PRICOM Design Dream Player MK2 User manual

The Dream Player MK2
User Manual

Dream Player MK2 User Manual
Version 1.0
Copyright ©2012 PRICOM Design

Table Of Contents
Page 1
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
1Overview.................................................................................... 2
2Using the Dream Player MK2................................................... 3
2.1 Power Indicator.................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Status Indicator..................................................................................................... 3
2.3 PLAY Button........................................................................................................ 4
2.4 Trigger Input ........................................................................................................ 4
2.5 Audio Output........................................................................................................ 4
2.6 Power Input.......................................................................................................... 4
2.7 Control Output...................................................................................................... 4
2.8 SD Card and Socket ............................................................................................. 5
2.9 Mode Switches..................................................................................................... 5
2.10 Creating WAV Files......................................................................................... 5
2.11 Loading the SD Card........................................................................................ 6
3Connections ............................................................................... 7
3.1 Power Input.......................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Audio Output Connector...................................................................................... 8
3.3 Trigger Input Terminal Strip................................................................................ 9
3.4 Control Output Terminal Strip........................................................................... 12
3.5 Mode Switches................................................................................................... 14
3.6 Mounting Holes.................................................................................................. 16
4Introducing the CONFIG.TXT File......................................... 17
4.1 General Mode Setup........................................................................................... 19
4.2 Trigger Input Configuration............................................................................... 20
4.3 Control Output Setup ......................................................................................... 21
4.4 Audio Mode Configuration................................................................................ 22
5Firmware Updates...................................................................23
5.1 Updating Your Firmware ................................................................................... 23
5.2 Downloading the Firmware Update................................................................... 23
5.3 How to Update Your Firmware.......................................................................... 23
6Problems & Support ................................................................ 24
6.1 Help, I broke it!.................................................................................................. 24
6.2 E-mail................................................................................................................. 24
6.3 Web Site............................................................................................................. 24
7Dream Player Specifications................................................... 25

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 2
1 Overview
Congratulations!
You have just received an extraordinary little device.
The Dream Player MK2 is packed full with an extensive array of features and measuring
only 3 ½ by 3 ½ inches, this is truly the best item of its kind.
Your sound files are stored on a microSD Card readily available at any electronics store
as well as through PRICOM Design. We have tested sizes ranging from 512MB-16GB
from a variety of manufactures and have success with them all. This means you could
have 25 hours of CD quality music playing in your project using a 16GB SD Card.
Also by using a microSD Card you are able to mount the board to anything and
anywhere, and easily change out or update the sounds that the device plays.
What about quality? The MK2 supports exceptionally high quality 44.1 KHz, stereo,
16bit, WAV Files.
You may also control the MK2 via external controls such as a button or motion sensor,
and also control Output devices such as LED‟s with it.
Another exiting feature of the Dream Player MK2 is the “CONFIG.TXT”file that is
stored on the SD Card. With this file you may change the characteristics of the Player.
Things such as how long a fade out can be? Should it be 5 seconds? 1 second? None at
all? Would you like the sound file to play only while you hold a button? How about
starting the track when the button is released and stop playing when pressed again? These
are just a handful of configuration combinations that you may have, and the beauty of it
all is that you may change it at anytime and to your exact situation.
Included with the Dream Player packaging is a CD containing sample Audio Files, a
sample CONFIG.TXT File, the complete User‟s Manual, and several other items to make
your experience as enjoyable as possible.
So read within to learn about the many exciting features of The Dream Player Mk2.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 3
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
2 Using the Dream Player MK2
The following pages describe the Configuration and operation of the Dream Player. You
can keep it as simple, or make it as complicated as you wish. With so many options and
Configurations available to you, the possible uses are endless.
2.1 Power Indicator
This LED will be lit whenever there is power supplied to the Power Input terminals. The
LED is also used to indicate the status of firmware updates as discussed later in on in this
manual.
