it will work
@Lumpy
Yes the init file is basically to ramp up volume to Max, but it won't work if you just ramp up without playing the track first, know that thru trial and error
. Also i like the fact that the sound fades in due to the volume up.
Not true, if you look at the specs sheet, there are 6 output control
. Only come down to 40 files limit but like said for the price you can't beat it!
Spec sheet is a little vague.
It shows 1-6 as I/O but no real information.
Just thinking out loud. Would you have to script in a serial command to monitor a trigger(s) high/low and use a IF statement?
IF IO1 High = Play Track 3
That kind of scenario?
@Lumpy I asked customer support and this is what they said:
If you want to set output(1) high, just send D1 to the module via the TTL (with a terminal software or you can download one here: http://mdfly.com/productfiles/Development%20Tool/COMTOOL.rar . To set the output(1) low, send C1.
My guess use send serial command like this: sendserial(port#, 9600, 0xD1) set output 1 high and sendserial(port#, 9600, 0xC1) set output 1 low, replaced D1 with D2 and C1 with C2 for output 2 and so on.
I'm no programmer so if you know more please post.
@LUMPY I am not a programme too.i most test and know about every sensor made and electronic engineer,but if you need help on any electrical design or any sensor made for robots or commerical products le me know ,or anyone else,i have alot in test equipment
@DJ
I am using an AP-16+ audio player in my current robot project. It plays .wav files rather that .mp3 files, but it has a built in 20 watt/channel amplifier. Rather than request a special control for this board, would you consider creating a generic matrix control? Similar to the MP3 control with an array of buttons, the user would specify the actual scripting command to be executed with each button press. This control could be used for a wide range of applications.
Jim
That's a great idea Jim, a generic control that you can type in your own script. Even better if there a blank window, and you can start to add only the control that you need. For example, add play button, setup script, add stop button, setup script, etc.
@JIM does it have serial or I2C buss or buttons you want to control using digital I/O i can design a matrix circuit using digital I/O