Updating the MP3 Trigger Firmware

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The MP3 Trigger is now shipping from SparkFun, and I’ve already been asked about support for different baud rates on the serial port. As shipped, the unit supports 38.4Kbps and is not user configurable. I chose this relatively high data rate because I needed to send updates as quickly as possible to avoid clicking and distortion when dynamically altering the volume – many small changes are better than a few big ones. I understand that not everyone needs this feature, and some may want to control the MP3 Trigger from devices that don’t support such a high baud rate.

For the time being, I’ve built alternate versions of the v1.01 firmware (the version that SparkFun is shipping at this date) for 2400 and 9600 baud.  Please do not ask SparkFun to modify the firmware before shipping – they are simply not able to do this on a case-by-case basis.

You can download the hex files here:

MP3 Trigger v1.01 38.4K baud firmware (as shipped)
MP3 Trigger v1.01 9600 baud firmware
MP3 Trigger v1.01 2400 baud firmware

In order to make use of the above hex files, you’ll need a way to utilize the in-circuit programming connector on the MP3 Trigger. The easiest solution is to get a Cypress MiniProg for around $25. Since there is no header installed for this on the MP3 Trigger, a 5-pin male header can be used for temporary connection.  The following picture shows the MiniProg and appropriate header.

MP3Prog001

The next picture shows the header inserted into the female connector of the MiniProg, then inserted into the connector on the under side of the MP3 Trigger and properly oriented.

MP3Prog002

I’ve created a forum dedicated to discussion and questions about the MP3 Trigger. If and when you get to the point of reprogramming your firmware and have questions, that’s a good place to go and it will help me get the forums going. You can also leave comments/questions here.  And I’ll do my best to monitor the SparkFun forum as well.

-Jamie

6 Responses to “Updating the MP3 Trigger Firmware”

  1. WSeay  on October 26th, 2009

    The links to the Zip files have an error. The 9600 link points to the 2400 file. The 2400 file is dead.

    Reply

    • robertsonics  on October 27th, 2009

      Just testing to see if anyone is actually reading this site… (sheepish grin).

      Thanks for catching that. Should be fixed now.

      Reply

  2. ugel  on March 18th, 2010

    Hi. SparkFun telling me the MP3 Trigger is obsolete. Any idea where I can get abaout 12 pcs?

    Thanks.

    Reply

    • robertsonics  on March 18th, 2010

      Let me contact them and find out what’s up. I’ll report back here as soon as I can get more info.

      Reply

      • robertsonics  on March 18th, 2010

        There was evidently a hiccup in production and some confusion on the part of the staff, but there should be no issue with getting more MP3 Triggers, other than perhaps waiting for the next build. No plans to discontinue the product.

        If you have any further problems, please contact SparkFun tech support for clarification and let me know.

        Reply

  3. ugel  on March 19th, 2010

    Great, I’ll check back with SparkFun. Their tech support first told me the MP3 Trigger was retired, but now I hope it’s ok. Thank you. FYI: I’ll use them to add engine sound to some electrical cars in a Norwegian theme park (http://www.hunderfossen.no/english/).

    Reply


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