2.2 Status Indicator
This LED will be lit when the Dream Player is currently playing an Audio Track or busy
reading the SD Card. If there is any trouble loading the SD Card, or a bad WAV file was
encountered this indicator will flash.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 4
Upon power up, when you insert an SD Card into the SD Card Socket the status indicator
will blink once for every file on the SD Card then turn off. If you push the PLAY button
while the SD Card is initializing, the Dream Player will begin playing the first audio track
once the initialization is complete.
The status indicator will also rapidly blink when a firmware update is in progress, as
described later.
2.3 PLAY Button
To play the first Track on the SD card at any time, you can simply hit the PLAY button.
If you press the PLAY button when the Dream Player is already playing, the sound will
fade out and stop, or whatever the settings on the CONFIG.TXT file may be set for.
2.4 Trigger Input
This input is the way to control the activities of the Dream Player. In its factory state,
when the Dream Player is idle, the trigger input will cause the track to play. While the
Dream Player is playing a track, any kind of trigger input will cause the current track to
fade out.
Now any of the above mentioned scenarios may be customized using the CONFIG.TXT
file as described latter in this manual.
2.5 Audio Output
Audio is supplied by the Dream Player by means of a standard 1/8 inch stereo jack. You
may use any standard powered computer speakers as described in the next section. You
can also directly drive non-powered speakers, i.e. headphones, but the volume may be
fairly low. It is advisable that an Amplifier be used if you are using the Dream Player
with non-powered speakers.
2.6 Power Input
The MK2 may be supplied with AC or DC power ranging from 7-24 Volts and will draw
about 100ma when playing. The polarity actually is irrelevant on this board, you may
hook up the wires in either way and the device will still power on.
2.7 Control Output
As its name implies, you may use this function on the Dream Player to control up to four
outputs such as LED‟s, Relays, etc… The outputs will activate relative to their track
number/trigger number, but there is plenty more to learn about this feature in section 3.4.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 5
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
2.8 SD Card and Socket
Your Audio content, CONFIG.TXT File, and any firmware updates are loaded onto a
micro SD FLASH Card, and then inserted into the SD Card Socket. The connector used
on the Dream Players is unique in that the card is loaded from the top and not from the
front like standard connectors. One major feature of this style is that it ensures that the
card does not accidently fall out when the device is mounted.
To load the card into the connector, simply insert the card into the socket from the top
and while pushing down with your finger, pull towards yourself, you will feel when it is
secure. If the card is not properly fitted into the socket, it will actually pop back up, the
only the time the card remain down is when it is correctly inserted into the connector.
2.9 Mode Switches
If you do not have access to a computer or do not have the time to change the
CONFIG.TXT file then you may set the characteristics of the Dream Player by setting the
mode switches. Whatever you set on these switches will override anything on the
CONFIG.TXT File. To use the settings on the CONFIG.TXT file then leave all of the
switches in the off position.
2.10 Creating WAV Files
Any suitable sound editor can be used to create WAV files. The Dream Player will play
Stereo, 16-bit samples, at a 44.1KHz sample rate. This is the same format used for CD
Players and is quite standard.
Note: The Dream Player can NOT play MP3 files or other non-wav files.
Please visit the PRICOM Design web site (www.pricom.com), for some ideas and tips on
creating your own WAV Files.
We recommend numbering your files once you load them onto the SD Card. The Dream
Player will understand the numbers „1‟, „2‟, „3‟, or „4‟ when placed in front of the file
name. These numbers indicate to the Dream Player what „track‟ they are. If you do not
number the files, then the oldest file written to the card will be considered track 1.
You can name your files anything you want. For your convenience, you can name the
files something sensible like “Mountain Day.wav” on your computer, and then rename
the file once it is on the SD Card. A good file name is something like “1-Mountain
Day.wav” which would be treated as Track-1.
During normal operation the Dream Player will play track 1 by default when the on-board
button is pressed or is triggered from an outside source via the trigger input.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 6
2.11 Loading the SD Card
In order for the Dream Player to read the files, they must be copied onto the mirco SD
Card. Any standard SD Card reader attached to any computer can be used. The Dream
Player will accept any brand of SD Card, in any capacity up to 16GB.
