[J-Man]

What would you suggest as the best way to sync the Grim and the Squawker boards? I would like to have the Grim and Squawker do some banter.

Well the SQUAWKER TALKER just waits for an audio signal and GRIM needs a trigger, so there's two things that need to happen. You'll need to create two audio files for the banter, one for the parrot and one for GRIM. Create them so one has blank audio sections when the other is talking. Make sure they are properly synced and make them mono not stereo. Put GRIM's track on the SD card and use an audio player that can be triggered for the parrot. Last step, you'll need to trigger GRIM via the Try-Me port and trigger your audio player simultaneously. If your banter is more than 30 seconds, you'll need to retrigger GRIM to keep him moving (he will keep talking regardless).

 

[sbbbugsy0473]

I have a triggerable MP3 player input to the Squawker and a timing relay set for 32 seconds between closed pulses of 2 seconds that starts them both. My audio file lasts 1 minute and 20 seconds. The audio starts and runs correctly, and both start their movements. However, after 32 seconds, the Grim will not start moving again with another trigger input. It talks and the jaw moves for the last part, but that's all. I added a Dropbox link so you can see it.
Grim & Parrot

 

[J-Man]

I have a triggerable MP3 player input to the Squawker and a timing relay set for 32 seconds between closed pulses of 2 seconds that starts them both. My audio file lasts 1 minute and 20 seconds. The audio starts and runs correctly, and both start their movements. However, after 32 seconds, the Grim will not start moving again with another trigger input. It talks and the jaw moves for the last part, but that's all. I added a Dropbox link so you can see it.
Grim & Parrot

I see the long pause in GRIM's dialog, did you split the POTC track into two or is it one long track with a muted section?

 

[J-Man]

I see the long pause in GRIM's dialog, did you split the POTC track into two or is it one long track with a muted section?

I assume you're using the Try-Me port (switch center position) connected to the timer relay. Disconnect the timer relay and power up GRIM. Manually short the two leads from the Try-Me port for one second, wait 30 seconds and short the leads again for one second. GRIM should start moving again. If that checks out, then the problem is with the relay timer.

 

[sbbbugsy0473]

It seems my issue was the triggerable MP3 player. When I disconnect it, the Grim operates correctly.

 

[J-Man]

It seems my issue was the triggerable MP3 player. When I disconnect it, the Grim operates correctly.

Did you have the mp3 trigger wires paralleled with the GRIM Try-Me wires on one relay? If so, that's the problem, not the mp3 player.

 

[sbbbugsy0473]

I have two relays, so I just hooked them up separately. Everything seems fine now.

 

[J-Man]

I have two relays, so I just hooked them up separately. Everything seems fine now.

Excellent! Just an FYI for anyone else following this, the wires from the Try-Me port of GRIM must be isolated from any other device. There is voltage from GRIM's circuit passing thru those wires.
An open switch, step pad, or the dry contacts of a relay are the only things that should be used with the Try-Me port.

 

[J-Man]

Anyone else have their's installed yet? Feel free to post your videos here.

 

[sbbbugsy0473]

Got the two pairs of my "Grim & Parrot" up and running.

Grim & Parrot

 

[xredge]

With what is going on right now don't even see Grim coming out of the box until at least early summer.

 

[sbbbugsy0473]

J-Man, have you ever looked at if the FurRal Friends LULU cat can be modded like the Squawkers?

 

[J-Man]

J-Man, have you ever looked at if the FurRal Friends LULU cat can be modded like the Squawkers?

It likely can be but I've never looked into it.

 

[J-Man]

I have some of these ready to ship if anyone is interested.

 

[djdaveyj]

Got the Revision B boards today, put one together and it works perfect.
Now to get to work on the documentation.
View attachment 757092

wait. what?? for Grim!!! I'm in. Are you shipping yet???? i have 3 squawkers boards and a tiki show! I just pulled Grim out to show a friend. You have the board created??

 

[J-Man]

wait. what?? for Grim!!! I'm in. Are you shipping yet???? i have 3 squawkers boards and a tiki show! I just pulled Grim out to show a friend. You have the board created??

Yes and yes. 😉
You can email me.
[email protected]

 

[bobzilla]

Here is my updated Grim skeleton.
Thank you very much, J-Man!

 

[wdallen504]

Here is my updated Grim skeleton.
Thank you very much, J-Man!

That is awesome.

 

[J-Man]

Great job Bobzilla! Very cool!

 

[bobzilla]

Thanks, guys!