Creating WiFi enabled voice recorder that transmits and receives voice messages

Hi, apologies if this is in the wrong category, if so please move. I don't know anything about EE, however, I'd like to create a toy,if I can get the required help (I'm a fast learner and very determined). I've been looking for one of those toys that let parents send messages to their kid if separated from them and vice versa. Now, these types of toys already exist, but they're poorly executed or pose security risks as cloudpets for instance got hacked. What I'd like to create is a device, that allows the transmission of voice/text (this could enable deaf parents to communicate with young children too without the need for a phone) messages from either a phone or second device to a receiver device, that either glows or makes some sort of noise to alert to a waiting message and vice versa. It should also allow for a rechargeable battery and normal batteries, so it won't run out. I understand that this would most likely be far beyond my capabilities, but I'd like to hear some people's opinions on this and some tips on how to get started/materials knowledge needed. Thank you

Hi

Sounds a nice project. If you really do have little experience then you may well find it challenging, but that is the fun.

My suggestion would not be to "create" but to "integrate" as that could prove far easier as you would be using existing tried and tested "modules". A big plus point is that you would be learning all the time skills you will use again.

As an example, if you wanted to start with text messages you could have preset questions / answers eliminating the need for keyboards, then as you gained more experience have voice comms then perhaps speech to text and vice-versa.

Perhaps start with one of the off the shelf microcontrollers such as Arduino. These are very popular, quite cheap and have tons of plug in modules (shields) that can interface almost anything. They are well supported in multiple forums and have dedicated communities that are only too pleased to assist. They really are very simple to program, not scary at all <s>

For only a few tens of pounds (UK) you can get an Arduino starter kit that will include everything to get you started with microcontrollers. In a few hours you will (for example) have built and programmed a flashing LED display or such like. Once you gain confidence in using / programming the Arduino you could then add more specialised shields (modules) that simply plug in. A WiFi board for example or a RF Transceiver. Libraries (technical stuff that makes it work) are freely available as is example code you can use to get going.

You could integrate (for each unit) An Arduino / Display / Button module / RF Transceiver / LED(s) / Buzzer. Using the transceivers as the communications medium you create a link between two Arduino's. Pressing a button on the first module sends a preprogrammed message such as "Are you OK" to the second module, that could reply with "All Good". Upon receiving the message an LED could light and a buzzer sound. You could also incorporate a "distance away" feature by measuring signal strength (but it would only be a guesstimate). I'm sure you get the idea.

This could eventually be made into a relatively small footprint including batteries, and by the time you get to that stage you will be well aware of cool tricks like "Sleep" which reduces power consumption dramatically.

This, or similar would be how I would approach. Lazy? perhaps, but why not let modules do the work whilst learning at the same time <s>

Hope this gives you an idea of a possible way forward.

Good luck <s>

Wow, I didn't expect such a great response, I'm overwhelmed, even if it's just the one for now. I'll look into Arduino. I can't place where I've heard of it before though. I'm going to enjoy this project. Thanks for the advice ☺️

Hi

Glad to have been of some assistance and please keep us all updated as to progress. I'm sure many will be only too happy to help.

A quick "google" will provide you with tons of Arduino info and examples of what you can do with such and a search on Amazon or similar will show offerings to suit all budgets.

You will probably become quite proficient in coding before you finish the project <s> but as microcontrollers are pretty much everywhere you look nowadays in electronics, it is a skill worth learning.

Have fun!
Regards