sparkfun WIG-13660 User manual

Tsunami Super WAV Trigger Hookup Guide
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Introduction
NOTE: This guide is for the Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic). For the previous version of this board, the
Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (without a Qwiic connector), please refer to the original Tsunami hookup guide.
NOTE: This can be a relatively complex and overwhelming product for novice users, due to the numerous
configuration options that make it so versatile. Novice users, may want to consider the WAV Trigger or MP3
Trigger first.
The Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic) is a polyphonic WAV file player that was developed in collaboration with
Robertsonics (a portion of each sale goes back to them for product support and development). The Tsunami Super
WAV Trigger (Qwiic) is an improved version of the Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (the bigger brother of the WAV
Trigger), which can now, be controlled through the Qwiic connect system.
WAV Trigger

WIG-13660
MP3 Trigger

WIG-13720
Y O U R A C C O U N T
L O G I N
R E G I S T E R

Users familiar with the original Tsunami, will notice a few improvements to the Qwiic Tsunami:
Input Voltage: 5 - 10V
USB-C Connector
RGB Status LED
I C Control
Qwiic Connector
New Audio Codec
Digital Filters
Comparison Table
Tsunami WAV Trigger (Qwiic) Tsunami WAV Trigger WAV Trigger
Power
Range:
Inputs:
5 - 10V
USB-C and PTH
5 - 15V
micro-B USB and PTH
6 - 15V
DC Barrel Jack
Tracks
Number:
Layer Mixing:
Up to:
4096 uncompressed files
18 stereo WAV files
32 mono WAV files
Up to:
4096 uncompressed files
18 stereo WAV files
32 mono WAV files
Up to:
2048 uncompressed files
14 stereo WAV files
Audio Outputs 8-channel (Mono)
4-channel (Stereo)
8-channel (Mono)
4-channel (Stereo)
3.5mm TRRS Audio Jack
Speaker connector (PTH)
Mono amplifier
Audio Input Line-level stereo Line-level stereo None
Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic)

WIG-18159
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Control
Triggers:
Serial:
Qwiic (I C):
16 (3.3V)
Yes (3.3V)
Yes (3.3V)
16 (3.3V)
Yes (3.3V)
N/A
16 (5V or 3.3V)
Yes (5V or 3.3V)
N/A
Status LED RGB Blue Red
Hot Swap SD Card Yes (with RESET button) Yes (with RESET button) No
Firmware Updates via SD card via SD card via serial port
MIDI Dedicated I/O pins Dedicated I/O pins Possible via serial port
Required Materials
The Qwiic Tsunami does need a few additional items, including a pair of (corded) headphones, for users to get
started with this tutorial. You may already have a few of these items, including the required USB-C cable, so feel
free to modify your cart based on your needs.
Note: For the best results, we recommend Class 10 SD cards with a FAT16 or FAT32 file system format and
a 32kB file allocation size. We recommend avoiding:
The 1GB SparkX SD Card, from our catalog, since it isn't a Class 10 card and can lead to reliability
issues.
SD Cards with a capacity larger than 32GB, since it can be difficult to convert them to the FAT16 or
FAT32 file system format with a 32kB file allocation size.
For more information on compatible SD cards, please check out the Robertsonics website.
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Product Showcase: Tsunami Super WAV TriggerProduct Showcase: Tsunami Super WAV Trigger

There are other additional component options available from our catalog (click the button below to display).
ADDITIONAL COMPONENT OPTIONS (TOGGLE)
Arduino Example
For the Arduino example, a RedBoard Qwiic Plus and Qwiic cable are required. There are also alternative part
options for this example as well (click button below to toggle options).
Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic)
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WIG-18159
microSD Card - 16GB (Class 10)
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COM-15051
IC Hook Test Leads
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CAB-00501
microSD USB Reader
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COM-13004
SparkFun TRRS 3.5mm Jack Breakout
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BOB-11570
USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

CAB-14743

ALTERNATIVE MICROCONTROLLER AND QWIIC PARTS (TOGGLE)
Suggested Reading
Note: Robertsonics has a more detailed about this product on their Tsunami product page. Robertsonics also
provides a cross-platform utility for generating Tsunami configuration files and updating the firmware. All of
which, can be downloaded from the Robertsonics' Tsunami downloads page.
If you're unfamiliar with serial terminals, jumper pads, or I C be sure to checkout some of these foundational
tutorials.
SparkFun Qwiic Cable Kit
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KIT-15081
SparkFun RedBoard Plus
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DEV-18158
USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot
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CAB-14743
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Logic Levels
I2C

Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and
logic levels.
An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded
communications protocols in use today.
Analog vs. Digital
This tutorial covers the concept of analog and digital
signals, as they relate to electronics.
Serial Terminal Basics
This tutorial will show you how to communicate with
your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator
applications.
How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering
This tutorial covers everything you need to know about
through-hole soldering.
SD Cards and Writing Images
How to upload images to an SD card for Raspberry Pi,
PCDuino, or your favorite SBC.
MIDI Tutorial
Understanding the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
Tsunami Hookup Guide
Hit the ground running with Tsunami, the Super Wav
Trigger.

