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Electret Microphone Replacement

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Discussion in 'General Electronics Discussion' started by kage1414, Sep 19, 2013.

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  1. Sep 19, 2013 #1
    kage1414

    kage1414

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    Sep 19, 2013
    I bought this sound-activated light that flashes at certain volume levels. The problem is that at the volume levels I plan to run it at it will be a constant strobe.

    Is there any way to lower the gain of the mic with resistors, or just remove the mic entirely with a resistor or capacitor? I really don't care about the sound active mode. But I'd be happy with lower gain, a lowpass filter (Like an audio crossover, so it pulses with the bass, preferably at a lower gain), or no mic at all.

    I got the sound active version of this, which is basically a strobe at higher volume levels: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2013
  2. Sep 19, 2013 #2
    Harald Kapp

    Harald Kapp Moderator Moderator

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    If you remove the mic, how are you going to activate the flasher? After all, it's supposed to be sound activated. If it's too sensitive, try to damp the sound level. Place some acoustic foam over the mic any foam plastics will do).
     
  3. Sep 19, 2013 #3
    kage1414

    kage1414

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    Sep 19, 2013
    I'm not really concerned for the flasher. It's too sensitive and if it's a constant strobe I'd rather just have it on all the time. And there's not really any room for acoustic foam without covering the leds inside of it. I can easily remove the mic and resolder it with a resistor
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2013
  4. Sep 19, 2013 #4
    duke37

    duke37

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    The electret microphone will be fed with a resistor. If this is replaced by a potentiometer, then the sensitivity can be varied.

    A low pass filter can be built but will need some room and a small amount of power.
    Have you tried some PVC sticky tape over the microphone which will drop the sensitivity and act as a low pass filter?

    The internals may not be isolated from the mains so be very careful.
     
  5. Sep 20, 2013 #5
    kage1414

    kage1414

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    Sep 19, 2013
    If I were to remove it from the circuit, what could I replace it with?

    My last resort would probably be gaffers tape
     
  6. Sep 20, 2013 #6
    Harald Kapp

    Harald Kapp Moderator Moderator

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    Just leave the connections open. An electret micro is essentially a capacitor which changes with sound volume. If you remove it, there will be no more signal to the following circuit.
    But possibly the flasher will be constantly off then. In that case you would have to analyze the internal circuit of the flasher and find a point where you can trigger the flasher as you like.
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2013
  7. Sep 23, 2013 #7
    kage1414

    kage1414

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    Sep 19, 2013
    What size and type of capacitor could I replace it with?
     
  8. Sep 24, 2013 #8
    Harald Kapp

    Harald Kapp Moderator Moderator

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    You don't need a capacitor. Read my post.
     
  9. Sep 24, 2013 #9
    kage1414

    kage1414

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    Sep 19, 2013
    My question was in case it didn't work, but you were right. Thank you!
     
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