Laser Tag C08 – Sound System

This tutorial will take about 60-90 minutes

Chip variations

There are two versions of the JQ6500 sound module: the original JQ6500 and the newer, enhanced HW-890 module. Although both modules have the same pin configuration, they differ significantly in how WAV or MP3 files are uploaded. The JQ6500 requires additional software for file uploads, while the HW-890 functions like a USB drive. Additionally, the file numbering systems for the two modules are different, leading to inconsistencies when mapping sound file numbers to WAV files. The HW-890 operates within a voltage range of 3.3V to 5V, whereas the JQ6500 requires a minimum of 4V to function properly and struggles to operate at 3.3V.

A reliable reference for the JQ6500 module can be found at https://sparks.gogo.co.nz/jq6500/index.html.

Sound Effects

The laser taggers we create will be compatible with the Miles taggers that were previously available for purchase on LaserTagParts.com, along with the sound downloads. Although this site is no longer accessible, you can download the sound effects here.

The file names line up with the following sounds:

Music Update Tool – JQ6500 only

The MP3 files need to be uploaded to the JQ6500 chip using a program called “Music Update Tool.” When you first connect the JQ6500 module to your computer, a drive will typically open, similar to when you plug in a USB drive. Depending on your specific JQ6500 module, this drive may be unformatted or may already contain the upload program.

During your initial attempt at this process, it may seem like it won’t work, and the software might be in a different language. If this is the case, refer to the screenshots below for translations.

There are various versions of the software available. Version 1.0 may not be compatible with all JQ6500 chips. Some devices have the software embedded, while others require an additional download. You can download an English version of the software from this link or this zip file. You may need to try several different versions of the software until you find one that works.

Steps:

1. Connect a USB cable to your computer.
2. Launch the software, either from a download or directly from the JQ6500 module if it is included.
3. Select the files, ensuring they are listed in the correct order in the File Name box. The example below illustrates how files may occasionally become disordered.

Music Update HW-896

When you first connect the HW-896 to your computer via USB, it will prompt you to format the disk. You can proceed to format the disk and then copy the files directly onto the drive.

Wiring diagram

Testing the sound

Once your speaker is connected to the JQ6500 module, you can test the sound by grounding one of the pins: K1, K2, K3, K4, or K5. Grounding a pin will manually trigger a different sound effect corresponding to that pin. To ground the pins, connect a wire from the negative terminal to the desired pin. Each pin produces a distinct sound:

• K5 = near miss
• K1 = shot
• K2 = empty
• K3 = clip
• K4 = mil action (reload)
• K5 = near miss

New Feature cycle

For this tutorial, we will get the gun to play the power up sound, which is file 008.wav on the sound chip.

Save your project as “LaserTag_C08_Sounds”

Libraries

The JQ6500 library is compatible with both modules and requires manual installation.

You can download the library as a zip file from: sleemanj/JQ6500_Serial: Arduino Library for the JQ6500 MP3 Player Modules.

Add the library as a zip (Manual method)

In the Arduino IDE, select Sketch → Include Library → Add .ZIP Library…

In the main program tab, include the libraries and create the necessary variables.

In the setup() subroutine, include setupSounds().

New tab, functions and code

Upload and Test

I am curious why my sound files do not align perfectly with both modules . With the new HW-896 chip, there appears to be a discrepancy of two. For example, when I playFileByIndexNumber(6), it plays 008.wav instead. If the mapping isn’t functioning as expected, try uncommenting the code above to see if you can match the number being played with your file number.

Christian Content

In the lasertag game, it is essential for the sounds to be clear so that players can comprehend their meanings. These sounds may signify a gunshot, the start of the game, or its conclusion. If the sounds were randomised, it would lead to confusion during gameplay.

The Bible emphasises the significance of communication, particularly within the church.

1 Corinthians 14:6–11 (HCSB)
But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in other languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? Even inanimate things that produce sounds—whether flute or harp —if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognised? In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle? In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 

1 Corinthians 14:19 (HCSB)
yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in another language.

Throughout history, there have been numerous occasions when attending church would not have provided clarity, as the service was conducted in a foreign language. Even when delivered in a familiar language, understanding the message can still be challenging. Christians have consistently endeavoured to make the Christian message accessible and comprehensible. This commitment has led to the translation of the Bible into nearly 2,000 languages, enabling people to engage with the text in their own language. As highlighted in the previous examples, if you cannot grasp the message, how can it benefit you?

William Tyndale firmly believed that the Bible was the ultimate authority within the church. In 1525, he translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into English. However, church authorities in England opposed this effort, prompting Tyndale to flee to Germany, where he completed the translation and had copies of the English Bible smuggled back to England in 1526. Tyndale continued to work on the translation of the Old Testament but was eventually captured and executed by burning in Vilvoorde in 1536. By then, 18,000 copies of his New Testament had been printed. He was passionate about making the Bible understandable to the public so that it could be of benefit to them.

If you cannot understand the message, how will it benefit you?

In the lasertag game, numerous sound cues, such as beeps and sound effects, are used. If these messages are unclear, they will not serve any purpose. Similarly, if you attend church and are unable to comprehend the message, it will also be of no benefit to you.

If you wish to learn more about Christianity, speak with Christians you know or read the Bible to grasp its message and ensure it is beneficial to you.