Author Topic: Home Made Electronic Caller (Read 7034 times)

SD Handgunner · « **on:** January 22, 2005, 07:21:39 AM »

There were a couple things about the last one I built that I didn't like, a buddy kept budding me to sell it to him, so I did and started over.

The basic design is the same, Speco SPC-5 Speaker and Radio Shack Mini Amp are mounted in an Insulated Coffee Mug. The list of sounds are the same, but this time I used a different MP3 Player.

Track 1 (CD-161) Coyote Locator (92 secs.)
Track 2 (CD-163) Coyote Pup Distress (29 secs.)
Track 3 (CD-102G) Despirate Cries of a Cottontail (30 secs.)
Track 4 (CD-102C) High Pitched Cottontail (31 secs.)
Track 5 (CD-107B) Canine Puppies (31 secs.)
Track 6 (CD-125A) Distressed Housecat (32 secs.)
Track 7 (CD-117) Meadowlark Distress (31 secs.)
Track 8 (CD-116E) Squealing Woodpecker (31 secs.)
Track 9 (CD-155A) Fawn Bleating (31 secs.)
Track 10 (CD-105B) Rodent Distress (30 secs.)
Track 11 (CD-166) Coyote / Gray Fox Fight (34 secs.)
Track 12 (CD-168) Coywolf Barks / Howls (40 secs.)
Track 13 (161A) Lone Howl Locator (15 secs.)
Track 14 (CT-162) Lone Coyote Challange (42 secs.)

All the tracks with a CD in the number were from Johnny Stewart Calling CD's, and the track with the CT in the number is from Johnny Stewart Calling Cassette. One sound loop (the sounds on the CD's and Cassettes are one sound loop looped over and over again to make up the entire length of the sound) was recorded on to a computer to sound editing software called "Gold Wave". After the one sound loop was recorded any unwanted background noise was filtered out, and the each track burnt to a master CD (with the sounds in the ordered I wanted them and the length I wanted). Then it was a simple matter to simply load the 14 tracks onto a Rio 600 MP3 Player (picked this one up off of E-Bay for $20.00 shipped).

The MP3 Player I used this time is a Rio 600. This one has a few improved features that make it more desireable over the JaMP3 Player I used last time. On the Rio once the repeat track option is selected it stays enacted until the set up is changed. In addition on the Rio the user can set the elapsed time the player will stay on when not in use before it goes to sleep. Another feature I like about the Rio is the volume level setting stays the same when the unit is shut off and turned back on again (rather than going back to the lowest setting).

This time I mounted the speaker a little differently so it is flush with the end of the Coffee Mug and does not protrude out like the previous one did.

this is the business end of the caller, the view the Coyote is gonna see before it is lights out (well at least I hope so).

This next photo shows a side view to see the angle that the Rio 600 is mounted at. I think this will allow me to see the Rio 600 better when the caller is sitting beside me.

This view shows the rear of the caller with the lid removed. The amp circut board is on the left. Mounting the speaker farther into the mug (flush with the front) eliminated about a couple inches of space inside of the mug. As such I had to use 90 degree adaptors to get the speaker and Rio 600 plugged into the amp circut board.

There you have it. I think this is about the 7th ot 8 th different E-Caller I have built over the years. I started with Cassettes, went to CD's, and now the last couple have been with MP3 Players for the sound source.

Now I may remodel this one buy making it wireless so I can set the coffee mug out where I want the sound and keep the MP3 Player with me so I have total control of the caller.

Larry

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2005, 08:56:09 AM »

For anyone wanting a parts list (I have had a few people e-mail me for the list), I will include it here.

