Re: This is so cool

Okay as per Colby's request:

Step one: download the MSSAPI (thanks bill)(bleah)(speech api) from micro squish at www.microsoft.com/IIT (this is free except for your soul) I highly recommend getting the whole 39 meg if you have the bandwidth. if not you can just get pieces

Parts list: Radio Shack Micro Push Button Switch Radio Shack FM wireless mike kit #28-4030 Small battery X10 8 in 1 Learning remote Double sided Foam tape electrical tape

Tools: exacto knife, soldering iron, solder

Build the FM wireless mike (1/2 hr all parts in kit must solder) But leave the actual mike off the circuit board, attaching it with about 4 inches of wire Leave the el-caps a little high so you can bend them over.

pick your frequency and tune it in (as per kit instructions)

Get your X10 8 in 1 learning remote (probably will fit in their freebie 6 in 1) and squeeze it. It is pressure fit, so you will have to squeeze it to get it open (if you've never done this before, this hacky project may not be for you)

You will have six separate pieces: Bottom Clamshell Top Clamshell Battery Cover Membrane switch group Plastic switch guide Circuit Board

The circuit board and battery cover and top clamshell will remain virgin (wow)

Bottom Clamshell: a little cutting. The fm transmitter is going to fit into bulge just above the battery box. A little trimming of plastic (cut it back to the battery box) will be required to squeeze it in. test fit the transmitter, it should be just flush with the top of the battery box.

Wrap the antenna wires around the support posts, and tape them down.

Make a tough choice here: hide some button cell batteries inside (cool, clean, but hard to replace) or stick a lithium battery carrier on the outside)

Drill a hole in the side of the bottom of the remote and slip in the push button switch.

Done with the base!

Membrane switch: Cut the Record Button out of the membrane switch.

Done with the membrane switch.

Plastic guide: Melt, cut or drill a microphone width cut out from the the point of the former record hole, to the edge of the plastic (it is plexiglass like, so is prone to shatter, I melted it with my spare cheesed soldering iron (kept for this exact purpose)

Done!

Assembly time!

Lay the circuit board onto the base. Put a piece of elec tape over the Record switch contacts Sit the microphone on the circuit board Place the plastic guide over the circuit board, pressing the mike through the cut out Test it all again. Press the top clamshell back on, making sure the mike lines up with the guides around the record button hole (it is a perfect fit!)

Squeeze it all back together.

DONE!

Warning... this probably violates your x10 warranty :*)

Viola transmit as needed voice control