Questions from (another) complete newbie...

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

I have a fairly complex project that is part mechanical, part electrical, part project management. One small section of that project is to play a simple .wav file in response to dry contact closure. This is in an industrial environment, so I need a device that can contain the .wav file, respond to the contact closure, and drive that .wav into something that can then drive a speaker. I can't put a PC in location.

I haven't done any electrical work since a good bit of relay logic circuitry in the early '90's. This is a golden opportunity as my manager has given me the option of either buying it out (punt) or of learning/doing this myself. I'm opting for the learning/doing but I am the most beginning neophyte you can imagine. I asked around the net a bit and folks told me an Arduino board is the right tool for this job.

Is this the case? If so what other hardware besides the board would I need (either general device type or actual device recommendations appreciated).

I really do want to create this myself as a learning experience and skill builder rather than paying it out. OTOH, this has to be, at most, 24-36 hrs of work. I do have an electrical background, but not an electronic one. What do you suggest?

2

The Arduino won't by itself play a wav file. There is not enough memory or good enough A/D output. However you can get a shield from Spark Fun that you can attach to the Arduino that will allow you to do this.

3

Adafruit Wave Shield:

22kHz, 16-bit, mono audio files, which are definitely tolerable, at least through speakers.

I myself don't own one, but I've thought about it.

You'll find all the information you'll need there. It's not expensive either.

4

Alrighty, I got the adafruit wavshield, and have resolved the universal newbie conundrum (avrdude) and now have the board working. I'll noodle around with the arduino to digest the basics, then start soldering that board.

5

i had the same question. im glad you found the answer.