EZ-8 / AP-8

[gadget-evilusions]

What is the easiest way to trigger an AP-8 from an EZ-8. I only need one sound.

[JonnyMac]

As the AP-8 uses an active-low signal on the P header to start, I suggest you take a 14" extender (#805-00035) and cut one end and strip the insulation from the white and black wires (red is not used).  Connect the black wire to the GND terminal on the EZ-8 and the white wire to the Ch8 terminal.  Plug the socket end into the Play header on the AP-8. 

Set the AP-8 segment switch to the segment you want to play and when the sound should start in your sequence create a short output on the EZ-8.  Pretty easy!

[gadget-evilusions]

Thank you. I was thinking something similar, but, as always, wanted to double check before I blow something up.  One of our new animatronics will be running this combination at Hauntcon and I didn't want to risk messing something up on my only EZ-8 and one of my last AP-8's.

[JonnyMac]

Here's a picture to make things absolutely clear.  If you're using a pigtail between the EZ-8 (V+ and GND) and the AP-8 then you only need the white wire.

[gadget-evilusions]

Jon,

I got it hooked up. Works perfectly. One odd thing though. When the white wire from the "P" header on the AP-8 is connected to any of the outputs on the EZ-8, the led will illuminate, but not trigger the AP-8. Once I program the output to operate, it does play the sound. So it functions perfectly, I just am not sure why the led would be on.

[JonnyMac]

That's not a surprise on the Rev A board; the Rev A pcb has the LEDs controlled from the ULN side (Rev B [full production] moves this to the TTL side).  There is a pull-up on the P line so this is providing a little bit of current to light the Ch8 LED.

[Bill P]

Try your local hobby shop.  Most sell Plastruct products for model making.  There is a 2 pieces of 1/8" x 7" x 12" that lists for $11.95.
I find hobby shops and model train stores to be a good place to find small quanties of plastics, grain of wheat lamps, etc.

Hope this helps,

Bill

[Bill P]

Posted in the wrong place, should be in the Cowlacious thread.

Sorry,

Bill

[gadget-evilusions]

That's not a surprise on the Rev A board; the Rev A pcb has the LEDs controlled from the ULN side (Rev B [full production] moves this to the TTL side).  There is a pull-up on the P line so this is providing a little bit of current to light the Ch8 LED.

Thanks for the explanation. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't hooking something up wrong.