The Tsunami Super WAV Trigger also utilizes the Qwiic connect system. We recommend familiarizing yourself with
the Logic Levels and I C tutorials (above) before using it. Click on the banner above to learn more about our
Qwiic products.
Installing an Arduino Library
How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy!
This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino
library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries
not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over
manually installing an Arduino library.
Installing Arduino IDE
A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the
Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
SparkFun Serial Basic CH340C Hookup Guide
SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout takes advantage of
USB-C and is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter
based on the CH340C IC from WCH. With USB-C you
can get up to three times the power delivery over the
previous USB generation and has the convenient
feature of being reversable.
RedBoard Plus Hookup Guide
This tutorial covers the basic functionality of the
RedBoard Plus. This tutorial also covers how to get
started blinking an LED and using the Qwiic system.
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SparkFun's Qwiic Connect SystemSparkFun's Qwiic Connect System

Hardware Overview
Note: For more details on the Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic) check out these resources from the
Robertsonics website:
Tsunami User Guide
Tsunami Product Page and FAQ
Robertsonics Tutorial Page
Board Dimensions
The dimensions for the Qwiic Tsunami are essentially the same as the original Tsunami. The overall board size is
2.95" x 2.925" (approx. 7.5cm x 7.4cm) and includes four 0.13" mounting holes, which are compatible with
standard 4-40 screws.
The dimensions for the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Power
WARNING: The input voltage on the Qwiic Tsunami is limited to 5 - 10V; while the original Tsunami had a
voltage range up to 15V. Users swapping or replacing boards should be aware of this change; exceeding the
input voltage range will damage the board permanently.
There is a status LED to help make sure that the Qwiic Tsunami is getting power. On the Qwiic Tsunami, users can
power the board through either the USB-C connector or the power breakout pins ( VIN and GND ). We
recommend users power the board through the USB-C connector.

The power connections on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
The input voltage range for the power pins is 5V - 10V, but we recommend providing a 5V supply. The current
draw from the Qwiic Tsunami is approximately 220mA (at 5V) at idle with an SD card inserted. When playing audio
files, the current draw increases. (When testing, playing a single .wav file to a mono (single) channel output, the
current draw spiked just past 240mA.)
By default, the board's power is isolated from the polarized Qwiic connector system. Although it isn't
recommended, users can modify the 3V3_Qwiic jumper to draw power from the Qwiic connector (see jumper
section below). The Qwiic system is meant to run on 3.3V, be sure that another voltage is NOT used with the Qwiic
system.
Polyphonic Engine
The operation of the polyphonic engine on the Tsunami is proprietary to Robertsonics. While we can't go into exact
details on how the board works, here are some highlights of the board:
The primary polyphonic engine components of the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Supports up to 4096 uncompressed 16-bit, 44.1kHz mono or stereo WAV files – CD quality
Polyphonic – Play and mix 32 mono or 18 stereo tracks independently and simultaneously

Dynamic routing to 8 mono or 4 stereo outputs
Seamless looping over arbitrary track length
Independent real-time volume and playback rate control per output
Pause and resume individual or groups of tracks
Minimal trigger-to-sound delay: 8 msecs typ, 12 msecs max
Trigger inputs can be individually inverted and set to be edge, latched, or level sensitive
Dedicated MIDI I/O
Assign individual MIDI notes to specific outputs, with individual looping control
Outputs provide independent real-time playback rate control and MIDI Pitch Bend
MIDI Velocity-sensitive triggering of up to 4096 tracks, adjustable attack and release times
Line-level stereo audio input
Output volumes adjustable from +10dB to -70dB
Firmware track fades (attacks & decays)
Extensive serial and I C control (Default I C address: 0x13)
Reset button allows changing SD cards without power-cycle
Firmware updates from µSD card. No additional hardware required
For more details, users can checkout the Tsunami product page on the Robertsonics website.
µSD Card Slot
Note: For the best results, we recommend Class 10 SD cards with a FAT16 or FAT32 file system format and
a 32kB file allocation size. We recommend avoiding:
The 1GB SparkX SD Card, from our catalog, since it isn't a Class 10 card and can lead to reliability
issues.
SD Cards with a capacity larger than 32GB, since it can be difficult to convert them to the FAT16 or
FAT32 file system format with a 32kB file allocation size.
For more information on compatible SD cards, please check out the Robertsonics website.
A µSD card is used store the audio *.wav files and initialization tsunami.ini file (optional) for the Qwiic Tsunami.
The µSD card slot contains a spring-loaded locking mechanism:
Insert the card and press in to lock the card into the slot.
Press in to unlock and remove the card from the slot.
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The µSD card slot on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Buttons
There are two buttons available on the Qwiic Tsunami.
RESET : Used to reset (reinitialize) the board after an SD card has been inserted.
USER : Used to update the firmware from the SD card.
1. Hold the USER button down
2. Insert SD card with new firmware tsunamix.hex file (can have normal operation *.wav and *.ini
files)
3. Press RESET button
4. Wait for successful firmware update status indicator before releasing the USER button
The RESET and USER buttons on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Status LED
New on the Qwiic Tsunami is the RGB status indication LED.

