Finally got around to finishing up following this tutorial. Initially I finished the setup but screwed up bigtime as I didnt check to see if my laptop had a mic input (it didnt, lol). I had to order a cheapie USB audio device with a mic input ($8).
My costs for all the parts were a little higher (I guess due to my location), and I spent a bit more because I couldnt track down an old computer mic to get that mono cable and ended up just getting a $6 one from radio shack. The piezo buzzer I bought was the same part number as the OP, but it was WAY more difficult to get out because of the way it was glued in there (I suppose its a newer design to prevent the piezo element from bending). It did come out though!
Here is my setup
Anyway, this thing is awesome as far as sensitivity! It can read my watch just by sitting the fully cased watch on the piezo element right on my desk next to me in a semi-noisy office. No way any regular mic can do that.
I'm still trying to figure out all the tweaks in that eTimer program, as the program has evolved slightly since this original post. There is also a lift angle setting next to the vph which is set at 52 degrees by default. If I change the lift angle to what matches my movement, the reading is way off as far as s/d, so I've been leaving it at 52.
This project was simple, fun, and is going to prove quite useful for anybody that cares about their watch telling the correct time!
My costs for all the parts were a little higher (I guess due to my location), and I spent a bit more because I couldnt track down an old computer mic to get that mono cable and ended up just getting a $6 one from radio shack. The piezo buzzer I bought was the same part number as the OP, but it was WAY more difficult to get out because of the way it was glued in there (I suppose its a newer design to prevent the piezo element from bending). It did come out though!
Here is my setup
Anyway, this thing is awesome as far as sensitivity! It can read my watch just by sitting the fully cased watch on the piezo element right on my desk next to me in a semi-noisy office. No way any regular mic can do that.
I'm still trying to figure out all the tweaks in that eTimer program, as the program has evolved slightly since this original post. There is also a lift angle setting next to the vph which is set at 52 degrees by default. If I change the lift angle to what matches my movement, the reading is way off as far as s/d, so I've been leaving it at 52.
This project was simple, fun, and is going to prove quite useful for anybody that cares about their watch telling the correct time!