Summary of KIDS’ JUKEBOX BASED ON ARDUINO WITH RFID
This article describes the Grimmboy, a durable children's audiobook player built by [Turi] to balance quality and cost. The device uses RFID-tagged cassette-shaped media to trigger MP3 playback from an SD card via an Arduino. It features a lithium battery, simple controls, and supports multiple languages. The project is based on Tonuino concepts, with all source code available on GitHub.
Parts used in the Grimmboy:
- Arduino microcontroller
- SD card for local storage
- Lithium battery
- RFID tags hidden in cassettes
- Cassette tape likenesses as physical media
- Simple control interface
Consumer electronics aimed at young children tend to be quite janky and cheap-looking, and they often have to be to survive the extreme stress-testing normal use in this situation. You could buy a higher quality item intended for normal use, but this carries the risk of burning a hole in the pockets of the parents. To thread the needle on this dilemma for a child’s audiobook player, [Turi] built the Grimmboy for a relative of his.
Taking its name from the Brothers Grimm, the player is able of playing a number of children’s stories and fables in multiple languages, with each physically represented by a small cassette tape likeness with an RFID tag hidden in each one. A tape can be selected and placed in the player, and the Arduino at the center of it will recognize the tag and play the corresponding MP3 file stored locally on an SD card. There are simple controls and all the circuitry to support its lithium battery as well. All of the source code that [Turi] used to build this is available on the project’s GitHub page.
This was also featured at the Arudino blog as well, and we actually featured a similar project a while ago with a slightly different spin. Both are based on ideas from Tonuino, an open source project aimed at turning Arduinos into MP3 players. If you’re looking to build something with a few more features, though, take a look at this custom build based on the RP2040 microcontroller instead.
Source: KIDS’ JUKEBOX BASED ON ARDUINO WITH RFID
- How does the Grimmboy identify which story to play?
The Arduino recognizes the RFID tag hidden inside the selected cassette tape. - Where are the audio files stored?
The MP3 files are stored locally on an SD card within the player. - What powers the device?
The circuitry supports a lithium battery for operation. - Can the player handle multiple languages?
Yes, the player can play stories and fables in multiple languages. - Is the source code available for this project?
All source code used by [Turi] is available on the project’s GitHub page. - What open-source project inspired the Grimmboy design?
The project is based on ideas from Tonuino, which turns Arduinos into MP3 players. - Why was this specific player built for children?
It addresses the dilemma of needing durable equipment without the high cost of premium items. - Does the device use standard tapes?
No, it uses small cassette tape likenesses with RFID tags instead of magnetic tape.