The RGB status LED on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Along with this improvement is a whole list of status indicators for users:
After SD card is inserted and Tsunami is reset:
µSD card found and formatted correctly: 3 short green blinks, then idle state
Error Codes:
No µSD card: One long blue, then idle state
µSD card format error (card installed but can't read FAT): One long red, one short, then idle
state
Audio hardware initialization error: One short red, repeats forever (continuous fast blinking red)
During normal operation:
System idle state: 1 very short blue (flash) every 3 seconds.
Audio playing: Solid green.
Error Codes:
Stereo wave file is triggered with the mono firmware, or a mono wave file is triggered with the
stereo firmware: 1 long red
Bootloader operation (Updating firmware):
Firmware successfully updated: Solid green
Error Codes: (All bootloader blink codes, except success, repeat forever)
No µSD card: One long blue, repeats (slow blinking blue.)
µSD card format error (card installed but can't read FAT): One long red, one short red, repeats
No firmware hex file found, or incorrect file contents: One long red, two short reds, repeats
Flash write error (hardware error): One short red, repeats (fast blinking red.)
Firmware successfully updated: Solid green.
Breakout Pins
Note: All the trigger, serial control, and button pins operate with 3.3V logic. Do not provide 5V to any of these
pins; it will permanently damage the board. The exception to this are the MIDI pins, which are opto-isolated.
There are a lot of breakout pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. While we won't cover them all, we'll discuss the pins with
major functionality that users would normally interface with.

The breakout pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Power Input
While we normally recommend that users power the Qwiic Tsunami through the USB-C connector, there are four
power input pins on the bottom of the board for users, who wish to permanently attach an external power source.
The input voltage range is 5 - 10V, but we recommend providing a 5V supply.
The power input pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Audio Pins
The audio pins support up to 7.1 channel surround sound (or 8 mono channels) output and stereo (or 2 mono
channels) line-level input.
Output Channels
Note:
For impedance matching the audio output channels, the impedance of the speakers or amplifiers should be
above 3.8kΩ.

There is significant frequency roll off at the ends of the high and low range of the audio output channels.
Extended use in these ranges can potentially damage the audio codec chip.
The audio output channels can be configured as stereo or mono outputs. By default, the factory programmed
firmware on the Qwiic Tsunami only supports mono .wav file playback and audio output channels will act
independently as eight mono outputs. For the best results, users should be hooking up the audio outputs to an
amplifier or active speakers, which include an internal amplifier.
The audio output pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Input Channels
There are two line-level inputs on the Qwiic Tsunami. The inputs have capacitors to negate any DC offsets and are
compatible with 1.1V signals.
The audio input pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Trigger Pins
PP

Note: Any inputs to the Qwiic Tsunami must use 3.3V logic-levels; otherwise, users risk permanently
damaging their board.
The trigger pins are the primary inputs for the Qwiic Tsunami. They can be configured to trigger various actions on
the Qwiic Tsunami. By default, the 16 trigger pins are active-high and are triggered by pulling the pins low.
The trigger pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Serial Control
Note: Any inputs to the Qwiic Tsunami must use 3.3V logic-levels; otherwise, users risk permanently
damaging their board.
Users have the option of controlling the Qwiic Tsunami through the serial pins. Users can directly connect a USB-
to-serial UART bridge like the Serial Basic Breakout or they can connect a microcontroller like the RedBoard Qwiic
Plus.

