Self contained automated announcements

[EdF]

Looking for ideas for how to automate station announcements battery powered in ttrak modules.  I can get small boards with the record and playback, but need ideas on how to trigger them.  Was thinking some light based system through the bottom of the track, but not sure what would work.  I think the light based stuff has to be open in light, closed in dark.  And the sound quality of the boards is suspect, have not found a lot with sound quality specs.  I only need 4 so I could probably budget 10-15 bucks each.  Thanks

[cteno4]

I just got a couple of these to play with for some knitted stuffed animal my wife is making for our grand nephews. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DFP-Mini-MP3-Voice-Module-For-Arduino-DIY-Supporting-TF-Card-And-USB-Disk/152699269141?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

https://www.dfrobot.com/wiki/index.php/DFPlayer_Mini_SKU:DFR0299

 

Simple on their own with a momentary switch close. Rapido use to make some mini switches you put next to the rail that would open the switch for ultimate simplicity.

 

these work with more complex serial control from an arduino processor like an Arduino Nano where you could use light sensors on the analog io pins and a program then to control the player via serial.

 

or direct with a little photo relay board

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-5V-12V-Light-Control-Switch-Photoresistor-Relay-Module-Detection-Sensor/123126147813?epid=1370747962&hash=item1caae3eae5:g:WZsAAOSwqlha9VpP

 

all 5v so can just use a usb 5v rechargeable supply, cheap these days

 

jeff

Edited January 3, 2019 by cteno4

[EdF]

Found this, https://www.adafruit.com/product/2217

 

Also thought about using stationary sound decoders, and might still since I could trigger them from my throttle app.

 

But going for now with dBoard android app and a bluetooth speaker.  Soundboard that let's you load your own mp3s.

[EdF]

Oh for the ada fruit board the idea would be to try and use ir beam breaks as switches.

[cteno4]

That’s the bigger brother to the mini mp3 and maybe better for this application as it can potentially drive bigger stereo speakers better. The mini can only drive one speaker of less than 3w. 

 

I recemtly got mine and just picked up a micro sd card to use with it (must be a half dozen lurking around in various projects but they is so tiny for easy loss! Also got one of the little photo led relay boards to mess with to trip it.

 

the arduino boards can just be driven on their own with a momentary close in a number of ways. Should be great for the toys and I think with the relay a simple sound trigger for layouts with little space needed.

 

jeff