Elk Products 129 Instructions for use

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PO Box 100 • Hildebran, NC 28637 • 800-797-9355 • 828-397-4200
Fax[phone]•www.elkproducts.com•[e-mail]
Computer Sound Card Interface
TheELK-129ComputerSoundCardInterfaceallows
acomputer’s speaker outputto be usedas one ofthe
toolsfor programmingtheELKRecordableModules,
such as the ELK-120, ELK-124, or ELK-MV480. The
includedsharewaresoftwareisusedtoprocessyour
computer’saudiofilesforusewiththeELK-129.The
ELK-129then “downloads”theprocessedfilestothe
RecordableModule. Finished messages can be
savedonyourcomputersharddriveforre-use.
• Powers ELK-120 or ELK-124 Modules during Programming.
• PowerSwitch.
• Audio Jacks for Computer and Speakers.
• Plug-InCableforQuickConnectionstoRecordableModules.
• Includes6footShieldedCableforSpeakers.
• Compact Plastic Case.
• ProgramsRecordableModulesin Seconds!.
• LifetimeLimitedWarranty.
• Size:4.4" x 3" x 1.15"(111.8mmx 76.3mm x29.2mm).
• Supplies 12Volts D.C. @ 1Amp for ELK-120 / 124 Modules.
• RequiresWindows3.1orhigher,386 processor or better,
4MB RAM, 2MB Hard Drive Space, 3 ½” Floppy Drive,
StereoSpeakerOutputJack or Sound Card and computerspeakers.
• Requires(1)12V,20VAACTransformer(not included) to program
theELK-120 or ELK-124.Transformer is not needed for
the ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480.
ELK-129
Features
Specifications / Requirements
ELK
PRODUCTS, INC.
08/02 Version 3.0
Features and Specifications subject to change without notice.

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*Cool Edit is a Trade Mark of Syntrillium Software Corporation, P.O. Box 60274, Phoenix, AZ 85082-0274. This program is
shareware and requires a $50 registration for the full version, or $25 for the Lite version.
129 Overview
APPLICATION
All ELK Voice Recordable Annunciator Modules can record & store voice, music or sound effects for later playback. There
are basically two methods to record sound into the Recordable Modules; 1st is by pressing the Recordable Module’s Record
Switch and speaking directly into the on-board Microphone, the 2nd is to use the ELK-129 Interface to allow computer audio
files such as .WAV files to be “played” and recorded into the Recordable Module. One advantage of using an ELK-129 &
computer is that unique sounds gathered from the internet or other sources can be edited and stored on a computer and then
berecordedinto multiple Recordable Modules at any time.
OPERATION
This manual assumes that your computer has a functional 3.5mm stereo speaker output jack and speakers. Adjust the
computer’svolumetothehalf-way mark.TheELK-129wasoriginallydesignedforusewithELK-120andELK-124version1
RecordableModules.SincenewerRecordableModels havebeenadded toELK’sproductline,theELK-129operatesslightly
differentlyon thethese modulesasdescribed below.
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 of these
twokits can be used.Theycontain the softwareneededfor programming an MM447orMV480. The ELK-129 isonlyrequired
for completion of the audio connections. Refer to the instructions that are supplied with the MM447 or MV480.
You do not need the SoundRecordingSoftware (floppydisk)included with theELK-129and youdonot need aTransformer
forpowering theELK-129. Theremainder ofthese instructionsarealsonotneeded, theyare intendedonly fortheELK-120/
124RecordableModules.
If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124:
YouneedtheELK-129PLUSaplug-inACstepdownTransformer(notincluded),andtheSoundRecordingSoftware(floppy
disk) included with the ELK-129.
A16.5 Volt, 40VA Transformer canbeused, although a 12 Volt,20VATransformer is recommended sinceitwillnot overdrive
the ELK-129. We caution against leaving a 16.5V plugged in when the ELK-129 is not in use as it can become warm to the
touch after a time.
TheSoundRecording Softwareinstallsasharewareprogram calledCool EditTM alongwithasuppliedautomated “Script”file
(elk-120.scp)which processescomputeraudio files (.WAV)for auto recordingthe ELK-120/124 modules.Auto recording is
definedasaway to trigger the record command and then play (record) a computer audio file (.WAV) into the Recordable
Module.
AboutScripting... Audio files that will be auto-programmed into ELK-120 or ELK-124 modulesmust be properly processedby
using the “Script” file before they can be used by the ELK-129. This process is described as follows: If the audio file is a
stereo recording, the left channel will be erased and replaced by a control track. If the audio file is a monaural recording, the
file will be converted into stereo before the control track is embedded in to the left channel. The control track is used to
automaticallytrigger the recordmodeon the RecordableModulewhen a ”scripted”audiofile is played.Inaddition to embed-
ding a control track, the script also "pads" the beginning of the right audio channel with 30mS of silence (this prevents the
beginningofyourfilefromgetting"choppedoff"duringprogramming).Theremainderoftherightchannel(youraudiofile)
remains unchanged. The script automates the entire process for you, allowing you to program with just a few button clicks.
After running the script, just play the audio file to record it into the Recordable Module. Scripted audio files can be saved on
yourcomputer'sharddriveforre-use.

