Elk Products ELK-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
toolsforprogrammingtheELKRecordableModules,
such as the ELK-120, ELK-124, or ELK-MV480.
Includessoftwaretodownloadyourcomputer’saudio
files(WAVs)totheRecordableModules.
• 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 x 29.2mm).
• Supplies 12Volts D.C. @ 1Amp for ELK-120 / 124 Modules.
• RequiresWindows98 or higher,Stereo Speaker Output Jack or
SoundCardandcomputer speakers.
• 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.
11/04 Version 4.0
Features and Specifications subject to change without notice.

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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
filessuchas.WAVfilestobe“played” and downloaded 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
berecordedintomultipleRecordable 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-waymark.TheELK-129wasoriginallydesignedforusewithELK-120andELK-124version1
RecordableModules.SincenewerRecordable ModelshavebeenaddedtoELK’sproductline,the ELK-129operatesslightly
differentlyon thethesemodules asdescribedbelow.
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
twokitscan be used.Theycontainthe software needed forprogrammingan MM447 or MV480.TheELK-129is only required
for completion of the audio connections. Refer to the instructions that are supplied with the MM447 or MV480.
You do not need the“Waveloader” softwarewhichis includedwiththe ELK-129andyou donotneed aTransformerfor
poweringtheELK-129.Theremainderoftheseinstructionsarealsonotneeded,theyareintendedonlyfortheELK-120/124
RecordableModules.
If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124:
You need theELK-129PLUS aplug-inACstepdownTransformer(notincluded),andthe“Waveloader”softwarewhichison
theCDROMincludedwiththeELK-129.Waveloadercanalsobedownloadedfromhttp://www.elkproducts.comifneeded.
A16.5Volt, 40VA Transformer can beused,althougha 12 Volt, 20VATransformerisrecommended since it will notoverdrive
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.
The“Waveloader”softwareshouldbeinstalled on a personal computer that will be used to download WAV files intotheELK-
120/124modules.Waveloaderwilltriggerthe recordmode andthen download(play) acomputer audiofile (.WAV)into the
RecordableModulewhentheSEND button is pressed. Although not required, it iseasiertodownloadwavsto your ELK-120/
124modulebeforefieldinstallation.
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-boardmicrophoneisenabledbyplacingJP1inthecorrectposition.Forexample:To
recorda message onChannelOne, placeSW1on theELK-129to CH1, (forELK-120or 124version2 RecordableModules,
alsomove DIP switch #1 to the ON position), then press andholdtheRECORDpush-buttonon the ELK-120 or ELK-124
whilespeakingintothebuilt-inmicrophone. ForChannelTwo,repeattheabovestep,placingSW1ontheELK-129toCH2.
(forELK-120or124version2RecordableModules,also move DIP switch #2 to the ON position, and DIP switch #1 OFF).

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129 Software Installation (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
NOTE:ThefollowingELK-129 “Waveloader” software installation isnotrequiredforthe ELK-MM447 or ELK-MV480 modules
whichareprogrammedthrough the Magic Module Programming Software.Seepreviouspage.
If you have an ELK-120 or ELK-124:
Pleasereadthroughthemanualbeforestarting.
To install Waveloader, insert the CDROM included with your ELK-129 kit into your computer’s CDROM drive. After a few
momentsthe CD’s autorun menu should be displayed. Navigate to the “Software” screen and click the “Install Waveloader”
button to install the software program to your computer. 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.
Oncesetuphasfinished, find the new program icon labeled “Waveloader“ on your desktop screen.
To test Waveloader, click on the Waveloader icon, then click the File button, you should see the Channel 1 and Channel
2 default audio message files listed. Click on one of these files and then click OPEN. Note: Do not use or delete the
20hz.wav file, it is needed for proper waveloader operation. 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 program for now.
ELK-120/124 Versions 1 & 2 Channel Activations as related to the ELK-129 Operation:
Thissectiondescribeshowchannelsareactivated(triggered)onvariousRecordableModules.Achannelmustbe
activated(playing)toaccept 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-120V1 Originalversionfeaturing2Voice Channelsof 10seconds 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-124V1 Originalversionfeaturing 4channelsof30secondseach.
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,thenmove any DIP Switch to the ON position to activate a correspondingchannel.
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(locatedunderthe cover).Plugthetransformerinto anACreceptacle.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(8ohms, 15-30 wattsrecommended)to thespeakerterminals of theRecordableModule. 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
microphoneon theModule. RefertotheRecordableModule’sinstructionsheet forlocation ofthe on-boardmicrophone
jumper.Make sureyour computer’smicrophone iseitheroff,unplugged,or muted.This willprevent roomnoisesfrom
being recorded along with your messages. Make sure jumper JP2 is set to “Repeat” mode (single play disabled).