Simply copy your wav files onto the micro SD Card. The Dream Player will not look in
any folders or sub-directories for its files. After you copy files onto the SD Card, a file
may be renamed at any time. The MK2 will accept fragmented cards, meaning you do not
have to delete all files off the card before loading your news ones on. For example if you
had 4 tracks on your card and you wanted to change track 2 you can simply delete the old
track and put the new one on the card, without having to delete and then rewrite ALL the
files.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 7
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
3 Connections
The following section provides detailed instructions for connecting your Dream Player
MK2. To get started quickly, all you need to do is connect the Power Input, and the
Audio Output. Then when you are ready, you can get more advanced and use the Trigger
Inputs and Control Outputs.
3.1 Power Input
The Dream Player can accept AC or DC power inputs.
Typically a wall transformer, or wall-wart is used, but any
suitable AC or DC power supply can be used. Any voltage
from 7V to 24V AC or DC can be used, but the higher the
voltage, the warmer the Dream Player will run. The most
efficient voltage to use is 9VDC. At this voltage, the Dream
Player will draw about 120MAwhen playing, so use a power
supply that can supply 200MA or more of current. If you wish
to power multiple Dream Players, a single larger power
supply can be used, just allow for 200MA for each Dream
Player you wish to power. As a convenience to you, we also
offer wall-transformer power supplies tested and ready to run
with your Dream Player at www.pricom.com
The power source used can be shared with other devices, but
be careful as the Audio Ground will be referenced to this
power source. If you observe a buzzing or other interference
noise, it would be best to give your Dream Player its own
power supply.
To connect the power supply to the Dream Player, locate the
2-position “Power Input” terminal strip.
If your desired power-supply comes with a connector on the
end, simply clip it off as shown to the right. Separate the two
wires and strip some insulation off to expose the actual wires
then twist them to keep the strands together. Secure the
stripped wire ends to the 2 terminals of the Power Input
terminal strip. The polarity of an AC or DC power source is
not important as there is a bridge rectifier included with the
Dream Player.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 8
3.2 Audio Output Connector
The Dream Player can drive any audio amplifier, powered speakers, or media speakers
that are typically used on a computer. A very nifty feature of The Dream Player LITE is
that it can directly drive non-powered or conventional speakers without an amplifier,
headphones or ear buds for example.
Prices of media speakers are quite reasonable and you may obtain then from practically
every computer store and electronic outlet. Depending on the quality and volume you are
trying to achieve, these speakers can be
purchased anywhere from $15-$50, or as
high as $100+. We have found that
many of the $35-$50 speakers sound
terrific for any application and meet
most of our customer‟s needs just fine,
and some of them are quite small and
easy to conceal. Choose your speakers
wisely as the best audio you can get is
often times limited by the quality of the
speakers you choose. If you are at a loss
for what speakers to get, we offer some
reviews of speakers we have purchased
on-line with some links to how you may
purchase them. Please visit
www.pricom.com
To connect the speakers to the Dream
Player, you simply plug-in the stereo plug
from the speakers into the Audio Output
jack on the Dream Player. You can insert
as many extensions as needed to
accomplish your wiring. These extensions
are 1/8” stereo cables, and sometimes are
sold as headphone extension cables.
Again many electronic stores will sell this
item.
To avoid „blowing something up‟ set the volume on the speakers‟ pretty low to start with,
and then adjust as appropriate for your sounds and speaker setup. All sounds are clearly
not created and mixed on equal levels, and we would hate for you for blow a good set of
speakers after start-up. To state the obvious, start low and work your way up from there.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 9
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
3.3 Trigger Input Terminal Strip
More than simply playing a sound file, your Dream Player is capable of acting and
reacting based on input from you or the devices it is controlling. This section describes
the electrical connections for the Trigger Inputs. Section-3 entitled “Using the Dream
Player” describes the operational functions and events that are controlled by the Trigger
Inputs.
