mp3 playback in circuitpython with lars the sloth puppet€¦ · semi-threatening voice samples...

MP3 Playback in CircuitPython with Lars the Sloth PuppetCreated by John Park

Last updated on 2020-10-26 05:32:02 PM EDT

OverviewYou can now play MP3 files directly in CircuitPython with no dedicated decoding hardware! You'll be able to use thisnew capability in all sorts of projects, including this creepy Lars the Sloth voice box project!

The benefit of MP3 over other non-compressed file formats, such as WAV, has always been their small file size,meaning you can pack a lot of songs or samples into limited memory. However, decompressing those small files forplayback was too taxing for older microcontrollers, so we had to use dedicated decoder chips at an additional cost,including licensing fees.

Thanks to the raw speed of M4, the days of requiring a dedicated MP3 audio decoder chip are behind us. And, sincethe patents have expired, we can now distribute MP3 playback libraries free of charge (https://adafru.it/Hey)!

Parts

Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51

$22.95IN STOCK

Add To Cart

Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing

$9.95IN STOCK

Add To Cart

© Adafruit Industries https://learn.adafruit.com/mp3-circuitpython-lars Page 3 of 31

https://blog.adafruit.com/2019/11/29/native-mp3-decoding-playback-in-circuitpython-adafruit-circuitpython/

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857













Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt

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Lithium Ion Polymer Battery Ideal For Feathers - 3.7V400mAh

$6.95IN STOCK

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Tactile On/Off Switch with Leads

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Micro B Round Panel Mount Extension Cable - 30cm

$4.95IN STOCK

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20-pin 0.1" Female Header - Red - 5 pack

$2.50IN STOCK

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Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Red - 10 pack

$4.95IN STOCK

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Black Nylon Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread

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Plush DollThe choice is yours, but if you want to embed creepy,

semi-threatening voice samples into a murder puppet,

you could do worse than a Sickening Sloth

Fuggler (https://adafru.it/LgB).

The teeth. Oh the teeth.

Who is Lars?

Lars (https://adafru.it/LgF) is the sworn enemy of CVT Joseph (https://adafru.it/Lha), the ice cream truck godfather ofLos Angeles, and owner of CVT Soft Serve (https://adafru.it/Lhb).

Lars is angry that Joe won't reveal the location of his Wonka-style Golden ice cream gift cards. This video linked belowwill make everything clear:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B--_P8JJWWy/ (https://adafru.it/Lhc)

Actor Matt Biedel (https://adafru.it/Lhd) (Umbrella Academy, Narcos) has kindly given us permission to use Lars's voice.At least that's what Joe claims.


https://learn.adafruit.com//assets/91348

https://www.amazon.com/Fuggler-Monster-Deluxe-Stuffed-Sickening/dp/B07CM6FMDD

https://www.instagram.com/lars2sexy/

https://www.instagram.com/cvtsoftserve/

http://www.cvtsoftserve.com/whatsourdeal

https://www.instagram.com/p/B--_P8JJWWy/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2560926/

This project is not sponsored by CVT Soft Serve. John is is just really obsessed with Lars and great ice cream.�


Build the MP3Player

You can play .mp3 files with just a Feather M4 plus an

amplifier and speaker. However, for the puppet sound

playback, we'll make a nice, compact player with some

extra features.

The Propmaker FeatherWing gives us a very convenient

built-in amplifier and speaker output port, as well as an

accelerometer with tap-detection we will use to trigger

the sample playback.

With a small battery, USB port extender, and toggle

switch for powering the board on and off via the Enable

pin, we'll have a great little player that can be embedded

inside the puppet, while still allowing it to be triggered

from the outside, recharged and even coded without

requiring disassembly.

Add Header PinsSolder a set of female and male header pins to the

Feather and FeatherWing respectively as shown here.

This guide (https://adafru.it/Lhe) shows how to solder in

the headers.





https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-wifi-atwinc1500/assembly#soldering-in-plain-headers-2295747-7

Enable SwitchThe Enable pin on the Feather can be used to turn the

board on and off.

Push the wires through the Propmaker FeatherWing's

hold as shown (for strain relief) and then solder it to the

G and En pads (either wire in either hole is fine).




Battery PowerConnect the battery to the JST battery jack and add a

little piece of double-stick foam tape to keep it secure

between the two boards.





Fasten with HardwareUse four M2.5 standoffs and eight short M2.5 screws to

fasten the boards together.





