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1296 Review
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Review on πŸ”Š Programmable Sound Module for DIY Voice Audio Stuffed Animal Toys Music Greeting Card Creative Gifts - Recordable Sound chip, Push Button Activated, 8M USB, Battery Powered by Pavel Craig

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Operation and properties

Very well-kept product. Depending on the size of your MP3 file, you can get well over a minute. The only real problem I had was that there were no instructions included with the kit. Because of this, I don't have a clear idea of what the switch does. At first I thought this would switch the device from PC available to battery powered, however the onboard storage was available in either position. When I applied 5V DC the device didn't start until I flipped that switch. In one position it accepts DC power from the cables, and the power LED is off by default (to save power I assume) and only blinks faintly during playback. I haven't tried adjusting the volume. Another review said it's possible, but that's loud enough. The MP3 I wanted to play was quieter than the standard MP3 it came with, so I recompiled the file with a louder standard sound. The volume increases the power consumption. See actual measurements below. The strangest thing about this device was the mode where it was connected to a PC (where you download the MP3 file). The LED light would come on to show it was on, but I had to fiddle with the cable a bit to register it. (I have a very good cable so I'm pretty sure it was the connector.) I'm using Windows 10 so it might work on this system. The strange thing was that I could not start it at first despite being connected to a computer that the memory was "seen" and the LED was on. However, when I started unplugging the micro USB cable, the device was loose enough that the computer did NOT see it as a drive. Suddenly it plays when I press the button. I want to see instructions. Whether it's a weak link or an intended feature. I have no idea but I can work with it and it's pretty reliable. Where the DC wires are, there is a 5V pad. These are the connections I used for all my testing. There is also a set of pads labeled 3.7 VDC. Current to which no wires are connected. I have no idea what it is for. Is this an alternate DC? Is that a DC output? I suppose I should have checked when I had counters. Spring. In any case it would have been 5 stars if it had come with a manual with specs. The device current draw is 60mA maximum (from standard MP3) and around 30mA nominal. Using a variable DC power supply, I've seen it work up to about 2.9V DC. I ordered a cheap LIR2450 button cell and charger, 4 pcs Li-ion batteries LIR2450, 2450 button cells, with charger. This should work for several hours (DC 3.6V, rated 120mAh). I get a battery holder from ebay. Revain is slightly more expensive. Looking at the specifications of the LIR2032 (3.7 VDC, 35 mAh nominal, 70 mAh max), it will probably run a lot shorter, but still at least an hour. Update: I downloaded the instructions! Point 3 is still not explained, but I have a little more information. Wire 3.7 VDC The power is for a lipo battery, and the manufacturer says it charges the battery when the micro USB is connected and powered on. Hooray! this will probably work for a much shorter time as well, but still at least an hour. Update: I downloaded the instructions! Point 3 is still not explained, but I have a little more information. 3.7V DC Cable The power is for a lipo battery, and the manufacturer says it charges the battery when the micro USB is connected and powered on. Hooray! this will probably work for a much shorter time as well, but still at least an hour. Update: I downloaded the instructions! Point 3 is still not explained, but I have a little more information. 3.7V DC cable power is for a lipo battery, and the manufacturer says it charges the battery when the micro USB is plugged in and powered on. Hooray!

Pros
  • Handy item
Cons
  • Fading