I didn't see the post, thanks.

However, to keep cost down, I think I'll stick with a simple home
grown capacitively coupled touch switch, or something tactile like
a concave poly button, etc. $2 is 2 much for a consumer product switch.

Touch switch would require a sound ack.  Perhaps a lot nicer anyway.

I am reviewing the app note on ADPCM(AN643) to see what I can use.  The
hardware needs updating. Replace the EPROM with SRAM.  Replace the counter
with parallel latches or a parallel loadable counter.  Add a microphone
circuit.  When the buffer fills, packetize it, and shift it out to the
RF module.

The other option would be to interface a record/playback IC, and the
PIC would send the 'un-mute' command to unmute the addressed node. Then
playback the recorded audio directly. Much simpler, no protocol syncro.
issues, using fully engineered and proven modules.  The PICs takes on
the role of 'Q'.

Boy, wouldn't these be the rave at your local Star Trek Geek convention,
if you could stand to be there flogging them! Perhaps you could get
7-of-9 to model one, and allow the convention goers to 'activate' it....

I estimate the cost to be in the $25-$50 range.  I am now taking orders:
How many would you like?  No 7-of-9 is NOT for sale!!

Craig

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Eric Oliver
> Sent: May 6, 1999 5:54 PM
> To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: Weird, Wacky, Zany PIC applications (Star Trek
> communicator)
>
>
> > Do you think Paramount would hire me as an episode writer??
>
> That would be a great big NO !!! <bg>
>
> You may already know about this ( there was a recent thread ), but check
> out http://interquant.com. The QT110 is an amazing touch sensor
> chip. $1.95
> in quantities, available in SMT, and uses only 20 uA @ 3V.  No I
> don't work
> for them <g>. But emailed them recently for more info and they gave me
> samples even after I told them it was for a hobby project. _Very_ nice
> people.
>
> Seriously, if you could get a device like that to work with decent sound
> quality even at relatively short ranges, it could be useful around the
> house.
>
> Eric
>