If you have an old-fashioned boombox hidden away in your attic, why not give it a new lease of life using a Raspberry Pi 3? Hackster.io member “8bitsandabyte” has done just that using a Raspberry Pi, stereo audio amplifier, and the HDMI 5 inch 800 x 480 display equipped with a resistive touchscreen. Watch the video below to learn more about the project and see it in action.
“Revamped an old 80’s boombox using a Raspberry Pi, an amplifier chip, the original speakers, a powerbank, a touchscreen and Deezer.” Don’t worry if you haven’t got a boombox hiding in your attic; you can also pick up a second-hand or broken one from eBay or the like and transform what remains into a digital music player.
Components and Assembly
To bring this project to life, you will need a few essential components. The core of the project is the Raspberry Pi 3, which serves as the brain of the operation. The stereo audio amplifier is crucial for driving the original boombox speakers, ensuring that the sound quality is both loud and clear. The HDMI 5 inch 800 x 480 display with a resistive touchscreen allows for easy navigation and control of your music library.
Additionally, a powerbank is used to make the boombox portable, maintaining the original spirit of the device. The touchscreen interface is particularly useful for selecting songs and controlling playback without needing additional peripherals like a keyboard or mouse.
Software and Functionality
The software side of the project is equally important. The Raspberry Pi runs a custom operating system that supports music streaming services like Deezer. This allows you to stream your favorite tunes directly to your revamped boombox. The touchscreen interface is integrated with the software, providing a user-friendly way to browse and play music.
For those interested in building their own version, detailed instructions, a full component list, and additional resources are available on the Hackster.io website. The project page includes step-by-step guides, making it accessible even for those who may not have extensive experience with electronics or programming.
Expanding the Project
There are numerous ways to expand and customize this project further. For instance, you could add Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Another interesting addition could be integrating voice control using a microphone and voice recognition software, making your boombox even more modern and convenient to use.
Moreover, you could explore different software options beyond Deezer. Platforms like Spotify, Pandora, or even local music libraries can be integrated, depending on your preferences. The versatility of the Raspberry Pi means that the possibilities are nearly endless.
Jump over to the official Hackster.io website for more details, a full component list, and instructions on how to build your very own.
Source: Hackster
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