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This project is meant to be, first of all, cheap and simple enough to build for people with some skill in electronics. The hardware is mostly just standard PC stuff and you should be able to get it quite cheap if you don't already have the stuff lying around.
 

NEWPlease note: since 02.08.1999 there is a new hardware design for the IR part.

      The old designs can be received here .

What you will need:

Hardware:

Software:

Instructions

Here I give you a short overview how you have to use the software for  M A P. If you download the software, there is a
readme for detailed description.
Extract the zip file and copy all files to a bootable DOS-floppy. Install your Sound card- and CDROM driver to the floppy.
Please use mscdex version >2.00 with your CDROM driver. Copy the DOS player like  mpxplay.
If you don't have a LCDisplay and if you don't have the remote control hardware, you have the possibility to use a monitor and a
standard keyboard.
Edit the file map.ini. Here you have to key in the drive number of your CD drive or your hard drive.
Now use the program rclearn.exe to learn your IR transmitter code for mapping. Once the code is learned it will be loaded any time you
reboot.
Start the software by running the batch start.bat. The software recognizes which kind of CD is inserted (data or audio). In case of data CD,
the software looks for files with the extension mp3 in all subtrees and creates a list of them.
You have also the possibilty to create a playlistfile. If you burn a CD with MP3 files, put the playlistfile to the CD!
Also,I recommend to use the ID Tag!  My software read this informations and they will be displayed on the LCD.
Please look at the readme-file from the zip, there you can find detailed instruction how to use MAP.
The IR-hardware for connecting to the COM-port:

schematic of MAP IR HW

Download schematic for IR in PDF format (you need an acrobatreader!): FBMAP.PDF   (17KB)
 

Here you can see the schematics of the IR remote control part. This little print is connected directly to the COM  port (1 or 2) from the motherboard. X1 is the appropiate connector.
You don't need extra power supply for the IR hardware.
The FBMAP-chip is a programable controller. If you want use the IR part you should order a programmed controller at  me .
The chip is functionally tested.
You can order a ready made and tested IR-hardware for only 18 US$.

IC1      -  FBMAP-chip
IR        -  SFH506-36
D1,D2  -  1N4148
D3,D4  -  ZPD 5V1
R1       -  270R
R2       - 1K
R3       - 100K
C1       -  100 uF
C2       -  4,7 uF
X1       -  2x5 connector

Above you can see a layout for the IR-hardware. If you click the image you get a pdf-format.
Print is now available!!!!


 

The LCD-Connection to the printerport:
 

LCD-logic

Download schematic for IR in PDF format (you need an acrobatreader!): LCDLOGIC.PDF   (17KB)

Here you can see the connection from the printerport of the PC-motherboard to the LCDisplay. You need only 3 components:

R1,R2  -  10K
Poti 1K
Connect all the hardware with a ribbon flat cable. Don't forget to connect the LCD with 5V from the PC-Powersupply!

Infrared remote transmitter    (this is the one I use, you can use any standard remote transmitter!!!!!!)

 


The picture shows the infrared remote transmitter I use. It is available at Conrad Elektronik. and costs about 30,00 DM, ~ 16 $.
It has a very small size, dimensions like a creditcard!
The purpose of this is, you can use the transmitter also for other components of your HiFi Stereo rack!


last modified: 22.08.99 UM