If nothing happens, here is the usual list of a few things to check out.Check that all the batteries are fresh, are tight in the battery pack, and
face the right direction.
Check whether any wires or parts have come lose.Compare your circuit with the photos in this chapter to make sure that
you got all the connections right.If the phrase or sound that you recorded doesn’t scare your pet, experiment
with different phrases or louder noises. Cats hate hissing type sounds, and
dogs respond better to verbal commands. Good luck!Taking It Further...........................................................................................
Our Couch Pet-ato (patent pending) is so cool that you might want to try
some variations:If the sound isn’t loud enough, add an amplifier between IC1 and the
speaker. You can find out how that’s done in an application note at the
manufacturer’s Web site at
http://www.winbond-usa.com/products/isd_products/chipcorder/
applicationbriefs/apbr06.pdf
We did something similar in the circuit for Murmuring Merlin in Chapter 7.
By adding the amplifier, the sound should be sufficiently dynamic to
impress all but the most hard-of-hearing pets.Feel free to spiff up the Couch Pet-ato box by applying potato (or other)
decals, painting it, or sticking glitter all over it.
Try other uses for the Couch Pet-ato:- Place it on top of your refrigerator and record a message like,
“Remember your diet!” When somebody (who shouldn’t) opens the
refrigerator door headed for the leftover cheesecake, the brand-
new Pot Belly-tatotakes over. - If you’re a teen who fears that your parents might invade your bed-
room space, add a strap to the Couch Pet-ato and hang it on your
doorknob. When somebody opens your door without your permis-
sion, you can give him a piece of your mind. The verbal or other
warning that you use in this Back Off-tatois entirely up to you!
360 Part IV: Good Vibrations