ELK-129 — Computer Sound Card Interface Manual

Manual for the ELK-129 Computer Sound Card Interface, which allows a computer's speaker output to program ELK Recordable Modules (ELK-120, ELK-124, ELK-MM447, or ELK-MV480) by downloading .WAV audio files.

Overview

The ELK-129 Computer Sound Card Interface allows a computer's speaker output to be used as one of the tools for programming the ELK Recordable Modules, such as the ELK-120, ELK-124, or ELK-MV480. Includes "Waveloader" software to download your computer's audio files (WAVs) to the Recordable Modules.

Features

• Powers ELK-120 or ELK-124 Modules during programming
• Power switch
• Audio jacks for computer and speakers
• Plug-in cable for quick connections to Recordable Modules
• Includes 6-foot shielded cable for speakers
• Compact plastic case
• Programs Recordable Modules in seconds
• Lifetime limited warranty

Specifications / Requirements

• Size: 4.4" x 3" x 1.15" (111.8mm x 76.3mm x 29.2mm)
• Supplies 12 Volts D.C. @ 1 Amp for ELK-120/124 Modules
• Requires Windows 98 or higher, stereo speaker output jack or sound card, and computer speakers
• Requires (1) 12V, 20VA AC transformer (not included) to program the ELK-120 or ELK-124. A transformer is not needed for the ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480.

Application

All ELK Voice Recordable Annunciator Modules can record and store voice, music, or sound effects for later playback. There are two ways to record sound: (1) pressing the module's Record switch and speaking directly into the on-board microphone, or (2) using the ELK-129 to play and download computer audio files (.WAV) into the module. Using an ELK-129 with a computer lets you edit and store unique sounds (gathered from the internet or elsewhere) and record them into multiple modules at any time.

Which Setup Applies to You

If you have an ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480

You need the ELK-129 plus an ELK-MK485 Programmer's Kit or ELK-MK400 Magic Module Starter Kit (either works — they contain the software for programming an MM447 or MV480). The ELK-129 is only needed for the audio connections; refer to the instructions supplied with the MM447/MV480. You do not need the Waveloader software or a transformer for powering the ELK-129.

If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124

You need the ELK-129 plus a plug-in AC step-down transformer (not included) and the "Waveloader" software (on the included CD-ROM, or downloadable from elkproducts.com). A 16.5V, 40VA transformer can be used, but a 12V, 20VA transformer is recommended so as not to overdrive the ELK-129 — don't leave a 16.5V transformer plugged in when the ELK-129 isn't in use, as it can get warm to the touch.

Waveloader triggers record mode on the module and downloads (plays) a computer .WAV file into it when SEND is pressed. It's easiest to download WAVs before field installation.

Recording from the on-board mic instead: the ELK-129 can still power the module, but unplug the AUDIO IN and AUDIO OUT cables to prevent interference, and make sure the on-board microphone is enabled via jumper JP1. To record Channel 1, set SW1 on the ELK-129 to CH1 (also move DIP switch #1 ON for version 2 modules), then press and hold RECORD on the module while speaking into its microphone. Repeat for Channel 2 using SW1 = CH2 (DIP switch #2 ON, #1 OFF for version 2 modules).

Software Installation (ELK-120/124 Only)

Not required for ELK-MM447/MV480 — those use the Magic Module Programming Software instead.

1. Insert the included CD-ROM; the autorun menu should appear. Navigate to "Software" and click "Install Waveloader."
2. Follow the setup prompts (default directory is recommended, but changeable).
3. Find the new "Waveloader" icon on your desktop once setup finishes.
4. To test: open Waveloader, click File, select the Channel 1 or Channel 2 default audio message file, click OPEN, then click Play to hear it. (Do not use or delete 20hz.wav — it's required for Waveloader operation.)
5. If you don't hear the file, check your computer's volume/mixer settings, confirm speaker cabling, and make sure amplified speakers are powered on and turned up.

ELK-120/124 Versions 1 & 2 Hardware — Channel Activation

A channel must be activated (playing) to accept a new recording.

• ELK-120 V1 (original, 2 voice channels of 10 seconds each): turn SW1 to CH1 or CH2 to activate the corresponding channel.
• ELK-120 V2 (4 voice channels of 120 seconds each, has DIP switches): turn SW1 to CH1 to power the module, then move any DIP switch ON to activate the corresponding channel.
• ELK-124 V1 (original, 4 channels of 30 seconds each): place the ribbon cable on J1, move SW1 to CH1 or CH2 to record Channel 1 or 2. Place the ribbon cable on J2, move SW1 to CH1 or CH2 to record Channel 3 or 4.
• ELK-124 V2 (8 channels of 60 seconds each, has DIP switches): set Channel Polarity jumpers to "+". Turn SW1 to CH1 to power the module, then move any DIP switch ON to activate the corresponding channel.

