Thread: Reprogramming Existing Props

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I am a noob to the world of animation, but this year I want to do a pirate theme in my front yard. Last year I found 2 talking heads that have pre-programmed phrases, and I was wondering of there is a way to change what they say or to record my own voice onto them. I don't have any programming knowledge, software, or any of the fun stuff that alot of the other members here do, so I am hoping that someone can give me a hand, idea, or any help whatsoever. Thanks in advance.

Just curious - are your heads the talking pirate ones that were on special at Lillian Vernon a while back? It's the one in this video:


I whomped up a small op amp circuit that can be used with a MP3 player to allow you to drive the jaw motor. It's not exactly re-programming the chip - you can't do that with those cheap ROM chips - but you can make the head say what you want.

Otaku, can you post a pic of the circuit? I'd be interested!

That's the one. I found it at a different retailer but the voice and sayings are the same. I am also curious to see your upgrade. Thanks Otaku

Here's the schematic:


The amplified output would go to the Gate pin of an IRF510 MOSFET (for example) to switch the power for the jaw motor. I originally designed this circuit for increasing the gain on thermocouple junctions which are typically < 1mV at room temps. I need to get off my butt and wire it into the pirate head. The circuit should work with any prop that uses a small DC motor to move a jaw mech (Boris skulls, Gemmy skulls etc). I've only tested it with an MP3 player. The TLE2022 IC is available from Mouser and DigiKey. Here's a link to a thread on that "other" forum (ha!) that shows a pic of the circuit on one of those little R-S perf boards.
http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=26340

Edit: Almost forgot to mention that the TLE2022 operates on 5VDC to 20VDC. You get a pretty broad choice for power sources. I tested this circuit with a 4AA battery pack.

Are you selling these circuits?

I just made one up and it works great. Here's pictures of the front and back of the board.

I have to try this as well. I have 2 Gemmy skulls and I'm tired of hearing what they have to say. You wouldn't happen to have a complete parts list would you?

They guy at the electronics store would appreciate that as opposed to me showing him the picture and saying I need all this stuff.