Remote Triggered Sound Effect for Props?

[Astyanax]

Hello!

When showing my collection, there are a couple props that I would like to point to, reach into my pocket, push a button and have it make a cool sound.

So I am trying to figure out the simplest way to trigger a sound effect from my props on-demand, kind of like those remote-triggered fart machines or prank sound effects boxes. The problem is, I want to use my own sound files OR voice recordings.

I did tons of searching first.
While there are plenty such recordable devices with pushbutton capability...



...I can't find one that's remote controlled. And the ones that are remote controlled...



...can't use custom sounds!

I know there are complicated Arduino, Adafruit, Raspberry Pi, etc. ways to do this, but it seems to me that an "out-of-the-box" solution should be out there! Why should this be so complicated?

Alternatively, there are very cheap Bluetooth speakers out there...if someone knows a way to trigger on-demand sound effects from my phone to a bluetooth speaker, that might be workable. But that's getting complicated again.

Does anyone have any thoughts about a device that might do this?

 

[Astyanax]

I think I've answered my own question: I need a wireless doorbell that accepts MP3 files.

I've ordered 3 different kinds to test, and will report back with results!

 

[DN12742]

If your electronics skills are strong, you can easily use jdy-40 radio modules. This is the best and easiest tool for this kind of crafts, I use them myself in my projects.

These modules are notable for the fact that the operation of the outputs of the receiving module can be configured differently. Well, then, an opto-relay and a couple of transistors or other technical methods of communication with your sound-producing devices, as in the pictures that you provided.

 

[Robot Monster]

Thanks looking forward to the update.

 

[greenmachines]

Seriously bro, do you need to wear the wookie suit every time you show me new stuff? And why you always playing with that bandoleer? I don't remember you being so fidgety...

 

[Astyanax]

If your electronics skills are strong, you can easily use jdy-40 radio modules. This is the best and easiest tool for this kind of crafts, I use them myself in my projects.

These modules are notable for the fact that the operation of the outputs of the receiving module can be configured differently. Well, then, an opto-relay and a couple of transistors or other technical methods of communication with your sound-producing devices, as in the pictures that you provided.

I have no electronics skills whatsoever, and can't solder to save my life. I need something a bit more accessible!

 

[Astyanax]

Seriously bro, do you need to wear the wookie suit every time you show me new stuff? And why you always playing with that bandoleer? I don't remember you being so fidgety...

View attachment 1895330

But that's the idea, right?

I'm working on my Severance speaker, and I want Mark or "the Board" to speak up on demand.

 

[Astyanax]

Okay, the first doorbell arrived, and it was bad, bad, bad:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WS1GC9X

At only twelve bucks, I thought it was worth a try, but it's not worth even that.

• The sound box is nice and small-ish, and that's about the only good thing I can say.
  
  
• It wasn't clear in the Amazon ad, but it needs to be directly plugged in to the wall. That's too much voltage to be playing with something this sketchy.
  
  
• The handheld button makes a VERY LOUD click when I press it. So much for hiding it in my pocket.
  
  
• The so-called "USB port" is hidden behind a blue sticker, and has no electronics! That's right, it's a MicroUSB "hole" with no port. That's just plain fraudulent!

I did not test this doorbell. I'm too scared to. It's being returned, with prejudice.

But good news in the next post!

 

[Astyanax]

At $34, the second doorbell was almost triple the cost of the first. That's worth it to me, if it works:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MQZYHN4

• The sound box is soooo big. Too big! But that's the only bad thing I have to say, and easily remedied!
• The handheld remote needs two AAA batteries. Not a big deal.
• Although the sound box wants power from four C batteries, there's a working USB cable that supplies it with power!
• I plugged the cable into my PC, and boom, there's a drive letter with three MP3 filers on it, waiting for more! I uploaded a couple, unplugged it, plugged it into a power USB port, and it works great!
• There is a switch to enable/disable the flashing lights, or turn it off entirely.
• One button on the back is a sound clip selector, the other is volume control!
• I did have to make sure I was plugging the USB cable into a data port to transfer MP3s, and a power-only port to power it. It can't be powered from a USB data connection.

Thinking I could remove the bulky housing and slim it down for props, I removed a screw and pried it open:



Seems pretty straightforward. I unscrewed the board, clipped the battery wires, and freed the USB cable from the white plastic housing using my dremel. Then, I carefully peeled off the speaker cover, which was lightly glued onto the speaker.



It works really great! A bit pricey, but a real winner!

 

[DN12742]

The second call option is actually good.

 

[Astyanax]

This is the third option; it cost $19:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC4FVLTV



Sadly, contrary to the description, it has no ability to play custom MP3s as a doorbell ring.

That's all that's worth saying here. Back it goes!

 

[greenmachines]

Not good enough is fine but "doesn't actually meet basic advertised features", makes my blood boil.