Electronic Caller Parts List

Rio 600 MP3 Player (bought off of E-Bay) $20.00 including shipping.
(Or the sound source can be a Walkman Type Cassette Player, Walkman Type CD Player or even a Digital Voice Recorder)

Insulated Coffee Mug (5" outside diameter x 9 1/2" long) = $5.99ea

Speco SPC-5 PA Speaker (bought off the net) = $10.00ea

Radio Shack #277-1008, Mini Audio Amplifier/Speaker = $11.99ea

Radio Shack #275-1565, SPST Soft Feel Push on Push Off Switch = $2.19ea

Radio Shack #274-372, 90 Degree Adaptor 1/8 = $2.99ea ($5.98 2 used on amp)

Radio Shack #274-286, 1/8" Mono Jack = $1.99ea

Radio Shack #42-2387, 6 Foot Patch Cord 1/8" Stereo Plug on each end = $3.99ea

Radio Shack #276-084, LED Indicator Light for Amp (fits 3/16" hole) = $1.99ea

Can of Flat Grey Spray Paint = $2.99ea

There you have it. It is suprising at how good the sound quality is with this Rio 600 MP3 Player, and how much volume the little Radio Shack Mini Amp produces. I have also experimented with different brands of PA Speakers over the years and the Speco SPC-5 is the best sounding, loudest PA Speaker I have found for use with the Radio Shack Mini Amp.

Now the next project (maybe next year) will be to make it into a wireless remote.

Larry

skinner · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2005, 06:31:52 PM »

Very nice it looks like it should do the job

rick james · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2005, 07:35:07 PM »

I just made one too, but it doesn't look as slick as the one pic above. I simply used an all in one amplified megaphone from Radio Shack that cost about $37, and I hook up a Cass Creek Predator #1 electronic call to it which cost $22. The megaphone has an external microphone plug in it, that you plug the Cass Creek caller into. There are 2 different Cass Creek callers available at Dick's Sporting Goods too for predators with I believe 5 sounds on each including cottontail, jackrabbit, coyote pup, coyote howl (sounds horrible), coon distress, woodpecker distress, fawn distress, etc. The sound is excellent on all of them except for the Coyote Howl. I am sure you could use a Rio or other mp3 player as well and play any sound you can get on it. I also found a 40' headphone extension cord (Radio Shack) that I plug into the 6' cord I originally had, and then leave the megaphone speaker hanging out of my camo hunting pack and unroll the cord. I can sit over 40' away with the cass creek hand unit, and control sounds and volume. It works great and the sound quality is exceptional, I have heard many other ecallers that people paid big bucks for and mine sounds just as good and cost way less. I simply don't have all the sounds they do, but the coyote pup, and jackrabbit sounds seem to work well around here. You can also buy Cass Creek callers with turkey, deer, waterfowl, and crow sounds on them. :wink:

KYODE · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2005, 07:11:29 AM »

so.........can a guy just plug a walkman type cd player, or a mp3 player into that amplified megaphone?
is the megaphone battery operated......and how long do they last?

also..........is the megaphone weatherproof?

lotsa ?'s :wink:

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2005, 08:40:20 AM »

Rick James

Can you post the Radio Shack part number for the megaphone you used? In my catalog I only see two listed, one is #32-2038 / $99.99, and the other is a Musical Powerhorn that has 94 per programmed songs on it (plus has a jack for an external microphone), operates off of 6 "AA" Batteries #32-2037 / $39.99. (also states it has a built in siren)

Or is there a different one you are using that is not listed in my catalog?

Thanks

Larry

PS, always looking for something different to build the next one from. I too have a little Cass Creek Caller. I opened the loovers on the speaker grill and it is amazing at how much better the sound is and it also helped the volume too.

foxman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2005, 10:49:52 AM »

I have basically the same setup, but cannot figure out how to make it wireless. Have thought about buying a CD player with wireless remote. Any suggestions

rick james · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2005, 11:28:57 AM »

SD Handgunner,

I can't seem to find the part# on it anywhere, and don't have the box anymore. I do believe it is the musical powerhorn you described though, #32-2037. It does have preprogrammed sounds and a siren on it.

You can plug in a walkman, CD player, or MP3 player of any sort into it, I don't see why not.

