Homemade MP3 Player Design Modeled After the iPod
DIY Music Lovers Unite: Rediscovering the Charm of Classic iPods with JPL.mp3
In the world of DIY projects, there's a growing movement of enthusiasts who are breathing new life into classic devices, and Justinas Petkauskas is leading the charge. His latest creation, the JPL.mp3, is a testament to the fun and satisfaction that can come from building a personalized version of a popular commercial product.
The JPL.mp3, reminiscent of classic iPods, is a DIY MP3 player that aims to recreate the tactility and portability of the iconic device. At its heart lies the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a versatile piece of hardware that powers the player's features.
The JPL.mp3 boasts a micro SD card interface for music storage, a PCM5102 DAC connected via I2S for quality audio, and a small IPS LCD for display. But what truly sets it apart is the custom software developed by Justinas, which organizes music using fields for composer/piece, conductor, orchestra, and performer, all stored in a SQLite database.
The player's electronics are housed in a 3D printed case, and a mechanical click-wheel provides a tactile scrolling and interaction experience. When asked about the final build, Justinas described it as "chunky, but nevertheless functional."
Other DIY projects involving the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and tactile interfaces include the Jcorp Nomad Mini Wi-Fi Media Server, which integrates a touchscreen UI with a 3D-printed case and supports local Wi-Fi hotspot creation and media playback without internet. The Color Player Educational Toy, on the other hand, incorporates ESP32 with a color sensor and sound playback capabilities, offering a more interactive experience.
Lastly, ESP32-S3 Touchscreen Display Projects utilize touchscreen displays and UI design tools like SquareLine Studio and LVGL, providing a modern GUI experience that could be adapted for personalized MP3 player interfaces beyond the mechanical clickwheel.
In summary, the JPL.mp3 is just one example of the creative possibilities that arise when DIY enthusiasts combine their passion for technology with their love for classic devices. If you're working on a similar hardware project, feel free to share it! After all, the joy of creating something unique and personal is what makes these projects truly special.
[1] JPL.mp3 ESP32-Based Digital Music Player: https://hackaday.io/project/176702-jpl-mp3-esp32-based-digital-music-player [2] Jcorp Nomad Mini Wi-Fi Media Server: https://hackaday.io/project/176704-jcorp-nomad-mini-wifi-media-server [3] Color Player Educational Toy: https://hackaday.io/project/176703-color-player-educational-toy [4] ESP32-S3 Touchscreen Display Projects: https://hackaday.io/project/176705-esp32-s3-touchscreen-display-projects
The JPL.mp3, an ESP32-based recreation of a classic iPod, boasts a tactile click-wheel and showcases the charm of vintage electronics in a DIY project. For individuals delving into hardware, gadgets such as the Color Player Educational Toy and the Jcorp Nomad Mini Wi-Fi Media Server – both utilizing ESP32 technology – offer exciting avenues for DIY exploration in the realm of electronics and technology.
