Polaris Audio Datasheet
NORTHSTARSHOW SYSTEMS
Polaris Audio Datasheet
Triggered audio playback node specifications
| Document Number | Revision | Date | Platform Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSSS-DOC-0053 | A | 2026-05-20 | 1.0 |
Function
The Polaris Audio Node triggers audio playback on an external audio module. It exposes two configurable channels, each capable of pulsing a "play" trigger on a connected audio player.
Pin Map
| Channel | Pins | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Track 1 | D2 (active-low trigger) | Pulses LOW to fire the first track |
| Track 2 | D3 (active-low trigger) | Pulses LOW to fire the second track |
NOTE —Audio triggers are active-LOW. The pins idle HIGH and pulse LOW to fire. This matches the most common audio-module trigger conventions.
Electrical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Idle state | HIGH (5 V) |
| Active state | LOW (0 V) for pulseMs |
| Pulse duration | 150 ms default, configurable per-track in Compose |
| Output drive | 8 mA sink per pin |
| Recommended interface | Direct connection to audio-module trigger input |
Common Audio Module Pairings
- DFRobot DFPlayer Mini — TX/RX connection plus trigger pins; Polaris uses the trigger pins only
- SparkFun WAV Trigger — has dedicated trigger inputs that match the active-low convention
- JQ8400 / WTV020 modules — common Chinese MP3 modules; wire trigger pins directly
Channel Mapping
Compose lets the designer associate each audio channel with a logical "track" — a label and an optional media file. The Polaris Audio firmware does not store the audio itself; the connected audio module does. Compose's media library is for design reference and for media that's embedded into other parts of the show (e.g., video walls).
Related Documents
- NSSS-DOC-0050Polaris Family Overview
Revision History
| Revision | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | 2026-05-20 | Initial publication |