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129 Software Installation (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
NOTE:Thefollowing ELK-129 Sound Recording Softwareinstallationisnot required for the ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480
modules.Thesemodules are programmed through the Magic ModuleProgrammingSoftware.See previous page.
If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124:
Pleasereadthroughthemanual before starting.
Insert the ELK-129 Installation disk into your 3 ½” floppy drive and run SETUP.EXE as follows:
Windows 3.1: In Program Manager, click on the File menu. Under the File menu, select Run. Type A:\SETUP (or the
correct disk drive letter for your 3 ½” floppy), then click on OK.
Windows 95-98-2000-XP: Click in the Start button in the left corner of the startus bar. Then click Run and type A:\SETUP
(or the correct disk drive letter for your 3 ½” floppy), then click OK.
The Setup program will guide you through the installation. Normally, you should choose the default directory suggested by
setup, but you may change the drive and / or directory, if needed. Once setup has finished, find the new program group
labeled Cool Edit. Click on the Cool Edit icon to start Cool Edit. Read & close the license agreement, then Press OK to
get past the registration screen.
To test Cool Edit, click on the File menu, then click Open and double-click on the ELK120 directory. You may need to
double-click on the COOL folder first, if you are not already in this directory (the product folder(s) is located beneath the
COOL folder).You should see thechannel one and channeltwo default audio message files there (ch1.wav and ch2.wav).
Click on one of these files and then click OK. Click on the Play button to hear the file. If you do not hear the file playing
from your computer’s speakers, check the computer’s volume settings. If your computer came with a “mixer” program,
make sure all of the sliders or knobs are turned up and no outputs are muted. If you have determined that the volume
control is turned up and you still don’t hear the file when you click on Play, check to make sure your speaker cable is
plugged into the correct jack on the computer and on the speakers themselves.Also, make sure the speakers are turned
on (amplified speakers only), and that their volume is turned up. Make sure speakers are connected to a power adapter
(and that the adapter is plugged into theAC). You can close the Cool Edit program for now.
ELK-120/124 Versions 1 & 2 Channel Activations as related to the ELK-129 Operation:
Thissectiondescribeshowchannelsareactivated(triggered)onvariousRecordableModules.Achannelmustbe
activated(playing)to accept a new recording. Channels on version 1 modules can be activated by using SW1 on the
ELK-129. Version 2 modules use SW1 in addition to DIP Switches to activate the desired channel to be recorded.
•ELK-120 V1 Originalversionfeaturing2 VoiceChannelsof10seconds each.
TurnSW1to CH1 to activate Channel 1 or to CH2 to activate Channel 2.
• ELK-120 V2 Version 2 featuring 4 Voice Channels of 120 seconds each and DIP switches to select channel to be recorded.
Turn SW1 to CH1 to power the module, then move any DIP Switch to the ON position to activate a corre-
spondingchannel.
•ELK-124 V1Originalversionfeaturing4channelsof30secondseach.
Place ribbon cable on J1, move SW1 to CH1 to record Channel 1 or move SW1 to CH2 to record Channel 2.
Place ribbon cable on J2, move SW1 to CH1 to record Channel 3 or move SW1 to CH2 to record Channel 4.
• ELK-124 V2 Version 2 featuring 8 channels of 60 seconds each. Set Channel Polarity jumpers to “+”. Turn SW1 to CH1 to
powerthemodule, then move any DIP Switch to the ON position toactivateacorrespondingchannel.
ELK-120 / 124 Versions 1 & 2 Hardware