SpeakerNext, plug in the speaker and you'll be ready for

programming and testing your .mp3 player!



CircuitPython on Feather M4ExpressCircuitPython (https://adafru.it/tB7) is a derivative of MicroPython (https://adafru.it/BeZ) designed to simplifyexperimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping byrequiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the CIRCUITPY drive to iterate.

The following instructions will show you how to install CircuitPython. If you've already installed CircuitPython but arelooking to update it or reinstall it, the same steps work for that as well!

Set up CircuitPython Quick Start!

Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :)

https://adafru.it/Emh

https://adafru.it/Emh

Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file.

Download and save it to your desktop (or wherever is

handy).

Plug your Feather M4 into your computer using a

known-good USB cable.

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables

and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB

cable you know is good for data sync.

Double-click the Reset button next to the USB

connector on your board, and you will see the NeoPixel

RGB LED turn green. If it turns red, check the USB cable,

try another USB port, etc. Note: The little red LED next

to the USB connector will pulse red. That's ok!

If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again.

Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!


https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython

https://micropython.org

https://circuitpython.org/board/feather_m4_express/



You will see a new disk drive appear called

FEATHERBOOT.

Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2 file to

FEATHERBOOT.

The LED will flash. Then, the FEATHERBOOT drive will

disappear and a new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will

appear.

That's it, you're done! :)

Further Information

For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out Installing CircuitPython (https://adafru.it/Amd).





https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython

CircuitPython Libraries

Each CircuitPython program you run needs to have a lot of information to work. The reason CircuitPython is so simpleto use is that most of that information is stored in other files and works in the background. These files are calledlibraries. Some of them are built into CircuitPython. Others are stored on your CIRCUITPY drive in a folder called lib.Part of what makes CircuitPython so awesome is its ability to store code separately from the firmware itself. Storingcode separately from the firmware makes it easier to update both the code you write and the libraries you depend.

Your board may ship with a lib folder already, it's in the base directory of the drive. If not, simply create the folderyourself. When you first install CircuitPython, an empty lib directory will be created for you.

CircuitPython libraries work in the same way as regular Python modules so the Python docs (https://adafru.it/rar) are agreat reference for how it all should work. In Python terms, we can place our library files in the lib directory because itspart of the Python path by default.

One downside of this approach of separate libraries is that they are not built in. To use them, one needs to copy themto the CIRCUITPY drive before they can be used. Fortunately, we provide a bundle full of our libraries.

Our bundle and releases also feature optimized versions of the libraries with the .mpy file extension. These files takeless space on the drive and have a smaller memory footprint as they are loaded.

Installing the CircuitPython Library Bundle

We're constantly updating and improving our libraries, so we don't (at this time) ship our CircuitPython boards with the

As we continue to develop CircuitPython and create new releases, we will stop supporting older releases. Visit https://circuitpython.org/downloads to download the latest version of CircuitPython for your board. You must download the CircuitPython Library Bundle that matches your version of CircuitPython. Please update CircuitPython and then visit https://circuitpython.org/libraries to download the latest Library Bundle.

�


https://circuitpython.org/downloads

https://circuitpython.org/libraries

https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/modules.html

full library bundle. Instead, you can find example code in the guides for your board that depends on external libraries.Some of these libraries may be available from us at Adafruit, some may be written by community members!

Either way, as you start to explore CircuitPython, you'll want to know how to get libraries on board.

You can grab the latest Adafruit CircuitPython Bundle release by clicking the button below.

Note: Match up the bundle version with the version of CircuitPython you are running - 3.x library for running anyversion of CircuitPython 3, 4.x for running any version of CircuitPython 4, etc. If you mix libraries with majorCircuitPython versions, you will most likely get errors due to changes in library interfaces possible during major versionchanges.

https://adafru.it/ENC

https://adafru.it/ENC

If you need another version, you can also visit the bundle release page (https://adafru.it/Ayy) which will let you selectexactly what version you're looking for, as well as information about changes.

Either way, download the version that matches your CircuitPython firmware version. If you don't know the version,look at the initial prompt in the CircuitPython REPL, which reports the version. For example, if you're running v4.0.1,download the 4.x library bundle. There's also a py bundle which contains the uncompressed python files, you probablydon't want that unless you are doing advanced work on libraries.

After downloading the zip, extract its contents. This is usually done by double clicking on the zip. On Mac OSX, itplaces the file in the same directory as the zip.

