Dog WhistleHow to Handle a Whistle Output Device Change
Stop the whistle before changing audio devices. Select the intended output in your device settings, lower system volume, then return to the page and start a short tone manually. The app stops when it receives a devicechange signal, but browsers do not report every audio route change.
Stop before moving the sound
An output change can move sound from headphones to a nearby speaker. Before unplugging a cable, connecting Bluetooth audio, or changing the system output, stop playback yourself. In hold mode, release the control. In toggle mode, use the playback control to stop. Escape also stops playback unless you are typing. Keep the device away from ears throughout the change. Start with low system volume on the destination device, even if the previous output sounded quiet. Different speakers can produce different levels from the same app settings.
- Check whether hold or toggle mode is selected.
- Finish the stop before disconnecting the current device.
- Check the destination device’s volume before restarting.
Treat automatic stopping as a backup
The app stops on a devicechange signal, on a tab becoming hidden, or on an audio interruption. These stops are useful, but they are not a complete record of output routing. MDN’s device change reference describes browser support limits for this event. A connection change and a switch between existing outputs are not a promise that the page will receive a signal. If you are unsure where sound is going, stop manually and inspect the system output. Do not keep a tone running while trying several routes.
- Keep the whistle page visible during the restart.
- After an interruption, check the output again.
- Do not assume silence means playback has stopped.
Read the frequency after reconnecting
The whistle generates a sine tone from 440 Hz up to a calculated ceiling. That ceiling is the whole number below the actual AudioContext sample rate multiplied by 0.45. MDN’s sample rate reference explains that the audio context has its own sampling rate. The five preset choices are 4, 8, 12, 16, and 18 kHz, each limited by the app’s ceiling. Read the current setting instead of relying only on the preset label. A device switch alone does not prove that the audio context or its ceiling changed.
- Use the displayed value as the current generation setting.
- Coarse frequency adjustments move in 100 Hz steps.
- A high digital ceiling does not certify ultrasonic speaker output.
Restart with one brief, simple tone
Choose steady mode for a straightforward restart check. Pulse includes gaps, while warble changes the tone, so those modes can make an initial comparison less clear. Keep software gain modest and system volume low. The app applies a 10 ms cosine fade at tone edges, but this does not set the loudness of the physical speaker. After switching audio devices, lower system volume and manually start a short tone. If a high setting seems silent, stop before selecting a lower frequency. Stop immediately if the sound is uncomfortable. Dogs vary, and an observed response does not measure speaker performance.
- Change one setting at a time during the check.
- Avoid raising gain to compensate for a silent high tone.
- Use manual playback instead of a drill for this output check.
- Stop playback, then release any held playback control before touching the audio connection.
- Select the intended system output and set its volume low while keeping it away from ears.
- Return to the visible whistle page, read the frequency, and select steady mode with modest gain.
- Start briefly, stop manually, and recheck the route if the result differs from what you expected.
Will unplugging headphones always stop the whistle?
No. Playback stops if the relevant signal reaches the app, but browser reporting is incomplete. Stop before unplugging.
Does an 18 kHz setting prove the new speaker produces 18 kHz?
No. It describes digital generation, subject to the app’s cap. Physical speaker response is not verified.
Can I resume by pressing Space?
Space toggles playback unless you are typing. Check the output and volume before using that shortcut.