Time-stamping and Discretising Audio Signals into Raw Data

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on logging RPM data from a scaled wind turbine using a laser and a modified microphone, with the signal recorded in Audacity. The user seeks to convert the recorded audio signal into an array of time-stamps and signal strengths, aiming to create a time vs. instantaneous RPM plot. The conversation also addresses the potential for exporting data from Audacity in a CSV format and explores interfacing with a signal conditioning circuit and microcontroller (uC) for further data processing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of audio signal processing in Audacity
  • Familiarity with RPM measurement techniques
  • Knowledge of signal conditioning circuits
  • Basic principles of microcontroller interfacing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to export data from Audacity to CSV format
  • Learn about signal conditioning circuits for audio signals
  • Explore ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) options for interfacing with microcontrollers
  • Investigate low-level programming techniques for data acquisition
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hobbyists, and researchers involved in audio signal processing, data logging, and RPM measurement in wind turbine applications.

scottyheist
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I'm logging the RPM of a scaled wind turbine using a laser and modified microphone (with a photocell instead of a coil).

The signal is recorded using Audacity and is a series of troughs separated by the time it takes for one blade to pass through the beam (please see attached image below).

Is there a way to convert this signal into an array of time-stamps and signal strengths (0.0 to 1.0)?

I aim to eventually have a time vs. instantaneous RPM plot.
 

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Does Audacity support exporting your data into a csv style or similar format? What is the worst case value you might expect for RPM?

Are you able to interface to some signal conditioning circuit and then a uC? Maybe you want to leave the uC out of the picture and do some low level programming and interface your signal conditioning circuit to a port (serial/parallel) via an ADC?
 
Thanks for your response. We're now pursuing your method.

Would you have any advice on the ADC/computer interface?
 

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