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How to use DFPlayer mini to play MP3 without Arduino

What is a DFPlayer?

The DFPlayer Mini MP3 Player For Arduino is a small and low-priced MP3 module with a simplified output directly to the speaker. The module can be used as a stand-alone module with an attached battery, speaker and push buttons or used in combination with an Arduino UNO or any other with RX/TX capabilities. Know More

dfplayer.jpg

This tutorial shows how to use the module without a microcontroller and looping one single song. We have another tutorial showing how to use this module with Arduino.

File handling

The mp3 file needs to be placed in a folder named mp3, and the file needs to be named as 0001.mp3.

MAC User Attention!
If you are using Mac OS X to copy the mp3, the file system will automatically add hidden files like: "._0001.mp3" for index, which this module will handle as valid mp3 files.

It is really annoying. To remove them, follow the steps below:

  1. Finder - Go to your USB drive
  2. Press Shift + Command + . to reveal all hidden files
  3. Select all .XXXXXX files and directories and delete
  4. Empty Bin
  5. Eject your USB drive

Wiring

Wiring up the sensor is quite complex, the pins are not labelled, so you will have to refer to the pinout. dfplayerpinout.png

Power

In this tutorial, we are using 3 AAA batteries, which provide 4.5V. The module can take 3.3V-5V as power input. Be mindful when you use other types of power input.

DFplayer Mini Wiring
  1. VCC to Battery + (Power)
  2. GND to Battery - (Power)
  3. SPK_1 to Speaker(+) red wire
  4. SPK_2 to Speaker(-) black wire
  5. ADKEY_1 to GND

dfplayerMini_standaloneLoopMP3Player.png

All done!

Other functions

With the AD keys, you can expand the functionality without using a microcontroller. Please reference the circuit diagrams and the table below.

dfminplay_adkey.png

KeyShort PushLong PushDescription
K1Play ModeSwitch to interrupt / non interrupted
K2Playback device switchesU/TF/SPI/Sleep
K3Operating ModeAll cycle
K4Play/Pause
K5PreviousVol+
K6NextVol-
K74Repeat play tracking 4Long push always to repeat play
K83Repeat play tracking 3Long push always to repeat play
K92Repeat play tracking 2Long push always to repeat play
K101Repeat play tracking 1Long push always to repeat play
K115Repeat play tracking 5Long push always to repeat play
K126Repeat play tracking 6Long push always to repeat play
K137Repeat play tracking 7Long push always to repeat play
K148Repeat play tracking 8Long push always to repeat play
K159Repeat play tracking 9Long push always to repeat play
K1610Repeat play tracking 10Long push always to repeat play
K1711Repeat play tracking 11Long push always to repeat play
K1812Repeat play tracking 12Long push always to repeat play
K1913Repeat play tracking 13Long push always to repeat play
K2014Repeat play tracking 14Long push always to repeat play