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asteroidehk

Play Music with PLC? or what else?

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Hello friends I need to do a project: Every certain hour a song should be played. Save the songs in a usb o memory card. Turn on/of some lights Send a string through comms to a message display. (or select a message pre-saved) For example: 8:00 a.m Turn on Green Lamp 8:01 a.m. Show Message 1 8:02 a.m. Play song 1 8:05 a.m. Turn of Green Lamp 2:00 p.m. Turn on Amber Lamp 2:01 p.m. Show Message 2 2:02 p.m. Play song 2 2:05 p.m. Turn of Amber Lamp Somebody knows if is it possible with a PLC? Maybe with some PIC, arduino? another kind of control? Thanks in advance.

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PLCs don't have the capability to play sound files, they just don't have the hardware for it. Some HMIs do, but I don't know off hand which ones. But that would at least double the cost of the hardware. Are you required to use a PLC?

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By songs, do you mean a recorded tone pattern to annunciate the start or end of shift or break times? Or audio files that contain a full song? If you are looking to annunciate the start/end of shifts and break times, check out the Werma line. They are a German company who makes stack lights, horns, light modules and other annunciation devices. I remember seeing in the past where they have a recorded tone module. You record the sound you want to play when an input goes active. I believe you could record multiple tones. Start your search at www.werma.de. If you search for the word "vocal" or for 844 or 645, I think you will find an option for you. These are light stack modules that play multiple audio files based on an input. You record or store the sounds to the module. Edited by drforsythe
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Hello Thanks for your responses. It´s correct, I need to announce the start or end of shift. But, in this case songs are a full audio file, like mp3. I need to save in a usb or memory card. Also a message display is required to announce for example: First shift, break time. A PLC is not mandatory. could be another control. Thanks again

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If you can find a device to play the audio file that can be triggered by a digital output on a PLC, then that would be the simpler way to go. Embedded controllers are cheaper, but much more difficult to program unless you have a strong background with computers. For one-time projects, it's often better to go with the simpler solution rather than the cheaper solution, as the money you save is quickly eaten up in time wasted. What kind of display are you looking at? A large message panel to mount high up on a wall, or a small touchscreen display?

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Here's the product drforsythe was referring to: http://www.werma.com/en/s_c1058i1875/Vocal_element_24VDC_BK/84484055.html
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you make same thing using microcontroller etc. if this is above your comfort level, get arduino (very simple, low skill required) with MP3 shield and you are set. here is an example of doing just that: http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-MP3-Shield/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jysBhc8oBI http://www.open-electronics.org/embedded-mp3-module/ and many more (use google) you can use either communication channel or digital I/O to request track. of course Arduino is using 5V I/Os so you need to condition PLC outputs (unless relay type).
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Here is one that will work too GEIP QuickPanel+ 7", just add an SD Card for the MP3s and an Amplifier for the speakers and some I/O for the lights. http://support.ge-ip.com/support/index?page=docchannel&id=233010206567c0d601443f739699007de8 Edited by RussB

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You could just use one of these with a PLC, cheap and easy to connect: https://www.gilderfluke.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_3&products_id=33&zenid=2i4daoque795uddppgbff8k8j187imo7

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I've enjoyed using Patlite's BSV and BDV series annunciators. http://www.patlite.com/product/category0008_000022.html They are easy to set up with MP3 files on an SD card, and just use dry contact outputs from the PLC or control system as triggers.

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Arduino might be perfect for this project, but what about Raspberry Pi? It's a full blown Linux (or Windows 10, when it comes out) computer, will built in IO for the lights. It should handle the task quite easily. Just connect a speaker and some lights and a serial display. Best of luck! Edited by MrAutomation

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Hello Friends

More than 1 year this project was authorized and done with a Micro820 and a EHV Melody/Alarm Horn. http://www.patlite.com/product/detail0000000561.html

We are playing a different melody and turn a light every hour.

This works fine and the sound is very good, but the problem is that this device cannot play a full song. (before We bought a technical said that play songs would be possible)

After several tries We dicovered that it is not possible. The internal memory is to small 2MB. It uses a 2GB SDcard but it is only to transfer mp3 messages to the system.

So, We need to improve this project, We need to play a full song and turn a light every hour.

I have read all your recommendations but I am not sure will work best.

I know that arduino and raspberry could do this meaby easily, but what about of that this device should be always working 365 days 24/7 ? Maybe this devices are more prone to risk like crashes o fails in the energy, or thinks like this.

Also I have considered Sparkfun MP3 trigger and Micro 820, amplifier and speakers. But maybe would be the same problem of arduino and raspberry.

HMI could be a good option, but maybe is to expensive and it need a PLC to active the sounds every hour. Or maybe a type of PLCHMI? 

The BDV and BSV Patlite could be a better option, It could play full mp3 songs?

The other devices maybe.

Maybe the other devices can not be gotten in other countries.

Or what do you recommend?

Thanks a lot.

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Oh cool, I just built an MP3 player for an art install. I stuck it on a Arduino MEGA with a bunch of lights and buttons. I don't think you need that though. Check this out:

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13720

Copy your files to an SD, you can use a relay to trigger it. Done

Except be careful if you're using an external amp, I have some MP3 board around here where they'd skipped the decoupling capacitors and that causes a ground loop.

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You should opt for a device with a larger memory space for storing lots of music files.

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Regarding the music theme, visit the klingeltonekostenlos.de website that offers the most popular free ringtones today.

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yes, there is plenty of ringtones but what the heck is with selection there? dogs fighting? pigs squealing? maybe fun to prank someone but... practical...?

i guess good things are always hard to find...

when it comes to ringtones (either for phone ring or alarm) one of my top criteria is that it starts soft and gradually reaches full volume (when it can be intrusive) so i have time to react and respond or silence it before entire neighborhood is up in arms. something like "Money for nothing" from Dire Straits...

fortunately there is always Audacity to the rescue... :-)

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