FAQ for MP3 Alarm Speaker/MP3 Player Siren (FN-A501)

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Q1: Can this module be programmed with a configuration file for different trigger functions?

A1:   Yes this module can work with the identical configuration file as a FN-BC04. See this page for more info on the FN-BC04 configuration file: FN-BC04

Q2: I changed the configuration file to a new trigger mode. The default trigger mode is still used, instead of the new trigger mode.

A2: Make sure your computer is not set to hide the file extensions. Your file is incorrectly named "read.cfg.txt" instead of "read.cfg". Uncheck "hide extensions for known file types" under "folder options" and rename your config file to "read.cfg"

Q3: When I apply power to the module, WITH the microSD card already inserted, the configuration file (read.cfg) stored in the onboard flash memory is used, instead of the read.cfg file on the microSD card.

A3:   Take the onboard read.cfg file offline by renaming it to a different name. Now the read.cfg file on the microSD card takes precedence and sets the correct mode. If it still doesn't work, put your read.cfg file on the onboard flash memory instead of the microSD card.

Q4: Can you add multiple sound files on each of the buttons, i.e. can each button cycle through multiple sound files.

A4: This module only supports one sound file per button. You can load 4 sound files in total, and depending on which of the 4 buttons are pressed, the specific sound file for that button will be played back. If you need multiple sounds per button to see the FN-BC20 or FN-BC10. Also, the USB5M supports more than one sound file per button.

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Q5: How do I adjust the volume of the board?

A5:  All you need is a small star point screwdriver. The onboard potentiometer used to adjust the volume is the small blue square just next to the headphone jack. Turn clockwise to increase volume. Turn anticlockwise to decrease volume. This potentiometer only controls the onboard amplifier. It does not control the 3.5mm audio jack volume.
 

Q8: What bitrate must the MP3 file be?

A8:   The module supports bit rates of 32 Kbps, 64 Kbps, 96 Kbps, 128 Kbps, 256 Kbps and 320Kbps for MP3 files. Other bit rates for MP3 files could cause problems with playback.

Q9: What sampling rate must the .WAV file be?

A9:   The module supports sampling rates of 8 / 11.025 / 12 / 16 / 22.05 / 24 / 32 / 44.1 or 48 KHz for .WAV files. Other sample rates for .WAV files could cause problems with playback.

Q10: I used an Apple Mac to copy the 4 sound files to the MicroSD card or onboard flash memory. Now only 3 (or less) of the 4 buttons play a sound when activated

A10:   We found that some versions of the MacBook hide some files when they are copied to the microSD card or onboard flash memory. The solution is to reformat the microSD card or onboard flash memory, using a Windows computer and then copy the sound files to the microSD card or onboard flash memory using a Windows computer. 

Q11: My computer isn't recognizing the board when I plug it into my computer

A11: Some micro USB cords can only transport power through them, so it is important to make sure the cable can transfer both power and data. In other words, some cables are only good to charge devices, but cannot communicate with them. First thing to do is test if the cable can not only charge, but also communicate with other devices such as a phone, if not try a different cable.

Q12: The .wav file has an audible "click" when finished playing on the module. However, there is no "click" when I listen to the file on my computer.

A12: We converted the frequency of the files from 22.05KHz to 44.1kHz and the "click" disappeared. The "click" also disappeared when we converted the files from .wav to .mp3 format. 

Q13: The sound files that I put onto my device won't play when using a Mac to put the sounds onto the device. 

A13: Please see this link that a customer wrote up about a past sound module that they used and that they used the same information to get this version to work. Here Is a link to the article as well as the software that he mentions 

Article - https://appleause.com/2010/09/29/ultraprojector-and-mac/

App - https://macpaw.com/cleanmydrive

Q14: I loaded only 3 sounds on buttons 1, 3 and 4, but during playback, the sounds play from button 1, 2 and 3 instead of button 1, 3 and 4. 

A14:  The boards read files according to physical index order, so if there are only 3 files placed (no matter what names they are), they will play back on button 1, 2, 3.  If you, for example, don't want playback on button 2, you need to place 4 files one by one in sequence, and when you use the board just disregard the 2nd button (don't hook a switch up to it) since you don't need that one for playback.