Elk 129 specifications Overview, Application

129 Overview

APPLICATION

All ELK Voice Recordable Annunciator Modules can record & store voice, music or sound effects for later playback. There are basically two methods to record sound into the Recordable Modules; 1st is by pressing the Recordable Module’s Record Switch and speaking directly into the on-board Microphone, the 2nd is to use the ELK-129 Interface to allow computer audio files such as .WAV files to be “played” and recorded into the Recordable Module. One advantage of using an ELK-129 & computer is that unique sounds gathered from the internet or other sources can be edited and stored on a computer and then be recorded into multiple Recordable Modules at any time.

OPERATION

This manual assumes that your computer has a functional 3.5mm stereo speaker output jack and speakers. Adjust the computer’s volume to the half-way mark. The ELK-129 was originally designed for use with ELK-120 and ELK-124 version 1 Recordable Modules. Since newer Recordable Models have been added to ELK’s product line, the ELK-129 operates slightly differently on the these modules as described below.

If you have an ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480:

You need the ELK-129 PLUS an ELK-MK485 Programmer’s Kit or ELK-MK400 Magic Module Starter Kit. Either of these two kits can be used. They contain the software needed for programming an MM447 or MV480. The ELK-129 is only required for completion of the audio connections. Refer to the instructions that are supplied with the MM447 or MV480.

You do not need the Sound Recording Software (floppy disk) included with the ELK-129 and you do not need a Transformer for powering the ELK-129. The remainder of these instructions are also not needed, they are intended only for the ELK-120/ 124 Recordable Modules.

If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124:

You need the ELK-129 PLUS a plug-in AC step down Transformer (not included), and the Sound Recording Software (floppy disk) included with the ELK-129.

A 16.5 Volt, 40VA Transformer can be used, although a 12 Volt, 20VA Transformer is recommended since it will not overdrive the ELK-129. We caution against leaving a 16.5V plugged in when the ELK-129 is not in use as it can become warm to the touch after a time.

The Sound Recording Software installs a shareware program called Cool EditTM along with a supplied automated “Script” file (elk-120.scp) which processes computer audio files (.WAV) for auto recording the ELK-120/124 modules. Auto recording is defined as a way to trigger the record command and then play (record) a computer audio file (.WAV) into the Recordable Module.

About Scripting... Audio files that will be auto-programmed into ELK-120 or ELK-124 modules must be properly processed by using the “Script” file before they can be used by the ELK-129. This process is described as follows: If the audio file is a stereo recording, the left channel will be erased and replaced by a control track. If the audio file is a monaural recording, the file will be converted into stereo before the control track is embedded in to the left channel. The control track is used to automatically trigger the record mode on the Recordable Module when a ”scripted” audio file is played. In addition to embed- ding a control track, the script also "pads" the beginning of the right audio channel with 30mS of silence (this prevents the beginning of your file from getting "chopped off" during programming). The remainder of the right channel (your audio file) remains unchanged. The script automates the entire process for you, allowing you to program with just a few button clicks. After running the script, just play the audio file to record it into the Recordable Module. Scripted audio files can be saved on your computer's hard drive for re-use.

*Cool Edit is a Trade Mark of Syntrillium Software Corporation, P.O. Box 60274, Phoenix, AZ 85082-0274. This program is shareware and requires a $50 registration for the full version, or $25 for the Lite version.

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