uMP3 - what am I doing wrong?

[ChrisBartram]

Got a uMP3 hooked up to a PROP1 via servo cable from P6. Split the cable on the uMP3 end so P6.R->+ P6.B->G and P6.W -> R
I have the pins removed from the ULN corresponding to P6.

I'm not interested in monitoring the responses from the uMP3. For this prop all sound bites are timed (10 seconds each) so I don't need to poll for when they're done - and wanted to simplify both the wiring and programming.

I hooked the uMP3 up via a USB/serial cable direct to my PC at 2400 baud and executed the exact command I'm sending the uMP3 from the PROP1 and it worked fine, so I know the uMP3 is ok.

I also tried a second PROP1 in case there was a problem with my PROP1... still nothing.

Here's the quick test program I was using:

' {$STAMP BS1}
' {$PBASIC 1.0}
' -----[ I/O Definitions ]-------------------------------------------

SYMBOL Voice=6          ' uMP3 sound player
SYMBOL MP3baud = OT2400

AGAIN:
PAUSE 5000
DEBUG "talk"
SEROUT Voice, MP3baud, ("PC F /REMARKS/R2.MP3", 13)
PAUSE 50000
GOTO AGAIN


What did I miss?
Thanks,
Chris

[JonnyMac]

While I don't think it's wise not to monitor the uMP3 output, your program does in fact work on my setup. 

So...
-- Is the uMP3 configured for 2400 baud? (you need to connect to a terminal program, like HyperTerminal, to find out)
   * see my N&V article for details: http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/cols/nv/vol6/col/nv128.pdf
-- Is the file name correct?
-- Is the file in the correct folder on the SD card? (I prefer to keep things simple by keeping files in the root folder)
-- Did you remove the SETUP jumper from P6 (I tend to favor P7 for serial output unless you're using that for EFX-TEK accessories)

[ChrisBartram]

While I don't think it's wise not to monitor the uMP3 output, your program does in fact work on my setup. 

So...
-- Is the uMP3 configured for 2400 baud? (you need to connect to a terminal program, like HyperTerminal, to find out)
   * see my N&V article for details: http://www.parallax.com/dl/docs/cols/nv/vol6/col/nv128.pdf
-- Is the file name correct?
-- Is the file in the correct folder on the SD card? (I prefer to keep things simple by keeping files in the root folder)
-- Did you remove the SETUP jumper from P6 (I tend to favor P7 for serial output unless you're using that for EFX-TEK accessories)

Yes to all. As I mentioned I tested the uMP3 using hyperterminal at 2400 baud entering the exact string in the test program and it worked fine. Tried two different uMP3s even. Also tried different servo cables... Running out of ideas for what to check?!?

In the final form I'll be using P7 for a PIR and a couple of the OUTn ports for other items.

I've done this same thing on other props with no problems. I must have a broken something somewhere :-(

[JonnyMac]

IF...
-- The associated ULN [input] pin has been removed...
-- The SETUP jumper has been removed...
-- You're connecting to the R input (not the T output) of the uMP3...
-- You get a power-up indication on the uMP3 when you power-up the Prop-1...

THEN...
-- I don't know what else to tell you.  I ran your program on my Prop-1/uMP3 with no problems -- all I did was change the Prop-1 TX pin # and the filename.

If you want, send me a decent digital image of your setup and I'll see if there's anything I can spot; send it to my work address: jwilliams at efx-tek dot com.

[ChrisBartram]

Don't know what I did but reconnected everything and all's well now?!?

Working like a champ.

Thanks

[JonnyMac]

It happens to all of us.  When I find myself spinning because everything seems to be correct I rebuild; 9 times out of 10 that fixes it.