This project is from Getting Started with Raspberry Pi by Matt Richardson and Shawn Wallace. It assumes that you already know how to set up and operate the Raspberry Pi platform, and that you know the basics of the Python programming language. If you want to get up to speed quickly, you can find all of the above (and much more) in Richardson and Wallace’s book, available in the Maker Shed (makershed.com).
Downloads
In this simple breadboard build, we’ll use a Raspberry Pi and the sound functions of the Pygame module in the Python programming language to make a soundboard. A soundboard lets you trigger the playback of sounds when you push its buttons.
You’ll also need a few uncompressed sound files, in WAV format. You can record or download your own, and there are a few sound files preloaded onto the Raspberry Pi in /usr/share/sounds/alsa/ that you can use for testing. We even collected a few public domain sound effects from The Internet Archive that you can download here.These will give you some fun files to play with right away.
MAKE Volume 33 features our special Software for Makers section covering apps for circuit board design, 3D design and printing, microcontrollers, and programming for kids. Also, meet our new Arduino-powered Rovera robot and get started with Raspberry Pi. As usual, you’ll also find fascinating makers inside, like the maniacs on our cover, the hackers behind the popular Power Racing Series events at Maker Faire.
Try your hand at 22 great DIY projects, like the Optical Tremolo guitar effects box, "Panjolele" cake-pan ukelele, Wii Nunchuk Mouse, CNC joinery tricks, treat-dispensing cat scratching post, laser-cut flexing wooden books, sake brewing, growing incredibly hot “ghost chili” peppers, and much more.
On newsstands now, by subscription, or available in the Maker Shed