MP3+ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
MP3+ Frequently asked questions
We get all kinds of questions about MP3+. Here's some that usually arise sooner or later, to make things a bit easier we have gathered them here, with answers.
Q. Can MP3+ play several audio files simultaneous?
Q. Can MP3+ play uncompressed audio?
Q. Can you fast-forward or rewind?
Q. Are there any updates to MP3+?
Q. Why does it offer both RS232 and RS485?
Q. Is there any forum for MP3+ users?
Q. What new features are planned for the future?
Q. I need help, how do i get it?
Why doesn't it work?
Like with all electronics there are always moments when things doesn't work as they should. This is not a complete service manual, if you have any problems please go through this section before contacting your vendor.
Q. MP3+ is inactive, no LED is indicating activity, no sound.
Q. Suddenly MP3+ restarts when playing audio.
Q. Everything seems OK, but there's no sound.
Q. Audio is played back at double the speed, chipmunk effect.
Q. MP3 files work just fine on my computer but not on MP3+.
Q. I don't have any speakers connected, still MP3+ get's hot.
Q. I have connected speakers and MP3+ gets very hot.
Q. After playing audio for a while with volume loud, the volume suddenly got weaker.
Q. I poked around inside MP3+ and now it seems to be broken.
Q. Things get activated when i play audio.
Q. Synchronization doesn't work!
Can MP3+ play several audio files simultaneous?
No, MP3+ only has one Mp3 decoder built-in. It is not possible for Mp3+ to play more than one audio file at a time.
If you need more simultaneous audio files playing at the same time a simple solution is to use several MP3+. Using the serial port you can connect a large number of units.
MP3+ supports synchronization, in theory you can have as many audio channels as you want.
Can MP3+ play uncompressed audio?
No, only files encoded with Mp3.
What bitrate should i use?
You can use any compression rate, to avoid audible sound degradation your original audio should not be below 128kbps. Use the highest bitrate you have storage for, the higher the bitrate the better quality your audio will have.
Can you fast-forward or rewind?
Unfortunately not, MP3+ can only play audio files from start to finish. However you can pause and stop playback.
It is also not possible to position itself in the middle of an audio file.
Are there any updates to MP3+?
The firmware is continuously updated when needed. Like all software, there are bugs that needs to be addressed when they appear.
Why does it offer both RS232 and RS485?
RS232 is meant to be used in situations with short wire lenghts in electrically clean environments where only a few players are controlled. RS232 is cheap, easy to output from ordinary computers, PLC or other available control systems. You only need to supplement with a driver to avoid overloading the transmitting RS232 port.
RS485 is good for when you want to control several players and where the interference risk is higher, but also when using longer wires. RS485 is balanced which makes the signal hard to jam. The downside to RS485 is that some control systems cannot send serial data via RS485. In those cases one have to use a RS232 to RS485 converter.
To summarize I recommend RS485 if available, otherwise use RS232. If there's a problem with the transmission, install a converter from RS232 to RS485, then all problems would be cleared up.
What cable should i use?
For distribution of the speaker signal, preferably use a cable that's 2x1,5mm2
For RS232/RS485/Sync vi recommend all kinds of qualitative shielded twisted pair cable med an area of at least 0.22mm². FKAR-PG 0,5mm² is a terrific cable.
For control bus a shielded cable is preferable. FKAR-PG 0,5mm² is a cost-effective cable.
How long cables can i use?
RS232 should not exceed 10-15 meters.
RS485 works well up to lenghts at 1200 meters.
The synchronization signal should not be distributed longer than 1200 meters.
Wireing from buttons, sensors and such should not be distributed longer than 10-15 meters. If you experience unresponsive actions you should consider installing relays.
Longer cable lenghts are possible using a signal amplifier.
A shielded cable is always preferable. Just remember to connect the shield to ground.
Is there any forum for MP3+ users?
Not yet, but if you want to get in touch with other users to share experiences, please contact us at Ljusdesign, we can put you in touch with other users.
What new features are planned for the future?
We are working on a couple of new features to improve MP3+, including the ability to position itself freely in an mp3 file, also on improved volume control via the serial data.
I need help, how do i get it?
First you read the manual. It answers most questions about MP3+.
Please read through the whole manual before contacting you dealer with questions.
You may also contact Ljusdesign directly.
For questions regarding operation of your computer or other hardware or software that is not a part of MP3+ please consult your vendor for support and help. Ljusdesign does not offer free support on equipment or software that's supplied by third parties.
Why doesn't it work?
MP3+ is inactive, no LED is indicating activity, no sound.
Check if there's supply voltage to the player. Is it connected?
Is the voltage correct? 12V AC or DC 50 VA.
Suddenly MP3+ restarts when playing audio.
Is the voltage correct? 12V AC or DC 50 VA.
Is the power supply unit working?
Are you using the original power supply unit?
The red LED is on!
Is the Compact Flash card properly inserted in MP3+?
Is the Compact Flash broken? Try a card you know is fuctioning properly.
Always disconnect the unit when inserting or ejecting the Compact Flash card.
Is the Mp3 file that you're trying to play really copied to the Compact Flash?
Check your script file.
Everything seems OK, but there's no sound.
Are there speakers connected? Passive / Active
Is the volume turned up? Left / Right
Does the source Mp3 files have sound?
Check that the script file (Playlist.BMH) is properly configured. "Val3-Val6". No sound will play if all of these are set at 0000.
Have you copied the files to the Compact Flash card?
Audio is played back at double the speed, chipmunk effect.
The encoding failed, try again.
MP3 files work just fine on my computer but not on MP3+.
Remove the ID3v2 header from your Mp3 file.
Try another codec.
Avoid having files with similar names. 'nnnn*.mp3' where 'nnnn' is identical.
MP3+ can handle most mp3 files, but not all.
I don't have any speakers connected, still MP3+ get's hot.
MP3+ get about 34 C when idle.
Ensure good ventilation.
I have connected speakers and MP3+ gets very hot.
With loud volume and great power output (Trash metal, Speed punk, Techno etc.) MP3+ can reach temperatures up to 70 C. You might want to consider using an external amplifier but MP3+ rarely reachers such high temperatures.
Ensure good ventilation.
After playing audio for a while with volume loud, the volume suddenly got weaker.
MP3+ has heat protection built-in, if it reaches temperatures over 70 C the amplifier will shutdown until it's cool.
Ensure good ventilation.
I poked around inside MP3+ and now it seems to be broken.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Contact your supplier for help
Playback is activated without me doing it!
Does your sensors put out voltage? Induction?
Are you using shielded cables? They are always better.
If you're using long cables you should use an auxilary relay close to MP3+ to reduce interference.
Synchronization doesn't work!
Is the cable properly connected? Did you check the cable before you hooked it up to MP3+?
Have you connected the cable to sync MP3+?
Is there only one master in the system? Val 7 ID = $FEFE
Are you really using a shielded cable, is it shielded to GND?
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