Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

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dan13
 
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Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

hello,

i am new to the Arduino world and have a project i am working on that i would like a little help with on which products are the correct ones do buy.
here is specifics of what i would like to achieve:
- the idea of the devise is to be able to record a message, preferably 4 separate ones and then be able to trigger them via a 4 button keyfob. when the button is clicked the corresponding recording should play through the speaker(s). the recording needs to trigger immediately upon clicking and be ready to play again anytime the button is pressed.
- the device needs to be as small as it can be, no bigger then a deck of cards, but smaller is the goal.
- it needs to run off a battery and have a wireless connection.
- would like at least a 200ft range between the devise and the keyfob remote.

the arduino that i think will work best and want to build around is this one:
- Adafruit Wave Shield for Arduino Kit - v1.1 - https://www.adafruit.com/products/94
it looks like it has most of the pieces in need; sd card to record on, adjustable volume control, speaker out
the keyfob i've found it the:
Keyfob 4-Button RF Remote Control - 315MHz - http://www.adafruit.com/products/1095
- RF transceiver component to be compatible with the keyfob chosen. this part looks like it may work with the keyfob: Simple RF M4 Receiver - 315MHz Momentary Type - http://www.adafruit.com/products/1096. however i could not find the range the part can cover 200ft is the target.

items i am still looking for:
- mini speaker(s) similar to these or perhaps these would work best (from an iphone 4s): http://www.directfix.com/product/IP-2526.html

any help or direction would be truly appreciated.

enjoy!
dan

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

There are no specs on that speaker, but I imagine it would probably work with the wave shield output. The only problem I see with your plan is this:
would like at least a 200ft range between the devise and the keyfob remote.
In practice, the range of these is fobs variable. I get 20-30ft indoors. You might do better outdoors with no interference. For more reliable long-range communication you might need to go with something like an XBee.

dan13
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

thank you for the reply.
i was a little worried about the rf portion and distance so i will look at the Xbee you suggest.
however, if i want to test with what i have listed and take into account the shorter distance of the rf, will this setup work together?
secondly, if so, will there be some programming needed to be able to trigger each of the recording with the 4 keyfob?

thank you again for your expertise.

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The configuration you listed should work fine within the range of the fob.
You didn't mention which Arduino you are mounting the shield on, but it requires a 'standard' Arduino such as the Uno R3. It will not work with the Mega or Leonardo.

You should be able to use the 6-button audio player example code with minimal changes.
http://www.ladyada.net/make/waveshield/ ... play6.html

dan13
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

awesome! thanks for the insight.
i didn't add the mount as i didn't know i needed it, but was a little curious how all this stuff came together. remember i'm a newbee at this but i am learning a lot in a short period of time and find this stuff fascinating.
i think now i can move forward with buying the parts from you guys and be moving.

may come back to you once i have the parts with a question or two.

thanks again.

dan13
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

i'm guessing this is the one to buy to put my shield on: http://www.adafruit.com/products/50
one problem i just realized is the unit needs to run off a battery and not AC.
how do i pull that off?

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

i'm guessing this is the one to buy to put my shield on
That is the one.
one problem i just realized is the unit needs to run off a battery and not AC.
how do i pull that off?
There are a number of battery options:

This and a standard 9v battery will power it for maybe a few hours: http://www.adafruit.com/products/80
This and some alkalines or Eneloop rechargeables will power it for quite a lot longer: http://www.adafruit.com/products/248
This one will power it for a very long time via the USB port: http://www.adafruit.com/products/962

dan13
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

thanks for the additional info on the parts.

over the weekend i was thinking of simpler/quicker way to do this testing for my project. i was doing some research and found an app that would allow me to transmit my voice (vonbruno app) thru an airplay speaker.
so my current question is, do you guys offer a wireless device whereby i can use this app, link it to my network and link your devise and attached a speaker.
should this work i will then go back to the original setup you've put together for me additional concept testing.
thank you again for your help!

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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

To do that, you would need to add a WiFi shield or use an Ethernet Shield plugged into a WiFi access point. There would be a fair amount of software involved in integrating it all.

dan13
 
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Re: Help with Wave Shield for Arduino project

Post by dan13 »

thank you again for your insight and knowledge. i am currently looking for someone who has a better understanding of the arduino world to help me put this together and will probably purchase these parts this week.

thanks again.

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