Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, and the reliability of the Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine hardware and software. Errors can sometimes go undetected, however. If you find one, please bring it to our attention so that we can correct it for others. Alcorn McBride welcomes comments and suggestions on the content and layout of its documentation. Applications described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Alcorn McBride Inc.
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Thank you for purchasing The Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine™. The MP3 Audio Machine replaces tape machines, CDs and solid state audio players in permanent audio playback installations, providing hours of high-quality, maintenance-free digital audio. The MP3 Audio Machine plays 16-bit MP3 or WAV files, stereo or mono. The 16bit linear PCM format provides higher quality audio playback than the MPEG format, but consumes about ten times as much storage space per minute.
The MP3 Audio Machine offers a wide range of features including: • Plays from Compact Flash Storage. • Uses Both Compact Flash Cards and Compact Flash Card (PCMCIA) Hard Drives. • Stores over 500 Tracks. • Sophisticated Play List Capabilities. Random Play List Capabilities. • Serial RS-232 Control is Pioneer LDP compatible. • Parallel Contact Closures provide push-button control of 15 tracks. • Audio Editing Software Included.
Throughout this manual you will find detailed discussions on all the features of the product. But below are a few points to get you going with the MP3 Audio Machine right out of the box! Playing the Demo Material Your MP3 Audio Machine comes complete with a Compact Flash Card already loaded with demo material. File number one is an MP3 audio file. You can play it by doing the following: • Don’t plug anything in yet.
The MP3 Audio Machine provides controls that can accommodate a wide variety of installations. The front panel incorporates a test switch, status indicator, Compact Flash Card slot. The rear panel provides the audio, digital audio and control connectors and serial port: ' ) ( ! ( # ( & ! " # $% Test Button The Test Button always plays the lowest numbered file. A recessed push-button is located on the front of the unit.
Status LED A dual-color LED located on the front of the unit indicates status. LED Behavior LED Meaning Steady green Drive access or serial communication activity. Steady orange Paused or Waiting. Flashing red Fault. Flashing green Copying or power-on self test. Off Idle. The LED flashes green during power-up initialization, then glows steadily while initializing the media. Do not attempt to communicate with the unit until the LED goes out.
Volume Control and Audio Outputs The volume control is the orange turn dial recessed into the back of the unit. It controls volume for both the speaker outs and the line level outs. The maximum volume you can apply to the unit is attainable by rotating "!! - . *+, the volume control about 135 degrees from the off position. If you hear the audio drop out while playing a clip near the maximum volume, then edit the amplitude of your audio file using the demo audio editor.
Serial Port: RS-232C Programming Connector A serial cable is provided with each MP3 Audio Machine. This input is a standard DB-9 male RS-232C connector, intended to be connected to a PC using a straight-through (not null-modem) 9-pin cable. Usually this connector is used only during programming, and not once the unit is permanently installed. The pinout appears below.
Parallel Port: Control Connector Be sure to configure the MP3 Audio Machine for contact closures or voltage inputs before connecting any wires. This connector provides all of the signals needed to interface to the MP3 Audio Machine. In addition to serial control, the first fifteen files of the MP3 Audio Machine may be played, paused or stopped using eight parallel inputs located on the rear connector.
Parallel Inputs Be sure to configure the slide switch before connecting any wires. The MP3 Audio Machine can be controlled using either contact closures or voltage inputs on the female DB-37 Control Connector. A switch located on the side of the unit next to the connector selects between the two input types. Voltage inputs are rated for 24 VDC. Consult factory for other voltage options. The table below describes the function of each input.
The table below shows the binary combinations possible, and what file they select: 8 4 2 1 File Off Off Off Off None Off Off Off On 1 Off Off On Off 2 Off Off On On 3 Off On Off Off 4 Off On Off On 5 Off On On Off 6 Off On On On 7 On Off Off Off 8 On Off Off On 9 On Off On Off 10 On Off On On 11 On On Off Off 12 On On Off On 13 On On On Off 14 On On On On 15 For example, connecting pins 8 and 27 together with the slide swit
Using a terminal block to hold the diodes makes the wiring neater.
Voltage inputs, such as from a PLC, could be wired this way: I/O CONNECTOR 1 20 2 21 3 22 4 23 5 24 6 25 7 26 8 27 9 28 10 29 11 30 12 31 13 32 14 33 15 34 16 35 17 36 18 37 19 Contacts Voltage Switch set to voltage PLC 24 Volt Output 1 24 Volt Output 2 24 Volt Output 4 24 Volt Output 8 Ground Reference CONNECTOR DB37 Diodes are not needed, since the PLC can actuate any combination of lines desired. Parallel Outputs Two status outputs are provided. They are dry contact closures rated at 24 VDC and 0.
