RFI-DJ: MP3 Playing RFID Thing

The RFI-DJ is a USB device for playing MP3 files from your computer. You have a set of RFID cards, each one with a song name written on it. You choose a card and place it on the RFI-DJ, and your computer will play that song. Its magic!

Actually, it’s not magic. It uses an Arduino and an ID-12 RFID scanner, and a python script running on your computer.

The device is really fun to use, and it makes a great afternoon project. The parts it uses are owned by most DIY people, and if you don’t have them, they’re pretty cheap and easy to find. The number of tracks it can play is severely limited to the number of RFID tags you have, so don’t plan on throwing away your i-pod.

Wait a minute, I think I’ve seen this before…
Yes, unfortunately, you have. After starting on this instructable I discovered that somebody had already done something very similar, which can be found here. There are still many differences in his approach, such has that his is not USB, it is standalone, and his is much bigger and is more difficult and time-consuming to make. His is also based off of an i-pod.
Also, this project was inspired by this instructable. I probably wouldn’t have thought of this without it. It’s basically the same thing, but that one was with websites, not songs.

Here’s a video I made of me playing a song with it (with my cat yelling in the background):

How it works:
An RFID scanner scans your card.
An Arduino processes the reading.
Based on the reading, the Arduino sends a letter to the serial port.
A python script reads the letter, and plays a song based on what letter it receives.

Step 1: Supplies

MP3 Playing RFID Thing
Here’s what you need:
1 Arduino
1 RFID Reader
1 RFID Reader Breakout
Many RFID Tags
1 Computer
Some MP3 Files (Don’t pirate them, please.)
Wire

Optional:
1 LED
1 Box of sorts (I used a cereal box)

Step 2: Download ALL THE THINGS!

You have a lot of things to download. Okay, just two, but it felt like a lot when I was downloading them. Here’s the list, complete with installation instructions:

pySerial – A python module for serial communication.
It can be found here.
1. Download and extract.
2. Use ā€œcdā€ to change your directory to the pyserial folder.
3. Use ā€œsudo suā€ to change into root. (Use your root powers for good, not evil)
4. Run ā€œpython setup.py installā€ to install it and stuff.

mpg321 – A program to play MP3 files and such.
1. Run ā€œsudo apt-get install mpg321ā€ and type in the root password.
To test:
2. ā€œcdā€ into the directory of an MP3 file.
3. Run ā€œmpg321 [mp3filename].mp3ā€ and it should be working.

Step 3: Wire up RFID Reader

Solder the RFID reader to the breakout board. Then, wire as follows:
RFID reader pin 1 to ground.
RFID reader pin 2 to 5v.
RFID reader pin 11 to 5v.
RFID reader pin 10 to LED. (Optional: for debugging purposes. Will light up when a card is scanned.)
RFID reader pin 9 to Arduino pin 6.
RFID reader pin 7 to ground.

Done!

Step 4: Prepare Box (Optional)

You should now take the time to prepare your box. A standard cereal box works great when cut in half and wrapped in duct-tape. Then you should insert your Arduino and RFID reader. Trace an RFID tag over the reader on the box. Feel free to draw any artwork you want on the box.

Step 5: Figure Out RFID Identifiers

Run this code:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

SoftwareSerial RFID = SoftwareSerial(6, 7);

void setup ()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
RFID.begin(9600); //Begins connection with the reader
}
char read;
void loop ()
{
while(RFID.available() > 0)
{
read = RFID.read();
Serial.print(read);
}
}
MP3 Playing RFID Thing circuit
While that code is running, open up the serial monitor. Now, scan some cards, and write down the characters that show up in the serial monitor. Write letters (such as ā€˜a’ or ā€˜b’) on each card. Make sure each card has its own letter. On the same paper you wrote down the IDs, write down the letter associated with that ID.

Step 6: Arduino Code

This is the BRAND NEW, SUPER AWESOME code that I used for my RFI-DJ, or it’s at least more brand new, and more super awesome than when I first posted this instuctable. You must edit some lines to make it work for you.

 

For more detail: RFI-DJ: MP3 Playing RFID Thing

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation, and engineering. I have a clear and simple writing style and am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and is able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.

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