Figuring it out

[aquawilly54]

Note, though, that I don't know if your sound is 30 seconds long or if you want to stop the AP-16+ after 30s

The file is 12 seconds, but I wanted the program to end at 30 seconds.  I think thats what you did.  Thank you.

I also wrote the program to start SFX00.WAV. That way you can test your audio by pressing the START button on the AP-16. If that doesn't work properly then the controller can't do anything for you.

Well, I might be toast then.  I have checked all connections at least 5 or 12 times.  Right now, the sfx00 that I installed will run with the PIR, but does nothing with the start switch.  More to come on this one.

Now... if you must use a PIR, do not test your code with one.

Roger that.  I'll find one of my old RC servo cables tomorrow and cut the end off as you suggest.  I'm guessing that Radio Shack might have the little N O switches you speak of?  I think I'll look in to making a mat switch to use as well. 

OK, here's where I'm confused. Is the AUDIO SELECT set to 0? If the file is named SFX00.WAV it should play when you manually press the START button.

Yup.  That's what you taught me.  That's what happened last night.  Not today, though. 

Did you set the post delay on the AP-16+? If not, this is the reason the file is looping, the PIR keeps triggering.

Not initially.  I upped it while the file was looping.  All it did was increase the interval between loops (which is what I expected would happen.  I even covered the PIR after the first few loops, but it just kept on looping. 

Anyhow, for now it sits.  I'm mentally tagged out.  I will make that cable (hopefully with a switch) tomorrow evening and try the program.
Thanks for sticking with me guys.  And Especially for writing that program, JonnyMac.  Keep those fingers crossed.  I'll report tomorrow evening.
Have a great evening.
Steve

[JonnyMac]

Is there an index somewhere in all of the documentation with definitions for all the symbols?

No, because SYMBOLs are defined by programmers -- they are not predefined by us or Parallax.  I have been writing programs for the BASIC Stamp 1 (brain of the Prop-1 controller) since 1994 so I have developed a consistent set that I tend to use.  That's why many of my programs look the same: I've figured out what works well and created a standard template that I use to start all of my programs.

That said, I will change SYMBOLs for a program when required. As I indicated in another thread I'm helping a haunt in Santa Monica called House of Restless Spirits. While my standard definitions for triggers look like this:

SYMBOL  TrOn            = 1                     ' active-high trigger
SYMBOL  TrOff           = 0

This works for PIRs and mat switches connected between the W and R pins -- like we usually do. But HoRS is using tone decoders to sync their props with video playing from DVDs and the output is open-collector, active low. What this means is that for their programs, I changed the trigger level definitions to this:

SYMBOL  TrOn            = 0                     ' active-low trigger
SYMBOL  TrOff           = 1

Why do this: Because it lets me use the same trigger code I use everywhere else -- it's usually easier and more efficient to edit symbols than to modify basic, well-tested code.

Main:
  timer = 0                                     ' reset debounce timer

Check_Trigger:
  PAUSE 5                                       ' scan delay
  IF Trigger = TrOff THEN Main                  ' check trigger input
    timer = timer + 5                           ' update timer
  IF timer < 100 THEN Check_Trigger             ' check timer

Note that changing from active-high (what we usually use) to active-low also means a different set of connections (W and B) pins, and to move the SETUP jumper to the UP position (off state for active-low).  Again, these a simple things and better than changing code that you know works.

[aquawilly54]

Good Evening folks.  Here's the report:
SUCCESS.  So before I ramble on; Thank you JonnyMac and JackMan for everything.  JonnyMac, the timing is perfect.  I'm sure I can't thank you enough.  You saved Halloween.  ;D

It took about 4 hours of messing with the set up but it finally did what it's supposed to.  The prop 1 performed flawlessly, from the git go, just as it always does.  The issue was still the AP.  I must have changed chanels, and wave recordings 12 times or more and I think I "re" formatted that SD card at least 5 times.  Here is what I believe was the answer.  The last time I reformatted the card, I first formatted to it's default setting by tagging the actual box that notes "default".  I then imediately formatted to the FAT 32 (32 bit / 44.1KHz) by the option drop downs.  Bingo!  It works.  I also used a cut serial cable, as JonnyMac suggested to trigger the event.  It worked like a charm.  I did however follow that up with the PIR.  It worked as well.  A good thing, sicne I'm not sure I'll find the time to make a pressure mat.  I do agree that PIRs are fairly flakey, so I will try to make a mat at some point.  What I don't like about most prop sensors is that they need a light beam of them to make the prop work well.  Maybe hacking the sensors from motion lights would be the way to go?  Those always seem to work quite well...and in the dark.
Anyway, I just tried the controls again, for gee whiz.  I'll try to get some video of the finished product.  Good stuff.  ;D

[aquawilly54]

Oh, Bsnut, Thanks a lot to you too.  Lots of good info. 

[bsnut]

Thank you. I am glad to you got everything working.

[aquawilly54]

Hey folks,
   I'm back.  Just popping in to say thanks again for all of the help.  Halloween went flawlessly.  The only issue was either my speaker, or the card itself.  About every three plays it would be static, but overall - people were thrilled when the flames appeared in the skull.  It wasn't Hollywood grade, but I had a lot of fun with it.  Hopefully, these two short videos will post.  The first is just the yard itself with the Ghost Rider, and the second is the Ghost Rider at night.  Not quality video, but that's another story. 
  I'll be on here throughout the year, trying to get more learning.
Thanks again.  Enjoy.
Steve

http://youtu.be/71Wt5ta2AV4

http://youtu.be/Kj6yZ67nphU

[JonnyMac]

Congrats! Not sure we've ever had a flame-throwing prop controlled by one of our products.

Give yourself a small break and then jump back in. With the holidays approaching you can re-configure you controller and audio for that. And remember: the Hollywood folks that I am lucky enough to work with did just what you did, and then the kept at it -- it's all about practice.

[bsnut]

I also watched your videos and you did a great job.

Give yourself a small break and then jump back in.

Just remember theme parks and haunts are taking short break too, but not a long one. As they will be practicing new and old haunts for the new season right after the new year.