The MP3 Audio Machine may be controlled using serial RS-232 messages via either the rear DB-9 Programming Connector or the rear DB-37 Control Connector. The programming connector is usually used during one-time setup from a PC, or in a kiosk or other surface mount installation. The data format is 9600,N,8,1: 9600 baud, 8 bits/byte, no parity, with one stop bit. The protocol is ASCII-based, and many commands are identical to Pioneer Disc protocol. Upper or lower case characters can be used interchangeably.
Command bytes: Message Response: Completion Response: PL R Loop Play Description: Command bytes: Message Response: This command causes the MP3 Audio Machine to play the file specified by the Select File command and loop back to the beginning. If the file is a Play List, all of the tracks in the Play List will be played and then the entire Play List will be restarted.
# $ Many of these commands and error codes are listed in the MP3AM’s onboard menu. Type /? And press Enter to see it. The table below shows the complete MP3 Audio Machine serial protocol, including the Pioneer LDP compatible commands and our extensions. Using these commands, an external controller or PC can accomplish extremely complex tasks. Throughout the following table means carriage return, a byte with the hexadecimal value of 0D.
# Any type of file may be stored in the MP3 Audio Machine, but only those listed in the table may be played. & Although any file name may be copied to the MP3 Audio Machine’s media, only .MP3, .WAV, .SFD, and .AMS file formats may be played back. This allows archiving of ANY information on the drive: CAD drawings, spreadsheets, documentation, etc.
( ) ( * Encoding Making MP3 files involves using an encoder, and you can find them readily available from the web. A couple that we have seen work well are Audio Catalyst, which is available from Xing Technology Corporation (www.xintech.com), and Music Match JukeBox available from MusicMatch (www.musicmatch.com). Fraunhofer IIS Institute in partnership with Thomson Multimedia own patents on tools that make MP3-compliant bitstreams.
, - . Copying Files For data storage, the MP3 Audio Machine provides a socket for installing removable Compact Flash Card (PCMCIA) media, either Compact Flash Card. The Compact Flash Cards must be ATA compliant (typically denoted by “ATA” being printed on the card). Here is a general list of steps you can follow if you’re feeling lost: • Get a computer or laptop that has a Compact Flash Card socket, or install one yourself.
The Required Format of Your File Names File names are represented in simple DOS 8.3 format. – in other words, an eight character name, a period, and then a three character extension The name is made up of eight characters specifying the type (SND for sound file, PLY for Play List, CMD for command), and the number of the file (5 digits from 00000 to 00511). The three character extension is used to tell the MP3 Audio Machine the data format of the file.
Using More Than 511 sounds Only firmware versions MP040329 and later support more than 511 sounds. These versions also do not support .SFD, .AMS, and .RND file types. You can access up to 9,999 sounds on the 8TraXX. In order to do this, create a subdirectory on the Compact Flash media named “sounds” and copy your MP3 files to that directory. Sounds can be numbered as shown below: SND00001.MP3 up to SND09999.
&/ Play Lists provide a mechanism for the MP3 Audio Machine to automatically play a collection of tracks in a predefined sequence. Play Lists often allow the MP3 Audio Machine to be used to perform complex functions that would normally require an external controller. Play Lists can perform functions as simple as looping a single track, or as complex as user prompted pacing of the playback. Overview Play Lists hold the key to the power of the MP3 Audio Machine.
Play List Command Summary The Play List is mainly a list of the track numbers that are to be played. Track numbers are entered as one to three ASCII digits, and are separated by any “white space” characters or punctuation (other than the command characters listed below). Special command characters further modify the behavior of the MP3 Audio Machine. These characters are: Char Meaning L Loop next track.
Play Lists may contain references to other Play Lists, but as soon as such a reference is encountered the new Play List begins execution, and the old one is abandoned. Example Play List i,1,L6,37,415,5,60 < The Play List is a list of numbers representing the file numbers of audio tracks. The list can also contain special control codes or symbols to govern playback. The list can be arranged all on the same line, as shown above, or vertically as shown below.
Random Playlisting If you want the MP3 Audio Machine to randomly playback the files on your media, the create a playlist with a .RND extension that contains all the numbers of the files you want played. For Example: PLY00000.RND 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 This file will cause the unit to bounce around through the playlist, randomly selecting the next file to play out of files 1 through 15. It will also be executed upon boot-up, since it is file number zero.
0 1 The order of power up execution allows the MP3 Audio Machine to use the removable drive to update itself, either temporarily or permanently. 2 When power is first applied to the MP3 Audio Machine, it flashes the front panel LED green while performing a self test. It then checks to see if a track or Play List should be played, according to the following priority: • If the test button is depressed, check for FIRMWARE.BIN on Compact Flash card. If it is found, update firmware and automatically reboot.
