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
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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.
none of them will, you need to use custom script and sendserial command (very simple), the one i posted is easiest to use, read first post for details amd EZB script file example i posted. I read on the I2C mp3 module but passed for now because too long documentation and complicated.
It seems that is easier to use MP3 Trigger V2 with EZ -B.
With MP3 Trigger you still need to configure your own script to play back different track when you want your robot to speak/make sound, only difference is using ARC command instead of to sendserial command, but whatever works best for you
i did a comparing on MP3 trigger and DFRduino Player FOR $25 and found out is much much better and best part unlimited MP3 files and does tie up I/O PORT ,it uses I2C port where on the same line you can have more then 20 I2C devices,just by changing the I2C address
I've got the MP3 module Louis posted. They setup and configure very easily. It uses very simple serial commands.
The MP3 trigger is also very simple to use. I have one in my R2 droid.
You just need to decide what features are important to you.
How many MP3's do you want to play? Do you require external triggers?
I've got the smaller 40 track MP3 modules for my two Omnibots and Wall-E. I use the larger MP3 trigger for my R2 which uses a schwack of MP3's.
Yes, I understood, but for me as greenhorn is easier to use EZ-B or not ? For Wall e purpose
I like the I2C features but the long data documentation threw me off, was reading and trying to find instruction to using it but couldn't get it, the one i posted is very simple, data sheet get right to the point and i could understand it right off without wasting too much time reading, don't need too much technical stuffs on there if you know what i mean. The simpler the better as most of us don't have enough knowledge to know what all these technical terms and data means.
every mp3 has good and bad, i found out I2C commanDs are easy to use and faster but i loved the most is unlimited mp3 files ,where on the MP3 can only add up to 40 mp3 files plus if high speed uart is needed you are out of luck,only one high speed port left on EZB other is used for bluetooth module so if using a roomba ,cant use the MP3 trigger and other robot and devices using high speed port