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RefertoFigure1whenmakingthefollowingconnections:
1. Strip the ends of the 2-conductor wire and connect one end to the step down transformer and the other end to the AC
terminalson theELK-129 (locatedunder thecover). PlugthetransformerintoanACreceptacle. Toconfirm thepower
connection to the ELK-129, move the power switch to CH1 and look for the Power Led “ON”. Return SW1 to the center
"OFF" position.
2. Always be sure SW1 is off before making any connections to the ELK Recordable Module or the ELK-129
interface. Plug the 5-pin ribbon cable onto the polarized connector J1 on the ELK-129. Plug the other end onto the
ProgrammerinputoftheRecordableModule.(RefertotheRecordableModule’sinstructionmanualforprogrammerinput
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 one end of the supplied 6-foot shielded audio cable into the AUDIO OUT Jack. Plug the other end of this cable into
the computer speakers, where the first cable was originally plugged. If your speaker cable is wired directly to the speaker
with no jack, plug the speaker cable into AUDIO OUT and connect the 6-foot shielded cable between the computer and
AUDIOIN.
4. Connecta speaker(8 ohms, 15-30watts recommended) tothespeaker terminalsofthe RecordableModule.Adjust the
module’s volume control to a minimum level before turning on the ELK-129.
5. When programming an audio file from the computer, into the Recordable Module, make sure to disable the on-board
microphoneontheModule.RefertotheRecordableModule’sinstructionsheetforlocationofthe on-boardmicrophone
jumper.Makesureyourcomputer’smicrophoneiseitheroff, unplugged,or muted.This willprevent roomnoises from
being recorded along with your messages. Make sure jumper JP2 is set to “Repeat” mode (single play disabled).
6. Toprevent short circuits, keeptheunitsaway from metal surfaces whilepoweris applied. To prevent electrical noise
(EMI)from beinginducedinto therecording,keep theRecordableModule and theELK-129 as faraway as possiblefrom
sourcesof electrical noise such as videomonitorsand transformers.
7. PlaceSW1 on the ELK-129 to the CH1 position. For ELK-120 or 124 version 2 Recordable Modules, also move DIP
switch #1 to the ON position. Adjust the Recordable Module’s volume control until you hear the default channel 1 mes-
sage playing at a comfortable level. If channel 1 has been erased, you may not hear anything at all.
8. OnceyouhaveconfirmedthattheRecordableModule andthe ELK-129areproperlyconnected,you areready tobegin
theprogramming process (youmayturn off CH1orDIP sw #1fornow).
Recording Hookup (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
Therecordinghookuprequiresthefollowingsupplieditems:
1-ELK-129module.
1 -1 foot, 5-pin ribbon cable.
1- 6 foot shielded audio cable.
You will need the following items, which are not supplied:
1- 12 Volt, 20VA step down AC transformer.
1-Lengthof 2-conductor(zipcord) wireforconnectionofthe transformer.
1- Windows based computer with 16-bit stereo speaker output jack, speakers, and some audio files. (.WAV)
1-RecordableModule.(ELK-120orELK-124)
1- 8ohm (15-30wattsrecommended) speakerfor playbackofthe recordedmessages. (ifdesired)

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Figure 1.
Hookup (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
To Computer
Speaker Out
To Amplified
Speakers
To 12V 20VA
Transformer
12V
20VA
ELK Recordable Module
(ELK-120 or ELK-124)
8 OHM
SPEAKER
(To listen to the
module's playback)
. . . .
.
1-Ft.
Ribbon
Cable
AUDIO OUT AUDIO INSW1
Computer Sound Card Interface
(ELK-129)
J1
AC Transformer Input
Terminals Under Cover
CH1 CH2OFF
3.5MM
Stereo Audio
Cables
* Do Not Connect a
transformer for ELK-MM447 or
ELK-MV480
PC
Personal Computer
(Windows Based)
Programming Connector
to Recordable Module
Power Switch
Applies power to the Recordable
Module for programming
Power LED
Indicates Power is Being Applied
to the Recordable Module
JP1
Selects recording from on-board
microphone or from ELK-129.
For Jumper and Connector selections,
refer to the installation instructions that
come with the Recordable Module.
(ELK-120 Version 2 shown)
Set JP2 for
“Repeat”
Manual Record
Switch
DIP Switch
Selects channel to record
Set JP1 to "O" or "PRG" for ELK-129 use