I also cut the vents on the cass creek caller too, however still wasn't happy with the volume. That is why I decided to get this powerhorn, I originally went to Radio Shack looking for the amp and stuff that you listed per the homebrew caller recipe on PM forums, but decided to try the musical powerhorn instead. Plus it can be used for wake up calls at deercamp and other mischeif........ :lol: :-D

I have no idea how long the batteries last, however I have used it for about 6 hours total now and the batteries are still working. They are cheapo radio shack batteries. It also doesn't seem to have any problem with weather, last time I used it I was in over a foot of snow and since only the speaker cone is sticking out of the backpack it doesn't seem to have a problem.

The only suggestion I have is to leave the volume turned the whole way down on the powerhorn itself, and control the volume using the casscreek caller. The sound is crystal clear this way, where if you use the volume control on the powerhorn it seems to get a lot of static when you turn it up. It's loud enough for my girlfriend to throw things at me when I turn it on in the house and will almost make your ears bleed if inside of a car........... :wink: I know because I couldn't wait to toy with it after I bought it and hooked it up in the parking lot outside Radio Shack......people were looking at me funny and were probably think I was torturing animals in the car. :lol:

Here are pics...

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2005, 03:28:26 PM »

Thanks for the reply.

I might have to pick one of those up one of these days. That would be an easy inexpensive way to make a caller also.

Larry

KYODE · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2005, 07:11:37 PM »

i like the looks of that setup. especially for the simplicity and economic value.
what about the trigger on the megaphone? does it have to be pulled for it to work, or is that only if you are talkin thru it?

a remote cd player may make it even better :shock:

rick james · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2005, 11:33:16 PM »

Quote from: KYODE

i like the looks of that setup. especially for the simplicity and economic value.
what about the trigger on the megaphone? does it have to be pulled for it to work, or is that only if you are talkin thru it?

a remote cd player may make it even better :shock:

You only need to pull if if you are talking through it, no need if you are using a remote source for sound.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2005, 04:10:10 AM »

Hey Rick, just for grins last night I unconnected my Rio 600 MP3 Player from the Coffee Mug Caller and replaced it with the Cass Creek Caller I have. Pluged the patch cord into the Headphone Jack on the Cass Creek Caller and tried it out. The little Cass Creek Caller is at least as loud as the Rio 600 MP3 Player, but the sounds from the MP3 Player were clearer.

With using the Cass Creek Caller as the source of the sounds a really inexpensive caller can be put together, and in addition to the power horn you used, the little Radio Shack Mini Amp and Speco PA Speaker works we also.

I guess when it comes to some of this stuff the only thing stopping us is our imagination.

I think I may just have to try out the little Cass Creek Caller amplified through my Coffee Mug Caller. I like the feature of each sound having its own button so you really wouldn't even have to look at the caller (taking your eyes off of where they should be) to start - stop or change sounds.

Larry

KYODE · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2005, 11:56:12 AM »

thanks for the tip dude!

i picked up the powerhorn and gonna hook it to a walkman type cd player. i may eventually pick up the cass creek caller also to play thru it.

rick james · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2005, 04:52:14 PM »

Not a problem guys....hope it is useful to some of you.

I may be selling mine shortly, looking to buy some new toys for indoor archery, I just picked up a new Bowtech Patriot so I am in need of cash and want some accessories for the bow. If anyone is interested in the powerhorn or casscreek caller let me know and I will sell for a fair price. It cost me around $70 brand new for all the cords (46 feet) plus the caller and powerhorn. You all obviously know what it looks like and my girlfriend will be grateful if you get it out of the house......... :lol:

PASlugger · « **Reply #14 on:** January 29, 2005, 02:05:51 AM »

Another design option:

http://www.arkansaselkhunter.com/E-Caller.htm

As mentioned at the bottom of the page, this was an adaptation to the design listed on predatormasters here:

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/homemadeecaller.html

I'm in the process of building this call (From Link #1). I have it all together now, just need to add the isolation transformer to the AMP mentioned to eliminate hum produced by running both the RS AMP and NADY receiver off of the same power source. I'm using RC toy car rechargable batter packs to power the unit for longer life.