The Trigger Inputs of the Dream Player are optically isolated which means you can wire
the inputs so that they are electrically isolated from the Dream Player. Why is that
important? Because sharing a common ground between an Audio Playback system and
any other system can, and usually does, create ground loops and noises such as „buzz‟
and „hum‟. By isolating the Trigger Inputs, we have removed this problem for you!
As a convenience to your wiring, you may use the power supplied on the Trigger Input
Terminal Strip, but doing so will defeat the isolation offered by the Dream Player. If you
are simply wiring switches or buttons, there isn‟t much chance of a „ground loop‟ or
„noise‟, so we give you the best of both worlds.
Figure 1 –Trigger Input Terminal Strip Pinout (P4)
Terminal
Name
Description
1
GND
Convenience power supply ground
2
Trigger-1
Opto-Isolated Trigger #1 Input
3
Trigger-2
Opto-Isolated Trigger #2 Input
4
Trigger-3
Opto-Isolated Trigger #3 Input
5
Trigger-4
Opto-Isolated Trigger #4 Input
6
POS
Opto-Isolator Shared Power Input
7
5V
Convenience power supply (5VDC)
The trigger input terminals (Trigger-1 to Trigger-4) provide connection to the low-side
(Cathode) of the LED in each opto-isolator. Current limiting resistors are built-in, so you
can simply connect any Trigger Input to GND to cause the Trigger to occur.
Terminal #6 (POS) is connected to the high-side (Anode) of all 4 opto-isolators.
Typically Terminal #6 is connected to the power source to be used to trigger the inputs.
This can be an external power source or Terminal #7 (5V), if you do not need to isolate
the Dream Player ground. The internal current limit resistors are suitable for voltages
from 5VDC up to 24VDC. If higher voltages are required please contact us to determine
suitable added current limit resistors.
Terminal #1 and Terminal #7 provide a local power source that is not isolated from the
Dream Player, but can be used to simplify wiring if just using push-buttons, relays, or
other input that doesn‟t require optical isolation.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 10
The following example shows how to connect switches (or relays for that matter) directly
to the Dream Player without utilizing the ground isolation features of the opto-isolators.
The convenience 5VDC power supply from the Dream Player is jumped to the opto-
isolator POS terminal to supply the shared LED Anodes. Each Trigger Input can then be
individually connected to the convenience GND pin though any suitable switching device
such as a push-button or relay.
Figure 2 - Simple Trigger Input Button Connections
Note: The actual function of each Trigger Input is determined by DIP Switch settings.
More detailed application information is located in Section-3 of this manual.
In the next example, we will use an external power supply to enable the opto-isolators to
completely isolate the Dream Player Ground from the controlling device. Notice that the
POS terminal is used, but not the 5V or G terminals. Opto-isolator power is supplied
from the external 4-24VDC Power Supply.
Figure 3 - Isolated Trigger Input Button Connections

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 11
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
The switch examples shown above don‟t really need the opto-isolators, so where would
you need the opto-isolators? How about connecting to a DCC Decoder!
In the next example, we will connect a Digitrax TF4 to allow the Dream Player to be
controlled directly from your DCC System. Any brand of mobile or stationary decoder
could be used, but the low-cost of the TF4 lends itself nicely to this application.
Here we have connected the 4 function outputs of the TF4 to the 4 Dream Player Trigger
Inputs. Since the DCC Decoder must be connected to the DCC System, where there is
considerable noise, some kind of isolation would really help us here. The Dream Player
opto-isolators keep the DCC system completely isolated from the Audio Ground and
remove any chance of noise entering the sound system and speakers. Note that the 5V
and the G terminals are left un-connected since the opto-isolators are being powered from
the DCC decoder lamp power lead.
Figure 4 - Isolated DCC Decoder Connections
.
Note: The actual function of each Trigger Input is determined by the on-board DIP
Switch settings or using the CONFIG.TXT File.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 12
3.4 Control Output Terminal Strip
The Dream Player is capable of controlling many types of devices and loads connected to
the Control Outputs. This section describes the electrical connections for the Control
Outputs.