1 , 0 You can download the latest firmware upgrades for your MP3 Audio Machine from http://www.alcorn.com/products/mp3audiomachine/firmware.html To update your firmware do the following: • Establish a serial connection with the machine with a laptop or PC, and verify you need an update. Type ?V and press Enter to get a firmware version back from the unit. Compare that to the version number listed on the website. If you need an upgrade, continue.
3 #4 If you don’t find an answer to your question here, have a look at our Knowledge Base at http://www.alcorn.com/kb/index.html. We’re always updating it with new answers and useful information! Q: I’ve copied several files from my PC onto a Compact Flash card, but they do not appear in AMI Explorer. A: The Compact Flash card may have been pre-formatted in a way, which is incompatible with the MP3AM operating system. Use AMI Explorer to format the media in the MP3 Audio Machine, and then re-copy the files.
Q1: I hear parts of one file while I’m playing another. Q2: I hear popping or blank spots in my audio playback. A: You need to defrag your Compact Flash Card. Place it in your PC, and open a DOS window. Make sure you’re not in the same drive as the flash card, and type: C:\defrag F: Press Enter, and allow it to complete defragging the drive (watch the status LED on the flash card’s socket, if you have one.
• Page 32 Is the unit damaged? If you can put another MP3 Audio Machine in the circuit, you can rule out the possibilities of a damaged unit. Remember to use the same Compact Flash card.
( Strain Relief The rear panel of the MP3 Audio Machine incorporates four threaded PEM nuts, which can be used to secure strain reliefs to prevent cables from being dislodged from their connectors. The PEM nuts accept 4-40 screws, with a length not to exceed 3/8 inches.
Surface Mounting ( Qty 2 6 Page 34 Part Number 306-100079 500-000566 5 6 7 *"+8!++* Description Mounting Flange Screw, 6-32 x 3/8, Pan Head, Black Ox, CRES Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine User’s Manual • Rev H • April 2, 2004
Rack Mounting Rack mounting the MP3 Audio Machine is as simple as attaching top and bottom connecting plates to the sides (if more than one unit is to be connected together) and then adding the appropriate length rack mount ears, as shown in the drawings that follow.
9 Qty 1 1 1 1 2 6 8 Page 36 )( 5 6" 1 Part Number 306-100007 306-100082 306-100080 306-100081 500-000565 500-000564 500-000540 6 7 *"+8!++* * Description Mounting Ear, Short Mounting Ear, Medium Connecting Plate, Top Connecting Plate, Bottom Screw, 4-40 x 1, Pan Head, Black Ox, CRES Screw, 6-32 x 3/8, Flat Head, Black Ox, CRES Screw, 10-32 x ¼, Pan Head, Black Ox, CRES Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine User’s Manual • Rev H • April 2, 2004
9 Qty 2 2 2 4 12 8 )( 5 6* 1 Part Number 306-100007 306-100080 306-100081 500-000565 500-000564 500-000540 6 7 *"+8!++* Description Mounting Ear, Short Connecting Plate, Top Connecting Plate, Bottom Screw, 4-40 x 1, Pan Head, Black Ox, CRES Screw, 6-32 x 3/8, Flat Head, Black Ox, CRES Screw, 10-32 x ¼, Pan Head, Black Ox, CRES April 2, 2004 • Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine User’s Manual • Rev H • Page 37
Audio DAC Resolution: Deviation from Linear phase: Total Harmonic Distortion: Dynamic Range (A-weighted): Inter-channel Isolation: Interchannel Gain Mismatch: Frequency Response: Maximum Phase Non-Linearity: Line Out Level: Speaker Power 16 bits +/-0.5dB 0.003% 94dB 90dB 0.1dB 10 to 20 Khz +/- 0.1 dB 5 degrees Unbalanced, 4.07V P-P max (3.
Rack Mounting Bracket Kit, 3 Unit, Part Number 320-100374 Mating Connector and Housing for DB-37F, Solder Cup, Part Number 320-100376 Compact Flash Card Media – contact factory April 2, 2004 • Alcorn McBride MP3 Audio Machine User’s Manual • Rev H • Page 39
Audio Control, 18 autoexec, 13, 16, 22 baud, 16 checklist, 30 Command Bytes, 16–17, 18 comments, 16, 18 Connectors, 8, 37 contact closures, 14, 15 Contact Closures, 11–12 DAC, 37 DB-37, 12 DB-9, 10, 16 DIP switch Ground Lift, 8 Voltage/Contact Closure, 8 Directory, 18 Distortion, 37 DOS, 22 Dynamic Range, 37 error codes, 18 FAQ, 29 Fault, 8, 11, 15 File .WAV, 20 .WAV, 22 .MP3, 22 .AMS, 22 .SFD, 22 .LST, 22 .RND, 22 .BAT, 27 #00000, 22 8.