The serial control pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
MIDI Pins
Note: The MIDI pins are the only exception to the 3.3V logic-level input voltage, as the pins are opto-isolated.
Therefore, the pins can directly interface with the 5V logic levels of the MIDI standard.
The Qwiic Tsunami can be connected with MIDI controllers and instruments; users only need to solder the pins to
a 5-pin DIN connector. For more details, users can checkout the Tsunami User Guide and tutorial on the
Robertsonics website.
The MIDI interface pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Buttons
There are two PTH breakouts for the two user buttons. These allow users to solder on their own right-angle
buttons for a panel mounted operation.
The reset breakout pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)

Qwiic Connector
Note: By default, the board's power is isolated from the Qwiic connector system. Although it isn't
recommended, users can modify the 3V3 Qwiic jumper to draw power from the Qwiic connector. The Qwiic
system is meant to run on 3.3V, be sure that another voltage is NOT used with the Qwiic system.
New for the Qwiic Tsunami, users can now control the board through the an I C protocol. The polarized Qwiic
connector allows users to easily interface with the Qwiic connect system. The Qwiic Tsunami’s default I C address
is 0x13 (7-bit).
The Qwiic connector on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
I C Jumpers
There are two jumpers on the Qwiic Tsunami:
I2C
3V3_Qwiic
The user breakout pins on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
2
2
2

Cutting the I2C jumper will remove the 2.2kΩ pull-up resistors from the I C bus. If you have many devices on
your I C bus you may want to remove these jumpers.
The I C pull-up resistor jumper on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
By default, the board's power is isolated from the Qwiic connector system. Bridging the 3V3_Qwiic jumper allows
users to connect the board's power to the 3.3V input voltage of the Qwiic connect system.
The 3.3V power jumper on the Qwiic Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Prepare the μSD Card
Format the µSD Card
Note: For the best results, we recommend Class 10 SD cards with a FAT16 or FAT32 file system format and
a 32kB file allocation size. We recommend avoiding:
The 1GB SparkX SD Card, from our catalog, since it isn't a Class 10 card and can lead to reliability
issues.
SD Cards with a capacity larger than 32GB, since it can be difficult to convert them to the FAT16 or
FAT32 file system format with a 32kB file allocation size.
2
2
2

For more information on compatible SD cards, please check out the Robertsonics website.
The µSD card is an integral part of the Qwiic Tsunami's operation. In order for the µSD card to be compatible with
the Qwiic Tsunami:
A FAT16 or FAT32 file system must be used
The file allocation size must be 32 kilobytes
For a brand new card, formatting may not be necessary. However, if users experience the Qwiic Tsunami missing
commands, making occasional strange buzzing sounds, or sometimes crashing, then the file allocation size may
be incorrect. The Quick Format option in the Windows operating system is the usually the simplest method to
properly format the µSD card.
The format settings for a µSD card with a Windows operating system. (Click to enlarge)
µSD Card Contents
The contents of the µSD card are the key to how the Qwiic Tsunami operates. There are two types of files that the
firmware on the Qwiic Tsunami will utilize: audio *.wav files and a tsunami.ini initialization file. The firmware on
the Qwiic Tsunami, by default, is configured to operate in the following manner:
1. Default firmware operation (filenames matching the trigger inputs, will output on the first audio output
channel 1L ).
2. If there is a tsunami.ini file on the µSD card on reset, the Qwiic Tsunami will operate on its configuration
content.
3. Any additional changes via I2C or serial commands then take precedence over the initialization file.
Audio Files
The Qwiic Tsunami is designed to playback *.wav audio files from the µSD card. However, the *wav files must
be compatible with the firmware on the Qwiic Tsunami.
The audio format of *.wav files must be compatible with the firmware on the Qwiic Tsunami.
By default, the Qwiic Tsunami is factory programmed with the mono audio firmware and will only work
with *.wav files in mono audio format.
The filenames if the *wav files must follow the naming convention utilized by the firmware for the Qwiic
Tsunami to trigger the audio playback.
Audio File Format

The Qwiic Tsunami plays *.wav files recorded at 16-bit resolution, with a 44.1kHz sampling rate. Different
firmware images allow for the playback of stereo or mono files. The Qwiic Tsunami also requires that the files not
contain any additional header information. Some audio recording programs, such as Pro Tools, write additional
information at the start of the file. An easy way to remove the unnecessary header information is to utilize
Audacity. Users can use this software to export a file as WAV (Microsoft) signed 16-bit PCM and clear out the
metadata containing the header infromation (i.e. title, artist, genre, etc.).
The following video gives a brief demonstration of the Audacity export process.
Exporting from Audacity to Tsunami. (Click to enlarge)
Note: For users curious about the header contents, Rail John Rogut has written the Header Investigator
application, which can display Pro Tools region information and BWF time stamps. This extra data might be
meaningful to DAW applications, but Tsunami doesn't use the information.
Naming Convention
The filenames contain the trigger input mapping for the Qwiic Tsunami. Each file should start with a three-digit
number, which will assign it to a corresponding trigger input.
WAV Trigger and Tsunami Audio FilesWAV Trigger and Tsunami Audio Files