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sync with music — Parallax Forums

sync with music

andymanandyman Posts: 8
edited 2009-03-03 18:06 in BASIC Stamp
I'm a newbie to microcontrollers in general and BASIC Stamp (2) in particular. I want to choreograph a project to music - an MP3 or Wav file. I'm looking for a way to have the BASIC Stamp start the music (about 4 minutes worth) or vise versa. I'd rather not have my computer involved for 'the show' but could use a CD or MP3 player. Any ideas? idea.gif

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2009-02-27 21:00
    I hacked a $20 MP3 player for a project that worked out well. Hardest part is getting to the control buttons, a lot of cutting and fine soldering. is required. I only controlled 3 tracks, so it was relatively easy. Made a 1.5V voltage regulator from an LM317T to power it and used the Stamp 1 Project Board to trigger reed relays wired to the MP3 player buttons. Timing was very consistent with the player, so I just used a simple program with pauses & loops tp trigger lights, motors & servos. Satisfying result. If I can find a video I'll post it.

    Different MP3 players have a variety of operating menus, not all particularly user-friendly. I would sample several and pick one that gives you what you want (power on, track selection, pauses) with the fewest button presses. The latest crop of cheap MP3 players don't even have an LCD display, but it sure comes in handy for programming and debug.

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
  • andymanandyman Posts: 8
    edited 2009-02-27 23:40
    Interesting - thanks. I wasn't even thinking along those lines. I'll have to check it out.
  • andymanandyman Posts: 8
    edited 2009-02-28 00:03
    BTW, erco - do you remember the brand or type of MP3 player you had the most luck with?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2009-02-28 00:42
    Sorry, I don't recall the brand. Someone donated one, I didn't have the luxury of selecting it. But since then I've become acutely aware of the many differences and variations in MP3 players and how they function.·My most recent 5 o'clock surprise is a cute little $14 2GB player that advertises itself as both MP3 and WMA (Windows Media, which is what I use) compatible. As it turns out, it is only MP3 compatible. When you plug into your XP computer, it automatically downloads a program (potential virus shiver) that can translate a WMA file into an MP3. But I'm sure it compresses it even more and loses fidelity.

    But I digress. Even with the difficulties of hacking an MP3 player, it is far better than using a digitized sound chip. The fidelity is worlds improved and the consistency of playback timing will make your programming & synchronizing·much easier.

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2009-03-03 18:06
    Andyman: See my post in completed projects. http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=789279

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    ·"If you build it, they will come."
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