6. Toprevent short circuits, keep theunitsawayfrommetal surfaces while power isapplied.Toprevent electrical noise
(EMI)from being inducedintothe recording,keepthe Recordable Moduleandthe ELK-129asfar away aspossiblefrom
sourcesofelectrical noise such as video monitorsandtransformers.
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. OnceyouhaveconfirmedthattheRecordableModuleandtheELK-129areproperlyconnected,youarereadytobegin
theWAV downloading process (you may turn off CH1 or DIP sw#1fornow).
Recording Hookup (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
Therecordinghookuprequiresthefollowingsupplieditems:
1-ELK-129 module.
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-Lengthof2-conductor(zipcord)wire forconnection ofthetransformer.
1- Windows based computer with 16-bit stereo speaker output jack, speakers, and some audio files. (.WAV)
1-RecordableModule.(ELK-120orELK-124)
1- 8ohm(15-30 wattsrecommended)speaker forplaybackof therecorded messages.(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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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.
If you have completed the hookup and software installations, you are ready to program your first unit.
In the following steps, you will use the factory default ELK-120 Channel 1 and Channel 2 .WAV files (supplied by the setup
program)oruseyourownaudiofilestohelpsetupthepropercomputervolumelevels.TheWaveloaderprogramwillbeused
todownloadwavfilesintotherecordablemodule.
Programming (ELK-120/124 ONLY)
Figure 2.
1. Click on the Waveloader icon, then click on the File
button. In the OPEN window, click on the Channel 1.wav
file, then click on OPEN.
2. Adjustyourcomputer’svolumetothehalf-waymark.Use
PLAY topreview the WAVfileand use SENDto download
the WAV file.
3. You must apply power to a channel in order to record it.
Channelsareactivateddifferentlydependingonwhich
versionofRecordableModuleyouhaveasnotedbelow.
4a. For ELK-120 Version 1 Modules, (has no dip switch) .. skip to step 5.
4b. For ELK-120 Version 2 Modules, (has dip switch) ... Move DIP Switch #1 to the ON position .. skip to step 5.
4c. For ELK-124 Version 1 Modules, (has no dip switch) ... skip to step 5.
4d. For ELK-124 Version 2 Modules, (has dip switch) ... Move DIP Switch #1 to the ON position .. skip to step 5.
5. Besure you havea12 volt ACTransformerconnectedto the ELK-129.TurnSW1ontheELK-129toCH1.Channel1's
messageshouldstartplaying.InWaveloader,click on the SEND button to start sending Channel 1.wav. You should hear
yourfileplayingfromthecomputer speakers. If the computer’s volume level is high enough, the RECORD / EOMLEDon
theRecordable Moduleshouldcome onsolid,indicating themessageis beingrecorded.The RecordableModule will
playback the message just recorded.
6. If the RECORD / EOM LED does not come on solid while Waveloader is sending the file, you will need to increase your
computer’s volume output before trying again. If your volume is already set to maximum, be sure you are using the
computer’s speaker output jack instead of a line output jack. If the RECORD / EOM LED still doesn’t come on, try
manually pressing the Recordable Module’s RECORD switch and click on PLAY at the same time. If this works, you
may have to use this manual method when programming. If the manual method does not work, then there may be a
problem in the hookup or with one of the units.
7. IftheRecordableModule’smessagesoundsdistortedduring playback,tryreducingyourcomputer'svolumecontroland
repeating step 5. You can normally double-click the small speaker icon in the task bar to adjust the volume. To reduce
distortion,usethelowestvolumesettingthat will trigger the Recordable Module.
8. Whenyou havesuccessfullyprogrammedthe messageforChannel 1, youmayproceed to programChannel2 by
placingSW1on the ELK-129 to theCH2position.For ELK-120 or 124 version2RecordableModules,also move DIP
switch #1 to the OFF position, then turn DIP Switch #2 to the ON position. Repeat Steps 1-7, loading the file Channel 2
wavinsteadoftheChannel1wav.
9. Onceyou have mastered the downloading process,trydownloadingsome of your own WAV filesortryrecordingyour
ownWAVfilesusingtheWindowsSoundRecorderandamicrophone.UsecaretopreventoverrunningtheRecordable
Module’s recording time limit.
10. After field installation, the ELK-120/124 selection jumpers shouldbesetforthedesiredoperation.i.e.disablerecord
switch, repeat / 1shot mode, DIP switches OFF, and the channel polarity jumpers on the ELK-124 v2.