I also decided on a RIO 600 MP3 player, they can be had fairly cheap on Ebay now. Since they are older units, they are a little larger, making it easier to use with gloves. The display is easy to read also.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2005, 08:49:04 AM »

Well guys I am always interested in something new that is inexpensive, but that actually works. Well there is a new caller on the market. It's size and shape are very similar to the little Cass Creek Callers. The difference is this on has a Remote. So I just had to take the Rio 600 MP3 Player off of the Coffee Mug Caller and give this a try.

The caller has 5 sounds on it, Coyote Greeting, Distressed Pups, Jackrabbit Distress, Cottontail Distress & Fawn Bleats. The volume control is on the caller itself and the remote consists of a small controller that is 3 1/4" long x 1 1/2" wide. The controller has an individual push button for each of the 5 sounds. I am actually impressed with the sounds themselves.

Yep it has the same itty bitty speaker and sound quality of the Cass Creek, so I just had to try something different. I wired in a Speaker Jack which I mounted to the back of the caller, then plugged into and mounted in on my Coffee Mug Caller I built with a Speco SPC-5 Speaker & Radio Shack Mini Amp.

Immediately I ran into a problem. The volume control on the caller unit is soo cheesy when I tried to turn the volume up, it increased the volume, but also the amount of Snap, Crackle & Pop. It was horrible, so the only solution was to hot glue the volume control in a fixed position where it produced the best sound. I then added a simple on-off switch between the battery pack and the circut board to turn the caller on & off.

The photos should be self explainatory. To test the unit out we set it on the step of my buddies house and went for a walk with the remote in hand. We'd walk a ways and push one of the sound buttons, and the caller would sound. We kept doing this till we got roughly 50 yards from the caller at which point I had to push the sound button twice each time to get the caller to sound.

As per the sound quality, well closer than about 10 yards we could hear some background noise (hiss), but after we got farther than about 10 yards we no longer could detect the noise. As per the volume it is about the same as my other caller (RS Mini Amp, Speco SPC-5 Speaker) with the Rio 600 MP3 Player volume set at half.

All in all with the Coffee Mug, RS Mini Amp, Speco SPC-5 Speaker, seperate switches, indicator lights etc, I have about $90.00 invested in this remote caller. The Amp runs off of a single 9 Volt battery, and the Remington Caller runs of of 4 "AA" Batteries. The total caller weighs in at 42 ounces.

I would say someone wanting an entry level caller they can put together and modify themselves for the least amount of $$$, this is worth a consideration. Yea there are much, much better callers out there, and one can be put together for not a lot more $$$, but this was a fun project, and I am thinking it just may call in a Coyote or two.

Larry

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2005, 08:51:14 AM »

Since I took the Rio 600 MP3 Player off of the Coffee Mug (and replaced it with a different sound source) I just had to put together another caller to use the Rio 600 MP3 Player with.

Most of the basic parts are the same, Radio Shack Mini Amp, 5" PA Speaker, Switch, Indicator Light, Jacks, Plugs n things. However this time I housed of the internal parts in a Radio Shack Project Box.

As can be seen this caller is a little more compact, even though it is a 2 piece caller.

With this caller the speaker is seperate from the rest of the caller, and I can set the speaker away from me with an extension speaker cord, or just use the 5 foot cord on the speaker.

I have also added a couple more sounds to the Rio 600 MP3 Player since I first started this project that I downloaded from the net. I added a Jackrabbit Distress and a Coyote Female Invitation Howl.

These are fun projects (well at least for me) and give me something to take my do when I am not working or out hunting (like on those days that South Dakota is famous for, you know wind and snow and cold etc).

Larry

rickyp · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2005, 09:53:36 AM »

It must be nice to be so handy with a soldering iron.

I have been trying to get something like this to work with my mp-3 player.

I was using battery powered speakers. this workes for very clsoe calling but leaves a lot to be desired.
I love both desings you came up with.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2005, 11:47:06 AM »

rickyp, there really isn't much soldering involved at all. On the one housed in the project box I had to solder the wires onto the switch, and the ground from the amp, battery and indicator light together and that was it. everything else is mostly plug ins, and a little careful drilling and cutting to get things mounted.

