Introduction: WiFi Enabled MP3 Player Using the ESP8266 Module and CATALEX Serial MP3 Player
A really simple solution to building a Network controlled MP3 player.
The project utilizes the ESP8266 module, I am using a Wemos D1 mini that is really inexpensive . The MP3 player is available from various supplier on eBay and AliExpress, AliExpress seems to be cheaper but takes for ever to arrive.
both items available on eBay here.
Step 1: ESP8266 Web Controlled MP3 Player
I am using the ESP8266 with the MicroPython firmware, head over to the MicroPython website for instructions on how to do that.
Step 2: The MP3 Player
For the MP3 Player I am using the CATALEX uart controlled MP3 player. The player expects commands on the serial ports and then carries them out.
Commands include
Play
Pause
Next
Previous
Stop
Volume Up
Volume Down
Volume Set
Sleep
Wake up
and many more ...
Step 3: Connecting the Two Components.
There are just 4 wires to connect. I am using jumper leads in my test setup.
- Connect the Gnd from the MP3 player to the ground on the ESP8266
- Connect the VCC from the MP3 player to the 5v pin on the ESP8266
- Connect the RX from the MP3 player to the TX on the ESP8266
- Connect the TV from the MP3 player to the RX on the ESP8266
That's all for the wiring, just plug an amplified speaker to the audio jack of the MP3 player and we are done with the setup.
Step 4:
Go over to the GitHub repository and download all the files,
You will need to upload the following to the ESP8266 module.
- yx5300.py
- mp3.py
- main.py
The MicroPython firmware automatically runs the main.py script at startup if it exists. So once these three files have been transferred you should have a working WiFi MP3 player.
Transferring the files to the ESP8266 Module.
I am aware of at least two ways to transfer the files.
A command line utility that connects to the ESP8266 module over the serial port.
The official MicroPython utility that connects to the module over IP. One useful advantage of the WebRepl in this instance is that it displays the console output. This is not possible otherwise as we are using the serial port on the ESP8266 to control the MP3 player.