Open the bundle folder. Inside you'll find two information files, and two folders. One folder is the lib bundle, and theother folder is the examples bundle.


https://circuitpython.org/libraries

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases/latest/

Now open the lib folder. When you open the folder, you'll see a large number of mpy files and folders

Example Files

All example files from each library are now included in the bundles, as well as an examples-only bundle. These areincluded for two main reasons:

Allow for quick testing of devices.Provide an example base of code, that is easily built upon for individualized purposes.

Copying Libraries to Your Board

First you'll want to create a lib folder on your CIRCUITPY drive. Open the drive, right click, choose the option to createa new folder, and call it lib. Then, open the lib folder you extracted from the downloaded zip. Inside you'll find anumber of folders and .mpy files. Find the library you'd like to use, and copy it to the lib folder on CIRCUITPY.

This also applies to example files. They are only supplied as raw .py files, so they may need to be converted to .mpyusing the mpy-cross utility if you encounter MemoryErrors . This is discussed in the CircuitPython Essentials

Guide (https://adafru.it/CTw). Usage is the same as described above in the Express Boards section. Note: If you do notplace examples in a separate folder, you would remove the examples from the import statement.

Example: ImportError Due to Missing Library

If a library has multiple .mpy files contained in a folder, be sure to copy the entire folder to CIRCUITPY/lib.�


https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-essentials/circuitpython-expectations#how-can-i-create-my-own-mpy-files-18-6

If you choose to load libraries as you need them, you may write up code that tries to use a library you haven't yetloaded. We're going to demonstrate what happens when you try to utilise a library that you don't have loaded on yourboard, and cover the steps required to resolve the issue.

This demonstration will only return an error if you do not have the required library loaded into the lib folder on yourCIRCUITPY drive.

Let's use a modified version of the blinky example.

import boardimport timeimport simpleio

led = simpleio.DigitalOut(board.D13)

while True: led.value = True time.sleep(0.5) led.value = False time.sleep(0.5)

Save this file. Nothing happens to your board. Let's check the serial console to see what's going on.

We have an ImportError . It says there is no module named 'simpleio' . That's the one we just included in our code!

Click the link above to download the correct bundle. Extract the lib folder from the downloaded bundle file. Scrolldown to find simpleio.mpy. This is the library file we're looking for! Follow the steps above to load an individual libraryfile.

The LED starts blinking again! Let's check the serial console.


No errors! Excellent. You've successfully resolved an ImportError !

If you run into this error in the future, follow along with the steps above and choose the library that matches the oneyou're missing.

Library Install on Non-Express Boards

If you have a Trinket M0 or Gemma M0, you'll want to follow the same steps in the example above to install libraries asyou need them. You don't always need to wait for an ImportError as you probably know what library you added to

your code. Simply open the lib folder you downloaded, find the library you need, and drag it to the lib folder on yourCIRCUITPY drive.

You may end up running out of space on your Trinket M0 or Gemma M0 even if you only load libraries as you needthem. There are a number of steps you can use to try to resolve this issue. You'll find them in the Troubleshootingpage in the Learn guides for your board.

Updating CircuitPython Libraries/Examples

Libraries and examples are updated from time to time, and it's important to update the files you have on yourCIRCUITPY drive.

To update a single library or example, follow the same steps above. When you drag the library file to your lib folder, itwill ask if you want to replace it. Say yes. That's it!

A new library bundle is released every time there's an update to a library. Updates include things like bug fixes andnew features. It's important to check in every so often to see if the libraries you're using have been updated.


Code the MP3Player

Once your Feather is set up with CircuitPython 5.3.0 or

greater, you'll also need to add some libraries. Follow

this page (https://adafru.it/ABU) for information on how

to download and add libraries to your Feather.

From the library bundle you downloaded in that guide

page, transfer the following libraries onto the Feather's

/lib directory:

adafruit_bus_device

adafruit_lis3dh

neopixel

Text Editor

Adafruit recommends using the Mu editor for using your CircuitPython code with the Feather boards. You can get moreinfo in this guide (https://adafru.it/ANO).

Alternatively, you can use any text editor that saves files.