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Your First Programming Session
NOTE: This section explains how to program an ELK-120 or ELK-124. For other ELK Recordable Modules models, please refer to
the installation instructions that accompany the Recordable Module.
Ifyou have completed the hookup andsoftwareinstallations, you are ready toprogramyour first unit.
In the following steps, you will use the factory default ELK-120 Channel One and Channel Two .WAV files (supplied by the
setup program) or use your own audio files to help setup the proper computer volume levels. Cool Edit will be used to add a
control track to the left channel of both wav files. A special script file (similar to a macro or batch file) has been included to
automate this process.
Programming (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
Figure 2.
1. Click on the Cool Edit icon to start Cool Edit. Read &
close the license agreement, then Press OK to get past
theregistrationscreen.
2. Click on the File menu and select Open. In the Directories
window,double-clickontheELK120directory.
3. In the File Name window, click on the ch1.wav file, then
click on OK.
4. When the file has finished loading, you should see a
screen similar to Figure 2.
5. Click on the Options menu, then select the Cool Scripts /
BatchProcess...submenu(seeFigure3).
6. In the Cool Scripts window, click on Open / New (see
Figure4).
Figure 3.
Figure 4.

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7. IntheDirectorieswindow,double-clickontheELK120
directory(locatedundertheCOOLdirectory).
8. In the File Name window, click on the file ELK120.SCP,
then press OK (seeFigure5).
Programming Continued
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
9. Make sure the Pause at Dialogs and the Execute
Relative to Cursor boxes are not checked. In the ELK
Recording Utilities window, click on Embed Control
Track, then click on Run (Figure 6). The ELK-120 Script
willnot run if anyportionof the waveform hasbeen"se-
lected"(highlighted).Ifanyofthewaveformhasbeen
selected, press the Esc key to exit the script dialog box,
thenpress Esc again to unselect the waveform.
10. When the script has finished, you should see two distinct
waveforms,similar toFigure 7.The rightchannelhasthe
originalwaveform(with30mSofsilenceaddedtothe
beginning).Theleftchannelshouldappearasaconstant
20Hz sine wave that runs the entire length of the record-
ing.Yourwaveformhasnowbeenprocessedandisready
tobe"downloaded"!
Youcannowsavethe“scripted”ch1.wavtoyour hard
drive if you wish to load this message into another
Recordable Module at a later date. Click File, Save As,
entera differentfilename to keepthe original fileun-
changed.

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Programming Continued
11. Adjust yourcomputer’svolume to the half-way mark.Placeribbon cable from ELK-129 toJ1on the Recordable Module.
Youmustapplypower toa channelin orderto recordit. Channelsare activateddifferentlydependingonwhichversionof
RecordableModuleyouhaveasnotedbelow.
12a For ELK-120 Version 1 Modules, (has no dip switch) .. skip to step 13.
12b. For ELK-120 Version 2 Modules, (has dip switch) ... Move DIP Switch #1 to the ON position .. skip to step 13.
12c. For ELK-124 Version 1 Modules, (has no dip switch) ... skip to step 13.
12d. For ELK-124 Version 2 Modules, (has dip switch) ... Move DIP Switch #1 to the ON position .. skip to step 13.
13. Turn SW1 on the ELK-129 to CH1. Channel one's message should start playing. In Cool Edit, click on the PLAY button or
press the spacebar to start playing ch1.wav. If the computer’s volume level is high enough, the RECORD / EOM LED on
theRecordable Moduleshould comeonsolid, indicatingthe messageisbeing recorded.The RecordableModulewill
playback the message just recorded. If the LED does not come on solid while Cool Edit is playing the file, you will need
to increase your computer’s volume output before trying again. If your volume is already set to maximum, see the
Troubleshootingsectionformorehelp.
14. IftheRecordableModule’smessagesoundsdistortedduringplayback,tryreducingyourcomputer'svolumecontrol and
repeating step 13. You can normally double-click the small speaker icon in the task bar to adjust the volume or L-R
balance. To reduce distortion, use the lowest volume setting that will trigger the Recordable Module. If the message still
sounds distorted, try shifting the L-R balance toward the left control track channel (if your computer supports balance
adjustment). You may need to run the "mixer" program that came with your computer to do this. Do not shift the balance
completely to the left (this mutes the right channel). The balance control will be directly above the Master Volume slider.
Click on the center triangle shaped pointer and slide it to the left. If it does not slide, your computer may not support
balanceadjustment.
15. Whenyouhavesuccessfullyprogrammedthe messageforChannelOne,youmayproceedtoprogramChannelTwoby
placingSW1 on the ELK-129 totheCH2position. For ELK-120 or 124version2 Recordable Modules, also moveDIP
switch #1 to the OFF position, then turn DIP Switch #2 to the ON position. Repeat Steps 1-14, loading the file ch2.wav
instead of ch1.wav.
16. Once youhavemastered the programming process, tryrecordingyour own custom messages orsoundeffects with Cool
Edit. With a little experimenting, you can build an impressive library of custom sounds and messages.
17. After installation, the ELK-120 / 124 selection jumpers should be set for the desired operation. i.e. disable record switch,
repeat / 1shot mode, DIP switches OFF, and the channel polarity jumpers on the ELK-124 v2.
Note: If you wish to record by speaking directly in to the on-board microphone, the ELK-129 can still be utilized for providing
powertotheRecordableModule.However,youmustunplugthecablesfromtheAUDIOINandAUDIOOUTjackstoprevent
interference.Makecertainthattheon-boardmicrophoneisenabledbyplacingJP1in the correct position. For example: To
recorda messageonChannel One,placeSW1 ontheELK-129 toCH1,(for ELK-120or 124 version2 Recordable Modules,
alsomove DIP switch #1 to the ON position), then press andhold the RECORDpush-button on theELK-120 or ELK-124
RecordableModulewhilespeakingintothebuilt-inmicrophone. ForChannelTwo, repeatthe abovestep, placingSW1 on
theELK-129to CH2. (for ELK-120 or 124 version2RecordableModules, also move DIP switch #2 totheONposition, and
DIP switch #1 OFF).