The Control Outputs of the Dream Player are not isolated in any way from the Audio
Ground of the Dream Player. Why is that important? Because sharing a common ground
between an Audio Playback system and any other system can, and usually does, create
ground loops and noises such as „buzz‟ and „hum‟. If grounding problems become an
issue for your application, an external relay can be used to isolate the load from the
Dream Player.
As a convenience to your wiring, you may use the power supplied on the Control Output
Terminal Strip, but doing so will draw power from the internal 5V regulated supply used
to power the Dream Player. Use this convenience power for LED‟s, small relays, or
triggering another Dream Player, but if you intend to power any larger loads, please
consider an external power source for the Control Outputs.
Figure 5 –Control Output Terminal Strip Pinout (P6)
Terminal
Name
Description
1
GND
Convenience power supply ground
2
Output-1
Control Output #1
3
Output-2
Control Output #2
4
Output-3
Control Output #3
5
Output-4
Control Output #4
6
Clamp
Common Clamp Diode Connection
7
5V
Convenience power supply (5VDC)
The control output terminals (Output-1 to Output-4) provide connection to a Darlington
Transistor Array (Collector) used to Sink Power, but can not Supply Power. Each Output
is capable of sinking 400MA using the ULN2803 in the socket at U7. The Darlington
Array has its Emitters connected to the GND Terminal #1. External or Convenience
power can be used to power the load, but the reference and current ground will be using
GND Terminal #1.
Terminal #6 (Clamp) is connected to the Darlington Array protection diodes (Cathode)
for all 4 outputs. If you are driving an inductive load such as a relay, the Clamp terminal
should be connected to the power source being used for the load. This Clamp Terminal
will prevent the back-lash of the relay from destroying the Darlington Array. If simply
driving LED‟s this terminal can be left un-connected.
Terminal #7 provides a local power source that is not isolated from the Dream Player, but
can be used to simplify wiring if just powering LED‟s or other small loads. Power used
from this terminal can cause the on-board voltage regulator to become hot under load.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 13
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
The following example shows a simple way to connect status LED‟s to the Dream Player
using the convenience 5VDC power supply. The LED‟s will require current-limiting
resistors since each Control Output can sink 400MA and would burn-out the LED‟s.
Since the LED‟s do not present an inductive load, the Clamp terminal has been left un-
connected.
Figure 6 - Simple Control Output LED Connections
Note: The function of each Control Output is determined by the on-board DIP Switch, or
the CONFIG.TXT File. See the information contained in this manual about
functionality
The Dream Player can also be used to drive conventional DC powered lamps or DC
powered relays. Using external relays allow much higher power to be controlled, or even
AC Line voltage. The possibilities are endless, but the next example shows how to
connect external lamps or relays using an external power source.
The external power source is used for this example so that not too much power is
consumed from the Dream Player‟s on-board 5VDC power supply regulator. If the relays
are high-efficiency and can be powered from 5VDC, then the on-board 5VDC power
source could be used. In the following example, we are using an external power source.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 14
Figure 7 - Lamp/Relay Control Output Connections
The common lamp/relay connection must be to the Positive terminal of the power supply,
and also is connected to the Clamp terminal to utilize the Dream Player‟s built-in
protection diodes. The external power supply Negative terminal is connected to the GND
Control Output terminal. This arrangement causes the positive voltage to flow though the
lamp/relay, into the Control Output terminal, and back out the G Control terminal, and
complete the circuit at the power supply negative terminal.
Because the Dream Player uses a Darlington Transistor array for the output control
switching element, AC power cannot be used, only DC is possible.
