Sound cards

[ge_rik]

Well after lots of faffing around, it appears that either the next button plays the previous track, or on these DF Players you have to load the files on in reverse order. Either which way, it's now working, thank you so much for everyone's input

Useful to know, Steve.

Rik

[philipy]

I think that further back in this old thread, Steve was asking about where to get appropriate sound files.
I've just found out that BBC archive sound effects recordings are available for FREE download for personal use!

You can download lots of Steam Train Sound Effects from the BBC Sound Effects web-site. They have released them Free To Use for private purposes only. The easiest way to find them is to Google 'BBC Sound Effects' then type 'Age of Steam' in the search box on the web page and select 'Transport' in Category.

There is a whole batch of recordings made at Blaenau Festiniog and various others if you search for "Narrow gauge", for example:
https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/s ... ultSize=80

Quickly flicking through, there all sorts of odd topics, including empty tunnels, Oxford Circus, bicycles, ....

[-steves-]

I think that further back in this old thread, Steve was asking about where to get appropriate sound files.
I've just found out that BBC archive sound effects recordings are available for FREE download for personal use!

You can download lots of Steam Train Sound Effects from the BBC Sound Effects web-site. They have released them Free To Use for private purposes only. The easiest way to find them is to Google 'BBC Sound Effects' then type 'Age of Steam' in the search box on the web page and select 'Transport' in Category.

There is a whole batch of recordings made at Blaenau Festiniog and various others if you search for "Narrow gauge", for example:
https://sound-effects.bbcrewind.co.uk/s ... ultSize=80

Quickly flicking through, there all sorts of odd topics, including empty tunnels, Oxford Circus, bicycles, ....

WOW, what a find

[ge_rik]

Excellent! I had no idea this site existed.

Rik

[tommygander1941]

I myself am looking for something to simple activate a sound, play the file and then stop playing after a certain amount of time (if the file is trimmed down to say 10 seconds), but with which I don't have to connect up to some sort of radio control button. More likely I'm looking for a small remote control unit for it, maybe an Arduino?

I'm looking to install it into a Boot Lane Works Musketeer, as I'd like to have at least Dogtanian And The Three Muskehounds intro theme on a file to play when I hit a button on a remote control of some sort, and maybe a whistle.

[philipy]

Sorry Tommy I've only just seen your post, I think it must have got lost under the Christmas tree!

I'm not very sure what you are actually after? You say about pressing a remote button but not as part of radio control, so are you simply wanting a switch on the side of the loco?

[ge_rik]

Sounds like you want a DF mini MP3 player module:
eg - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154480158202

and a simple keyfob remote :
eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295348641675

You'll also need batteries and a speaker, plus a micro SD card and download a relevant sound file.

Should be doable for around £15 (or less if you get them directly from China with AliExpress)

Rik
PS - Not tried it myself but willing to give it a go if you want a guinea pig

[tommygander1941]

Sounds like you want a DF mini MP3 player module:
eg - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154480158202

and a simple keyfob remote :
eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295348641675

You'll also need batteries and a speaker, plus a micro SD card and download a relevant sound file.

Should be doable for around £15 (or less if you get them directly from China with AliExpress)

Rik
PS - Not tried it myself but willing to give it a go if you want a guinea pig

Hi Rik, that's exactly the sort of thing I'd like! Just something simple and fun, rather than needing anything complicated.

And yes to be fair if you were to do some tests, it would really help thanks!

[jasa]

Good morning.

Even at the risk of being a matter of little interest given the time that has elapsed since the last contribution, perhaps someone may be interested in my sound card version.

Hardware:

- ESP32 with DAC output. (I don't remember exactly, but I bought 5 for 20-30€ at AZ-Delivery).
- PAM8403 amplifier (on Amazon 10 for €8.49).
- 8 omhs, 3 w speaker (on Amazon 4 for €11.99).

Software

- xt-dac-audio library.
- Audacity and HxD to produce the WAV "files".
- Sketch ESP32.

Resources

- www.xtronical.com (although today I found it impossible to access). This was quite a valuable resource. There's a mirror of the bookstore on Github: https://github.com/WeekendWarrior1/XTro ... dio_Mirror.

Functionality

- The typical chuff-chuff.
- Whistle.
- Bells.
- Brake.

The sound files are arrays in the sketch so that access is at the speed of access to the internal memory of the program and, consequently, the boundaries in their manipulation lie in the imagination of the programmer, his needs and, of course, the memory available to the program.

Of course, it is feasible to place WAVs in flash memory or other external storage. In that case, you have to deal with file upload latencies.

In my case, the chuff chuff is implemented with chuff and silence alternations whose duration is determined by the PWM signal sent to the engine. The bells ring automatically when starting or changing direction, i.e. when PWM=0. The brake when sending a stop command. And, all, when the user decides to do so, by pressing the corresponding button on the user interface.

It goes without saying that the overall quality is determined by the sound used, so I beg for mercy for my implementation.

An example of use.



Sorry: robotic english.

[ge_rik]

Interesting project. The chuff sound might need shaping, but the concept looks really promising.

Rik