Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Analog Amplifiers & Signal Conditioning/DIY Retro Audio Player

Intermediate

ESP32

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

DIY Retro Audio Player

A portable retro-styled MP3 and audiobook player powered by an ESP32, featuring a 2.8-inch IPS display and physical mechanical buttons in a 3D-printed enclosure.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
Battery (generic / unspecified)
AA / AAA Battery + Holder
Enclosure / Box / Case
Speaker / Audio Amplifier
SD / MicroSD Card
Header Pins / Terminals / Connectors
Custom Circuit board

Browse all components

How It Works

The DIY Retro Audio Player is an embedded audio playback system orchestrated by an ESP32 microcontroller. Audio files are stored locally on a Micro SD card, which interfaces with the ESP32 to retrieve digital media. When you interact with the system via physical mechanical keyboard switches used as control buttons, the ESP32 reads these inputs and processes the playback logic using the ESP32-audioI2S library. Digital audio data is streamed via the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) protocol to the Maxim MAX98357A I2S amplifier. This breakout board takes the digital audio stream, handles internal digital-to-analog conversion, and amplifies the signal to drive an attached mono speaker or route it through a 3.5mm audio jack. Simultaneously, the ESP32 drives a visual user interface on a WaveShare 2.8-inch 320x240 pixel IPS display using the TFT_eSPI graphics library, showing track details, system status, or menus. The entire hardware ecosystem is powered by four AA batteries held securely in a Keystone battery clip, supplying the necessary voltage to the custom circuit board and components housed within a custom 3D-printed enclosure.

Why Build This

Design and assemble a custom, dedicated embedded audio playback appliance that replaces reliance on complex smartphones for media consumption.

Develop assistive technology applications by creating tactile, mechanical interfaces tailored for elderly or visually impaired users who struggle with modern touchscreens.

Integrate multiple complex peripherals—including high-resolution IPS displays, digital-to-analog I2S amplifiers, and local SD storage—onto a single custom microcontroller-based printed circuit board.

Real-World Application

Portable accessible audiobook players for elderly or visually impaired individuals who prefer tactile mechanical controls over modern touchscreens.

Skills You'll Learn

I2S digital audio communication

SD card file system reading

SPI display interfacing

mechanical button debouncing and input handling

battery power distribution and management

embedded C++ firmware development

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

ESP32

I2S AUDIO

MAX98357A

SPI DISPLAY

3D PRINTING

SD CARD

C++

ARDUINO

PCB DESIGN

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular headphones with this audio player?

Yes, the circuit includes a 3.5mm audio jack alongside the mono speaker, allowing you to connect standard headphones or external audio gear.

What kind of audio files should I store on the Micro SD card?

The ESP32-audioI2S library primarily supports standard digital audio formats like MP3 and WAV files for playback.

Why use mechanical keyboard switches instead of regular push buttons?

Mechanical keyboard switches offer a satisfying, highly tactile click and superior durability, making the device much easier to operate by touch alone, which is ideal for portable or accessible designs.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-00608