3.5 Mode Switches
The Dream Player has many options available for the Trigger Inputs, Control Outputs,
and other functions. These features may be tailored to your specific situation using the
CONFIG.TXT file which we will cover later on. However most of these options may also
be set using the onboard Mode DIP Switches. Whatever is set on the DIP switch will take
priority over whatever is set on the CONFIG.TXT file. If all the switches are in the
down/off position then the Dream Player will use whatever settings are in the
CONFIG.TXT file.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 15
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
Figure 8 - Mode Switch Settings
Switch 1 –Loop Mode
ON
The selected audio track will play continuously over and over until
another Trigger Input is detected or the PLAY button is pressed
OFF
The audio tracks will play once only and stop when the end is reached
Switch 2 –Random Mode
ON
A trigger will cause a random track to be selected and played. The random
track will play once or loop forever depending on the setting of Switch 1 –
Loop Mode
OFF
Random track selection is not enabled
Note: When Random Mode and Loop Mode are both ON, Trigger #1 will pick a new
random track with each playback loop. Trigger #2 will pick a random track and
continue to loop that single random track.
Switch 3 –Loop While Trigger
ON
The selected audio track will continue to loop and play as long as the
respective trigger input is present. Once the trigger is removed, the current
track is played to completion then the Dream Player will stop
OFF
Loop while trigger is not enabled
Note: Loop While Trigger can also be combined with the Random Play Mode to
cause random tracks to be played as long as the Trigger is present.
Switch 4 –Spare
ON
Not used yet
OFF
Not used yet

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 16
Switch 5
Switch 6
Control Outputs
ON
ON
This mode selection is not used yet
ON
OFF
At the END of each track, the respective
Control Output will momentarily go active
or pulse
OFF
ON
At the BEGINNING of each track, the
respective Control Output will
momentarily go active or pulse
OFF
OFF
During PLAY of each track, the respective
Control Output will constantly be held
active
Switch 7 –Spare
ON
Not used yet
OFF
Not used yet
Switch 8 –Auto Start
ON
When power is applied to the Dream Player, playback of Track #1 will
automatically begin playing after about 2 seconds
OFF
Playback will NOT automatically start at power-on
All switch modes can be combined in any manner. For example, a useful setup would be
combining Auto Start Mode, Random Mode, and Loop Mode. This would cause the
Dream Player to start playing a random track after power-up, when the track ends, pick
another random track and play. This process would continue until a trigger input is
detected or the PLAY button is pressed.
3.6 Mounting Holes
The Dream Player can be mounted to any non-conducting surface using the supplied
mounting holes. Although there are not any components on the back of the LITE, using
some form of stand-off would be advisable to keep from breaking anything and more
importantly avoid any unwanted short circuits. The mounting holes are electrically
isolated however, and using steel screws is fine, but please do be careful not to over
tighten them.

Using your Dream PlayerMK2
Page 17
Dream Player MK2 –User Manual
4 Introducing the CONFIG.TXT File
Upon first glance the CONFIG.TXT file looks intimidating but is pretty self explanatory,
and easy to use. The below screen is as it appears directly off a PRICOM Design supplied
microSD Card, downloaded off our website, or from the included CD.
If for some reason you neglect to put the CONFIG.TXT file onto your SD Card this is the
standard CONFIG.TXT that the MK2 would revert to.

Using your Dream Player MK2
PRICOM Design
Page 18
We will just go ahead and simply go down the list of what we can do with this awesome
little file.
First off;
To make a Function ACTIVE, remove the “#”from in front of it. If a feature is not
applicable to your situation and you do not need it, simply insert a “#”in front of
the name.
You may name the file whatever you want just so long as it starts with “CONFIG.TXT”
and ends with .txt. For example “CONFIG.TXT-bobsstuff.txt”, “CONFIG.TXT.txt” and
“CONFIG.TXT-thisismysampletestfile.txt” would all work.
There should only ever be one CONFIG.TXT file on the mirco SD Card.
This CONFIG.TXT File must be less than 4KB long. We have a limited about of memory
space that we can dedicate to reading this specific file and 4KB happened to be that
number. In its original condition and as it is displayed above it measures about 3.01KB.
But the above includes a lot of text and to make the file do its job you should not have to
mess with the text at all. So space should not be too much of an issue. Just don‟t go
writing any excessively long comments to yourself.
Overall the nice thing is that if for some reason you forget what a particular function
does, the description is found in the file and will pretty much just explain itself.
So enough housekeeping let‟s get into what each one does.