Everything you need to know about the FN-BC04 sound module.
Features
- High quality audio decoder which, supports MP3 and WAV audio formats.
- Works with most Windows, Mac, and Linux systems
- Sampling rates supported: 8 / 11.025 / 12 / 16 / 22.05 / 24 / 32 / 44.1 / 48 (KHz).
- 24 bit DAC output and supports dynamic range 90dB and SNR 85dB.
- Supports one-on-one 4 button trigger control mode and RS232 serial port control mode.
- In button control mode, it plays back 4 sounds one-on-one by negative triggering.
- Uses microSD card and the built-in SPI flash memory as storage.
- Built-in 4MB SPI flash memory by default.
- Supports max. 32GB micro SD card.
- Possible to load audio files to the flash memory directly via the micro USB port. Connecting to computer is similar to using a USB flash drive with PC.
- Built-in mono 10 watt amplifier that can drive a 10 watt (8 ohm) speaker directly. Or 5 watt (if using 4 ohm speaker)
- Equipped with a 3.5mm audio jack for stereo output that can drive an earphone directly or to connect with an external amplifier.
- Adjustable sound volume with the onboard potentiometer.
- Wide range for power input (DC 8-24V).
- PCB size: 52mmx49mm
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Technical Parameters
- Working voltage: DC 8V-24V
- Working current: ≤400mA (Input: DC12V DC)
- Working current if playback through headphone jack only: 30mA (Input 12V DC)
- Standby current: 10mA (Input 12V DC)
- Power Consumption: ≤10W
- On-board flash memory size: 4MB
- Audio format: MP3 and WAV
Documentation and Downloads
Manual
Instructional Videos
Picture Diagrams
Setting up the SD card (Windows)
1: Bring up Desktop View
If you are not already in Desktop View, bring up Desktop View by pressing the Windows key + D on your keyboard.
2: Open 'Computer'
Open up the 'Computer' window by pressing Windows key + E on your keyboard.
PLEASE NOTE: Save all the files from your SD card that you want to keep to your computer before following step 3 and 4 below. Formatting the SD card deletes all the data off of the card!
3: Display right-click options
Your SD card should be displayed in the 'Devices with Removable Storage' section. Right-click on your SD card to bring up the right-click menu options. Select Format.
4: Format the SD card
- In the Format window make sure that the correct File System is selected. It should be set to FAT32 for 32GB SD cards and EXFAT for 64GB SD cards.
- Select Quick Format.
- Click Start.
- Once the formatting is complete, you can close the window.
Congratulations! You have formatted your SD card.
You are now ready to copy your MP3 files and configuration file to your SD card.
To see what directory and naming rules to follow when copying your MP3 and configuration file to your microSD card see page 5 and 6 of this: Datasheet
Setting up the SD card (Mac)
Formatting the SD card deletes all the data off of the card!
- Connect the SD card to your computer by using an external card reader. Save all the files from your SD card that you want to keep to your computer before moving to step 2. Formatting the SD card deletes all the data off of the card!
- Note – If you’re using a Micro SD card, please insert the Micro SD card into the SD card adapter that came with card. Connect the SD card adapter to your computer by using an external card reader.
- Also note – Mac OS 10.6.5 or earlier does not support exFAT format, which most 64 GB SD cards are formatted to. This means that you won't be able to format or use exFAT card on your computer. In this case, we'd recommend either upgrading your OS to 10.6.6 or later, or using an SD card that's already formatted to MS-DOS (FAT) or FAT32 to complete the below steps.
- Open Disk Utility. To do this, click on the magnifying glass in the top-right corner of your computer screen. Type “disk utility” in the search box that opens, then click on the “Disk Utility” Application that comes up.
- Find the SD card in the left side of the window. It’ll be named something like NO NAME or UNTITLED.
- Click the ERASE tab in the middle of the window.
- Next, click on the “Format” dropdown menu. Select “MS-DOS (FAT)” if the card is 32 GB or smaller. If it’s a 64GB card, please select “ExFAT”.
- A message will appear asking, “Are you sure you want to erase the partition “[YOUR SD CARD NAME]?” Click “Erase”. Now the computer will delete the contents of your SD card and format it. You’re all done.
You are now ready to copy your MP3 files and configuration file to your SD card.
To see what directory and naming rules to follow when copying your MP3 and configuration file to your microSD card see page 5 and 6 of this: Datasheet
Configuration Files (Advanced Features)
Configuration files for advanced features
(download then rename the file to "read.cfg" before copying to microSD card. Also make sure your file is named read.cfg and not read.cfg.txt etc.)
(download then rename the file to "read.cfg" before copying to microSD card. Also make sure your file is named read.cfg and not read.cfg.txt etc.)
Pulse interruptible one-on-one playback: (This is the default mode) In this mode, a single negative pulse will start playback. It is possible to interrupt the playback by pressing the same button used to activate. Once playback is interrupted, it will automatically restart the audio file immediately. It’s also possible to interrupt the play back by pressing any of the other 3 buttons. Once playback is interrupted, it will automatically start the sound that is associated with the button pressed.
Level hold loop playback: In this mode, the negative pulse must be held/maintained to the sound module trigger for audio file to complete. The audio file will only playback while button, or negative pulse, is held/maintained during playback. Once the button being held, or negative pulse, is removed, the playback will be stopped/cancelled. If the button is kept holding, when the playback of the audio file is finished, it will start to play it repeatedly (loop playback). For example use a toggle switch to keep playing an audio file for as long as the switch is toggled to ON position.
Pulse non-interruptible one-on-one playback: In this mode, a single negative pulse will start playback. It's not possible to interrupt the playback by pressing the same button or the other buttons. Once an audio file is triggered, the audio file will not be able to be interrupted/cancelled during playback. The playback will only end when the audio file has played its entirety.
Standard MP3 key mode playback: In this mode, the buttons K1, K2, K3 and K4 will function as Previous, Next, Play/pause, and Stop respectively. In this case not like the other 3 trigger modes above, more than 4 audio files can be placed.
