Thread: Hack Your Doorbell

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Has anyone tried this for sound effects triggered by sensors?

http://popsci.typepad.com/how20blog/...it-hack-y.html

let me know if you think this could work plugging into a more powerful speaker set up...

thanks

Yes.. and No...

I didn't use the set up from your link...

I bought a "Talking Picture frame" from a second hand store and removed the circuit board from it. The push button to play back the recording was tied to a SPST Momentacy lever switch from R/S. The audio output was wired into 1/8" stereo jack that was run into amplified computer speakers (also from a second hand store). I wired a momentary push button switch to the record button so I could record my sound effect.

When the prop moved, it hit the momentary switch and played back the sound effect. The playback time is about 10 - 20 seconds. It's more than enough for a quick scare.

The MP3 player will be good for longer playbacks and higher audio quality. My prop was just making a screaming noise and I didn't need more than 5 seconds of playback.

You might be able to hack apart a digital recording keychain or digital memo reminder and get almost the same results for 1/2 the price of the MP3 project. The sound quality is not as good but the total cost will be less than $20.00 for the whole thing.

I use my stuff outside, so I try to reduce the cost. I know that the outdoor elements might damage the electronics. If I lose a $20 prop it's not like losing a $200 prop. Also, my audience doesn't tend to stick around too long once a prop gets triggered. If it's not in 7.1 stereo surround no one will notice. They're running out of my yard by that time.