Introduction: DIY RADIO STATION (With Raspberry Pi Zero)

Radio stations are awesome, you don't need wifi, or Bluetooth, and can play about anything. In my first instructable I will show you how to make a "RPIZ(W) Radio station that plays your own .Mp3 files Off the grid, battery-powered. or powered via outlet.

WARNING: THIS MIGHT BE ILLEGAL IN YOUR AREA, USE COMMON SENSE, DONT BROADCAST OVER OTHER RADIO STATIONS, AND CHECK AREA BEFORE BROADCASTING.

P.S if you liked it, it would be nice if you could vote this instructable for number one, in the untouchable challenge.

Here is an overview for your convenience.

(Step 1) Supplies

(Step 2) Flashing Raspian, software (part 1)

(STEP 3)Antenna

(STEP 4)Software (Part 2)

Credits

Step 1: Resources/Supplies

So for the project this is what your going to use(What I used)

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ Hardware _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

1. Raspberry pi Zero (I used a W version but a regular one should work) you can get these from various places; ADAFRUIT, THEPIHUT, maybe AMAZON, MICROCENTER, and other places. (not sure if this will work with other PIs, It should though, if it doesn't please tell me down in the comment section)

2. a power source (micro USB) you need at least 1amp, HERE

3. Micro Sd card I used Lexar (They are a great brand, but I wouldn't recommend them for raspberry pi though, use a Samsung, SanDisk [Haven't tried them for pi though], or PNY )

anything from a 16gb to 32gb should work, (8gb should work also, maybe haven't tried)

(Mini hdmi to hdmi) HDMI cable, Usb OTG, USB Hub(I strongly recommend this one, there is a one year amazon warranty), Keyboard(USB), Mouse(USB), usb drive (you should be able to use about 8gb should be fine)

If you already have a usb mouse and keyboard, you don't need to buy a new one.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ Software _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

4. Computer to flash image

3a. Image (Raspian Jessie with Pixel OS) From HERE

5. Image flasher, here are some programs you can use

Windisk32 (Windows)

Etcher (Mac, Linux, Windows)

There are other ones you can use.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ Tools, etc _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

6. 20 AUG wire, (I think almost any wire should work) get like 4 inches (or about 10 Centimeters) (here is some from Radio Shack) (Wire strippers, get these at your local hardware store)

7.Soldering iron (Here is the one that I used, its cheep, and gets the job done, but If you want something that will last, and good quality go for the Weller Brand)

8. Solder Here is the one that I used THIS

9. SAFETY GLASSES (the solder can splatter into your eyes, as in its happened to me)

10. (optional) Glue Gun

I think that's it, lets go

Step 2: Flash It.

So now you are going to flash it, so you are going to need that image flasher, and the image from HERE, download the one that says "Raspbian Jessie with PIXEL
Image with PIXEL desktop based on Debian Jessie"

1. after that downloads put in your Micro sd card.

2 Follow this guide, unless you know what you are doing.

!Congrats! Now you have a flashed Micro Sd Card!

Step 3: Antenna

So know you are going to solder that wire into pin 33.

This website has numbered all of the pins.

after it has been soldered, if you want it sturdier add hot glue to the connection.

It should look something like in the picture.

Congrats! you soldered

Step 4: Software (Part 2)

So now, to install the PIfm, and MPG123,

I would recommend following this guide steps 4 through 8

Also, you are going to add your music files into /home/pi/music.

Step 5: !Congrats!

Congrats!, now everytime you turn on your pi (granted you followed the guide) you should hear your music off a radio.

PLEASE don't play your music over any stations that already have music playing, it is illegal, and you can go to jail, stay safe.

I would also give credit to the following

Raspberry pi foundation

MAKE:

And the people who made MPG123, and PIfm

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