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1. Useagood qualitymicrophone.
2. Observe the VU meters (the bar graph at the bottom of the screen). Try to keep your recording levels around -9 to -6 dB.
If your levels exceed 0 dB, the sound will be distorted.
3. Record in a quiet area. Keep the microphone away from hard surfaces such as walls and table tops.
4. Record your messages at 11-22 khz sampling rate. Always choose 16 bit recording. Don't bother making the recording in
stereo, since the script will create a new left channel anyway.
5. If you want to add special effects to a sound file (echo, stretch, etc.), you should do so before running the Embed
Control Track script. This will insure that the control track does not get corrupted. If you have already run the script and
want to add effects to the file, you may still do so. After you have added the effects, run the Re-do Control Track script
to reformat the control track channel. Note: Some effects (such as stretch) will change the length of your audio
file. Use care to prevent overrunning the Recordable Module’s recording time limit.
6. ReadCoolEdit'son-line help files to become familiar the program'sfeatures.Don'tforget to register Cool Edit! Select
Help, Registration Form to view or print out a registration form.
Note: Until you register Cool Edit, you can only choose from two categories of special effects when you start the program.
Choose any effect you would like to try first, but you must always choose Save, External Clipboard Functionality and
Sample Converting as one of the categories if you plan on saving your file to disk.
Making Recordings with CoolEdit
Troubleshooting
Ifyou havefollowed allof theprevioussteps andstill cannotget theRecordableModule toprogram, hereare sometrouble-
shootinghints:
1. Make sure the audio file has been properly processed with the Cool Edit script. A properly processed file will look similar
to Figure 7 on page 7 when loaded into Cool Edit.
2. Make sure the audio is getting to the ELK-129. When playing your audio file with Cool Edit, you should hear your file
coming out of the RIGHT channel. You may only hear a 20 Hz buzzing or popping sound coming from the LEFT channel.
Confirm this by plugging a pair of headphones that are marked with L and R into the AUDIO OUT jack. If your file is heard
through the LEFT channel, you should run the Swap Channels script in Cool Edit. This will automatically swap the left
and right channels in the audio file.
3. Ifyou hear the audio coming from the correct channels, try increasing the computer's volume output while playing the file
in Loop Mode (select Loop Mode under the Options menu). This will change the PLAY button into a LOOP button.
Pressing LOOP will cause the sound file to repeat endlessly, allowing you to adjust the volume to the proper setting.
Onceyoufind the correct setting, press STOP to end looping and prevent overrunning thetimelimitforchannel one. If
your volume is already at maximum, be sure you are using the computer’s speaker output jack instead of a line output
jack.
4. Ifnone of the above hints work,trymanuallypressing the Recordable Module’s RECORD switch and clicking onPLAYat
the same time. Shortcut: press the spacebar to start and stop playing, instead of clicking PLAY. If this works, you may
have to use this manual method when programming. Some computer’s may lack the fidelity to reproduce the 20 Hz
control track at a sufficient level. If the manual method does not work, then there may be a problem in the hookup or with
one of the units.