Adding MP3 to your project for $3.00

As a Propeller microcontroller user, it's not a big deal to play WAV files with my MCU, but MP3 playback is something too complex for the Propeller, the Ardunio or PICAXE microcontrollers.   Shopping for an add-on card is almost downright depressing, with  simple breakout boards starting at $20.00 -- $199.00.

Fortunately, Hong Kong has mastered ultra cheap MP3, and with a little hacking you can add it to your project for around $3.00.
I'll demonstrate the hack using a Propeller, but the best part is that ANY micro-controller can use the device once you've got the project finished.

Required Parts:
A generic MiniClip MP3 player (Source Ebay prices range from $0.26 -- $3.00)
Your favorite microcontroller.  (I'll be using Propeller Platform, but any will do fine.)
A hot glue gun
A steady hand, and basic soldering tools.

Step 1: Teardown

Grab a tiny philips screwdriver and pull the two screws from the top of the Miniclip player.  
The whole thing should slid out with a little prying.  

Notice the little battery, as well as red/black wires.   The Miniclip runs great a both 3.3v and 5v.

Step 1 > Carefully, desolder and set the battery aside, we'll use part of it later.

Comments

[Cecilias]

Se ve muy agradable y sencillo. ¿Se puede utilizar para descargar musica gratis?

[mettaurlover]

Si, para musica de tipo MP3.

[mykrotek]

Thanks for the great idea! I just used it for an upcoming project I am working on, and did a slight tweak on your idea to make the MP3 player more portable between projects. You can check it out at my blog at teknynja.com.