Updated: 9/30/99
The problem of having pre-recorded sounds in my haunt reset to the same starting point after each playback was solved by utilizing a cheap digital keychain recorder/player. However, with these little digital recorders of ten seconds duration, playback with enough amplification had to be developed. Here's an under $ 40., build it yourself, portable solution using Radio-Shack equipment. [At this cost, I believe even R-S can be recommended]
The following instructions are for those who own a soldering iron and its associated accouterments including some small diameter (24 gauge or smaller) wire. For the "trigger wire" I used some "wire wrap" which is 30 gauge solid (R-S carries). You'll need the following items purchased from Radio-Shack:
1) Keychain digital recorder/player - Cat. # 63-945 [sale price $ 8.00]
(Sep.
'99: R-S is replacing # 63-945 with its new Cat. # 63-953 [Cost $
11.99]
{until the 945 (old) is sold out I'll leave it and the 953
(new) model illustrated}
2) Battery Amplified Speaker - Cat # 32-2040 [cost $ 20.00]
2a) 4-C cell batteries for Speaker
3) 3.5mm Mini-Plug - Cat # ?? ask the "answer people" [cost $ 2. est]
Instructions:
A.) Remove the back of the key chain digital recorder via TWO (2) screws. In the latest model there are two batteries and the back half can not be completely separated from the front half because there's a white (+) battery wire that joins them. Drill a small hole thru the back half (63-953) or cover (63-945) so that the wires connecting to the speaker terminals (see diagram) can easily pass thru the case.
B) On the old model (945) solder red/blk wires to the pads marked SP (+) and SP (-); on the new model (953) solder red/blk wires to the pads on the speaker itself. (refer to diagram, below)
C) The location for the Yellow trigger wire is found on the new (953) model on a pad hole just below (and on a separate board trace) from where the white battery wire connects. On the old (945) model, it is soldered to the ONE small hole that borders the circular black mound NEAREST the two speaker soldering points. Refer to the diagrams for the respective model. On the old model (945) you may have to scrape off the green "resist coating" with a small knife so that a tiny wire ( I used "wire wrap" wire) can be inserted thru this hole and a bead of solder will hold it onto the circuit board run surrounding this hole.
D) Reassemble the units, having drilled a hole thru the portion of the case that is opposite the speaker. This hole allows all three (3) wires to emerge.
E) Note the completed assembly diagram below.
F) Attach a second Black wire to make a "T" connection as shown. This separate black wire will be used with the Yellow (trigger) wire to trigger the sound as explained in the diagram above. Also connect the Red and Black speaker wires to a standard 3.5 mm Plug.
That's all there is to it. Now you can record the desired sound, using the key chain recorder in the usual manner. Then with it plugged into the AUX jack of the speaker you will get amplified sound from the keychain playback every time the trigger wires make contact.
Hauntmaster
Jim Kadel
From Orig. Post dated: Oct. 24, 1997
Update History: Aug 1998; Sep 1999