Larry

rickyp · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2005, 11:51:54 AM »

you got the list you need for the project box and plains?

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2005, 04:53:22 PM »

#270-1805 - Radio Shack Project Box (6"x3"x2") = $3.79

SPC-5 - Speco SPC-5 PA Speaker (Lashen Electronics bought off the net) = $10.00

#277-1008    - Radio Shack Mini Audio Amplifier/Speaker = $11.99

#275-1565    - Radio Shack SPST Soft Feel Push on Push Off Switch = $2.19

#276-084 - Radio Shack LED Indicator Light (fits 3/16" hole) = $1.99

#42-2387 - Radio Shack 6 Foot Patch Cord 1/8" Stereo Plug on each end = $3.99

#270-325 - Radio Shack 9 Volt Battery connectors (pk of 5) = $1.49

The first thing I had to do was take the Amp Circut Board out of it's original housing, and cut the wires to the speaker in that housing.

Next I decided how I was going to mount the Amp Circut Board in the Project Box. I had to cut one corner off of the Amp Circut Board to get it to fit inside of the project box where I wanted it.

Next I measured and marked the holes for the Jacks on the Amp Circut Board (where the sound source & speaker plug into) on the project box and drilled these holes (didn't get it exactly right so the hole is larger than it should have been).

Once that was done I cut the battery connector off of the amp circut board as close to the battery connector as possible to leave enough wire on the amp circut board to reach the switch.

Once the amp circut board was mounted I then marked the holes and drilled them for the switch (to turn the amp on and off) and for the indicator light (so I can tell when the amp is on) on the project box. One this was all done it was a matter of hooking everything up.

I tied the power wire (red) from the amp circut board with the power wire (red) from the indicator light and soldered them to one side of the switch. On the other side of the switch I soldered a new 9 volt battery holder. I then tied the ground wire (black) from amp to the ground wire from the indicator light (black) to the ground wire (black) from the 9 volt battery holder all together and soldered them. I covered this connection with heat shrink tubing and heated it to seal it.

Once this was all done it was a simple matter of plugging the patch cord from the Sound Source (my Rio 600 MP3 Player) into the Input side of the amp, and the speaker into the output side of the amp. Turned everything on and it worked.

I also filled the empty space in the project box with foam rubber and cut slots in it to hold the battery and a spaer battery, and also modified the cell phone holder to hold the Rio 600 MP3 Player on the lid of the project box.

Larry

iez44 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2005, 04:13:08 AM »

First let me say that I'm new to site and I can't tell you how happy I am that someone pointed me to it. The information I've gained in such a short time is SUPER!

I've been trying to bag a coyote for several years now without success, so this predator forum is one of my favorites. I've already learned some tips that just might help me get one.

Being inexperienced I don't have much to offer, but here's some thoughts I had on SD's caller....

Quote from: SD Handgunner

To test the unit out we set it on the step of my buddies house and went for a walk with the remote in hand. We'd walk a ways and push one of the sound buttons, and the caller would sound. We kept doing this till we got roughly 50 yards from the caller at which point I had to push the sound button twice each time to get the caller to sound.

To extend your range, try the keyless entry remote trick. It may work for this application. Hold the remote up to your neck/chin area before pushing the buttons. You may have to move or rotate the remote a bit to get it work. It doesn't always work for me, but in most cases it does.

Quote from: SD Handgunner

As per the sound quality, well closer than about 10 yards we could hear some background noise (hiss), but after we got farther than about 10 yards we no longer could detect the noise.

Since most predators' hearing ability and range are above and beyond that of humans, are you sure this noise won't be a factor? Maybe at 150 or 100 yds out it won't, but I think it could be an issue at shorter distances. Obviously, field testing will be the proof, so let us know how it works out.

Thanks again to all for the great information!

iez44

JPSaxMan · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2005, 04:40:31 AM »

SD,

Any of em for sale?