Recording Hookup (ELK-120/124 Only)

Supplied Items

• 1 – ELK-129 module
• 1 – 1-foot, 5-pin ribbon cable
• 1 – 6-foot shielded audio cable

Items You'll Need (Not Supplied)

• 1 – 12 Volt, 20VA step-down AC transformer
• 1 – length of 2-conductor (zip cord) wire
• 1 – Windows-based computer with 16-bit stereo speaker output, speakers, and .WAV files
• 1 – Recordable Module (ELK-120 or ELK-124)
• 1 – 8-ohm speaker (15–30 watts recommended), optional, for playback

Hookup Steps

1. Strip the 2-conductor wire ends and connect one end to the step-down transformer and the other to the AC terminals on the ELK-129 (under the cover). Plug the transformer into AC power. Confirm the connection by moving the power switch to CH1 and checking for the Power LED "ON," then return SW1 to the center OFF position.
2. Always ensure SW1 is off before connecting the Recordable Module or ELK-129. Plug the 5-pin ribbon cable onto connector J1 on the ELK-129, and the other end onto the Programmer input of the Recordable Module (see that module's manual for the exact location).
3. Remove the audio cable from the back of the computer speakers and plug it into the AUDIO IN jack on the ELK-129. Plug the supplied 6-foot shielded audio cable into AUDIO OUT and its other end into the computer speakers (where the original cable was). If your speaker cable is hardwired with no jack, reverse this: speaker cable into AUDIO OUT, and the 6-foot shielded cable between the computer and AUDIO IN.
4. Connect an 8-ohm speaker (15–30 watts recommended) to the Recordable Module's speaker terminals. Set the module's volume to minimum before powering on the ELK-129.
5. Disable the module's on-board microphone before programming from a computer file (see the module's instructions for the jumper location), and make sure your computer's microphone is off/unplugged/muted. Set jumper JP2 to "Repeat" mode (disables single play).
6. Keep units away from metal surfaces while powered (short-circuit risk), and keep the module and ELK-129 away from electrical noise sources (monitors, transformers) to avoid EMI in the recording.
7. Set SW1 on the ELK-129 to CH1 (also move DIP switch #1 ON for version 2 modules) and adjust the module's volume until the default Channel 1 message plays at a comfortable level. (If Channel 1 was erased, you may hear nothing.)
8. Once the hookup is confirmed working, you're ready to begin the WAV downloading process (you can turn CH1/DIP switch #1 off for now).

Programming (ELK-120/124 Only)

Other Recordable Modules use their own included instructions instead of this section.

1. Open Waveloader, click File, select Channel 1.wav, click OPEN.
2. Set your computer's volume to the half-way mark. Use PLAY to preview and SEND to download the WAV file.
3. A channel must be powered/activated to record it (activation method depends on your module version — see the Channel Activation section above).
4. ELK-120 V1 and ELK-124 V1 (no DIP switch): skip directly to step 5. ELK-120 V2 and ELK-124 V2 (has DIP switch): move DIP switch #1 ON, then skip to step 5.
5. With a 12V AC transformer connected to the ELK-129, turn SW1 to CH1. Channel 1's message should start playing. In Waveloader, click SEND to send Channel 1.wav — you should hear it playing from the computer speakers, and the RECORD/EOM LED on the module should light solid, indicating recording is in progress. The module then plays back the newly recorded message.
6. If the RECORD/EOM LED doesn't light, increase your computer's volume (use the speaker output jack, not a line-out jack). If it still doesn't light, try manually pressing the module's RECORD switch while clicking PLAY — if this works, you may need to use this manual method going forward.
7. If playback sounds distorted, reduce the computer's volume and repeat step 5; use the lowest volume that still reliably triggers the module.
8. To program Channel 2, move SW1 to CH2 (for version 2 modules, also move DIP switch #1 OFF and DIP switch #2 ON), then repeat steps 1–7 using Channel 2.wav.
9. Once comfortable with the process, try your own WAV files, or record your own using Windows Sound Recorder and a microphone — watch the module's maximum recording time limit.
10. After field installation, set the ELK-120/124 selection jumpers for desired final operation (disable record switch, repeat/1-shot mode, DIP switches OFF, channel polarity jumpers on ELK-124 v2).

Support

Manufacturer: Elk Products, Inc., PO Box 100, Hildebran, NC 28637. Phone: 800-797-9355 or 828-397-4200. Fax: 828-397-4415. Email: info@elkproducts.com.