Code.py

Copy the code below and paste it into Mu. Then, save it to your Feather as code.py.



https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/circuitpython-libraries

https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor

# MP3 playback with tap trigger# Works on Feather M4 (or other M4 based boards) with Propmakerimport timeimport boardimport busioimport digitalioimport audioioimport audiomp3import adafruit_lis3dh

startup_play = False # set to True to play all samples once on startup

# Set up accelerometer on I2C busi2c = busio.I2C(board.SCL, board.SDA)int1 = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.D6)accel = adafruit_lis3dh.LIS3DH_I2C(i2c, int1=int1)accel.set_tap(1, 100) # single or double-tap, threshold

# Set up speaker enable pinenable = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.D10)enable.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUTenable.value = True

speaker = audioio.AudioOut(board.A0)

sample_number = 0

print("Lars says, 'Hello, CVT Joseph. Tap to play.'")

if startup_play: # Play all on startup for i in range(10): sample = "/lars/lars_0{}.mp3".format(i) print("Now playing: '{}'".format(sample)) mp3stream = audiomp3.MP3Decoder(open(sample, "rb")) speaker.play(mp3stream)

while speaker.playing: time.sleep(0.1) enable.value = speaker.playing

while True: if accel.tapped and speaker.playing is False: sample = "/lars/lars_0{}.mp3".format(sample_number) print("Now playing: '{}'".format(sample)) mp3stream = audiomp3.MP3Decoder(open(sample, "rb")) speaker.play(mp3stream) sample_number = (sample_number + 1) % 10 enable.value = speaker.playing

Audio Samples

You can get started by using these .mp3 files. (Of course, you're free to use any files that you like, see below for moreinfo on that.)

Download the .zip file linked below and then uncompress the file. Drag the /lars directory onto the root level of yourFeather's CIRCUITPY drive.


https://adafru.it/LgD

https://adafru.it/LgD

Make Your Own

To make your own .mp3, use audio software such as Audacity (https://adafru.it/Lee) to save them with these settings:

bit rate: anywhere from 16 to 320 kb/s (lower will be smaller, higher is better quality)sample rate: 22050Hz or 44100Hz are recommended, although 16kHz, 24kHz, and 48kHz should also workchannels: mono or stereomust be DRM free

How It Works

Here's what the code does:

Imports the necessary libraries for audiomp3 playback and accelerometer tap detection with the adafruit_lis3dhSets up the accelerometerSpecifies the speaker enable pin (this allows the speaker to be disabled when not in use)If startup_play is set to True, each sample in the /lars directory with the name format of /lars_0*.mp3 will be

played using the mp3stream object

In the main loop of the program, the accelerometer is checked for tap detection. When the tap occurs, the nextsample is played. When the tenth one is played, the list loops around back to the first one again.

Test It

With the enable switch clicked on, try tapping the Feather/Propmaker to trigger a sample. When a sample has finishedyou can tap again to trigger the next one.

Note, there is a small volume adjustment screw on the Propmaker FeatherWing that can be turned with a smallscrewdriver to adjust the maximum volume.

Now, let's add the sound player to our puppet friend Lars!


https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/091/497/original/lars.zip?1590423817

https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/mp3_export_options.html

Implant the MP3 Player inPuppet

Before making any incisions, we'll lay out the parts on

the puppet to get a feel for where things will go. This is

a good time to add the USB panel-mount port extender

to the micro USB jack on the Feather.

We want to get the speaker up near Lars's inexplicably

human-toothed maw, with the Feather board near the

center of his back so it is easy to tap it to trigger the

sound sample playback.

I decided to place the on/off switch for the enable pin in

Lars's right paw-claw-hand thing, and the USB port jack

in his left foot.




Seam RipperUse a seam ripper or small scissors to open up the

seam on the bottom of Lars's left foot.




Feed in the SpeakerFeed the speaker up through the foot hole and work it

up toward the head area.




Bag ItTo prevent the board from snagging on the doll's batting

on the way in, you can wrap the feather in a small bag

with a zip tie or rubber band to close off the neck as

shown here.

USB JackThe last thing to push into the plush toy will be the USB

panel-mount jack.

Use a medium sized zip tie to secure it to the end of the

foot as shown, then trim off the excess zip tie end.




You can now plug a USB cable into Lars's foot for battery charging, swapping out .mp3 files, or even adjusting theCircuitPython code!



Test out your finished puppet now by making sure the Enable switch is clicked on, then tap his back to play!

You may need to wiggle the speaker around to get it to an optimal placement. Also ensure the battery is charged orthe USB cable plugged in to get sufficient power.

Note, in the video below I was using a double-tap to trigger.


mp3 playback in circuitpython with lars the sloth puppet€¦ · semi-threatening voice samples...

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