. Nice gigs ya got. Looks like it beats paying $140+ for a Johnny Stewart system.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2005, 06:46:14 AM »

The Remington Remote Caller on the Coffee Mug was sort of an afterthought. Seeing all the guys add an amp and pa speaker to the little cass creek callers I thought I'd try to put one of these little remote callers together to see how it worked. Yea the sounds on my MP3 based caller are much clearer, and as such the Remington Remote Caller on the Coffee Mug is a back up so to speak.

No I do not have any of them for sale, but rather think I may give the Remington Remote Caller on the Coffee Mug to my future son in law.

If I can save up enough $$$ without the wife finding out about it I am going to invest in an Azden WLX-PRO and make the MP3 based caller remote, or at least that is the plan eventually.

wipartimer · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2005, 04:43:46 PM »

Sd handgunner, Thank you for the excellent idea! :-D I have been thinking of getting a caller but they are too expensive. I am an electrician and actually had never thought about building one myself :oops: . I was playin around with the one I'm building now on my kitchen table when my Dad stopped by. I don't have it in a housing yet but I put a crow fight tape in my walkman and we went outside. I had 6 crows at my house within 30 seconds! this is gonna be fun... The best part is, the speakers are free from work, all I gotta buy is the amp!

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #25 on:** February 06, 2005, 05:02:49 PM »

You're very welcome. These are not all that complicated to put together, heck even I can do it. There is also a lot of different ways to put a caller together with the only thing holding most people back is the imagination.

tipiguy · « **Reply #26 on:** July 25, 2005, 11:01:17 AM »

Many thanks to SD Handgunner for the inspiration and some help in making my own caller. Below is my version...

and

I used 4" PVC drain pipe. I started with a coupler and glued the speaker to one end. I then cut a 3/4" piece of plywood that would serve as both the handle and stand. I used a hole saw to cut out the handle. I then traced a piece of 4" pipe in the lower portion of the piece of wood. The trick is to make it as small as possible so that the pipe feeds through it but that the coupler does not.

Next I cut a piece of 4" pipe off about 5" long and glued it into the coupler that had the speaker attached to the other end. Next I splipped the handle onto the pipe followed by a 2nd pipe coupler. Make sure that both couplers meet tight against the piece of wood. If they do not then shorten the pipe. Once glued, the wood handle is locked in tight. Lastly, I glued a screw drain cleanout on the far end. This allows for easy access to the inside.

I tried to use the mini amp described above and could not get a good sound or the volume I hoped for. Instead I used a TDK Out Loud. It is an amplifier and speaker sealed in a square zipper case. I tore it open and removed the amp. I then soldered my speaker wires to the chip. This amp has many advantages in my opinion. It does not have a volume control that needs adjusting, it takes 2 AA batteries so I can use rechargable batteries, It puts out far more volume, and it has a convenient on/off switch with LED. This unit produces far more volume then I can ever use for calling! Lastly, I inserted a 25' cord that I wrap around the back. This way I can quickly setup without tangles.

and

I painted it with grey primer and then this fake stone spray paint from Walmart that gave it a 3D texture and appearance. The fake stone paint is expensive normally ($7 a can) but they had a can on clearance for $3.

Can't wait to try it out once fur season comes around.

Tipiguy

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #27 on:** July 25, 2005, 12:30:53 PM »

Way to go bud. Now wasn't that a fun project? Looks like your caller is gonna work out great. In regards to building these home made E-Callers, only your imagination limits you on how they can be built. I think the handle is a great touch, plus it serves as a stand for the speaker in the process.

What are you using for a sound source, MP3, CD's, Cassettes ?

Thanks for posting your design and the info on the amp you used. Good luck with the caller.

Larry

tipiguy · « **Reply #28 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:57:24 PM »

I have tested it with both a tape player and CD player. I use the headphone jack and it will go way too loud for calling without distorting. One day I will likely get an MP3 player.

Tipiguy

mikemayberry · « **Reply #29 on:** August 25, 2005, 07:15:50 AM »

You guys are far more advanced on this than I am, but you make it sound so simple that I may try to build one.

Just an idea--is there any way to create a remote switch using an inexpensive laser pointer that when shined at the switch would activate the series of play. just thinking that it might work and make it wirelessly activated. Any comments or thoughts?

Mike