Introduction

In today’s tech-savvy world, combining the power of electronics and programming can lead to fascinating innovations. One such creation is a sound-activated music player with an LCD display, a project that merges audio playback with visual feedback. This article will guide you through the process of building this exciting project, from understanding the working principle to creating the circuit, writing the Arduino code, and bringing it all together.

Working Principle

The sound-activated music player operates on a simple yet effective principle. It uses a microphone to capture sound signals from its surroundings. These sound signals are then analyzed to determine the sound intensity or volume. When the volume surpasses a predefined threshold, the Arduino triggers the music playback and displays relevant information on the LCD screen.

Things We Need

Before diving into the project, gather the necessary components:

1. Arduino board (e.g., Arduino Uno)
2. Microphone sensor module
3. Speaker or headphones
4. LCD display with I2C Module
5. Amplifier module (optional for improved audio quality)
6. Micro SD card module (for storing music files)
7. Micro SD card
8. Jumper wires
9. Breadboard (optional)
10. Resistors and capacitors for voltage level shifting (if required)

Circuit Diagram

Working of the System with Arduino

1. Connecting the Components: Begin by connecting the components according to the circuit diagram. Ensure that the microphone, LCD display, amplifier (if used), and SD card module are correctly wired to the Arduino.
2. Code Setup: Write the Arduino code to read the microphone input and detect sound levels. Use an appropriate library to read the SD card and play audio files. Additionally, program the Arduino to display information on the LCD screen when activated by sound.
3. Sound Detection: The microphone sensor continuously samples sound from the environment. When the sound level surpasses the predefined threshold, the Arduino processes this information.
4. Audio Playback: The Arduino triggers the playback of audio files stored on the micro SD card. You can pre-load your favorite songs onto the card.
5. LCD Display: The LCD screen displays relevant information such as the song title, artist, and volume level. You can customize the display to show additional details.

Arduino Code

Here’s a simplified example of the Arduino code for this project:

#include <SD.h>
#include <TMRpcm.h>
#include <SPI.h>
#include <Wire.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

TMRpcm audio;
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2); // Initialize the I2C LCD module with its address

const int microphonePin = A0;
const int threshold = 500; // Adjust as needed

void setup() {
  audio.speakerPin = 9; // Define speaker pin
  Serial.begin(9600);
  audio.setVolume(5); // Set initial volume
  lcd.init(); // Initialize the I2C LCD
  lcd.backlight();
  if (!SD.begin(10)) {
    Serial.println("SD card initialization failed!");
    return;
  }
  lcd.print("Sound-Activated");
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  lcd.print("Music Player");
  delay(2000);
  lcd.clear();
}

void loop() {
  int soundLevel = analogRead(microphonePin);

  if (soundLevel > threshold) {
    lcd.clear();
    lcd.print("Playing Music...");
    audio.play("music.mp3"); // Change the filename as needed
  }
}

Troubleshooting

• Audio is not playing : Make sure that the file format is mp3 and is saved in the root directory of the SD card.
• SD card not detected : Check if the file format of the SD card is supported by your reader. You can change the SD card format and recheck if the SD card is being initialized correctly.
• Speaker is not playing sound as the LCD displays “Playing Music” : Please check your speaker connections and find out if any power supply is needed.
• You can use the 3mm Male jack which most speaker have and get the female connector connect to the Arduino if needed. This tip is important for hobbist who have a portable speaker with them. This avoid the amplifier circuit.

Conclusion

Building a sound-activated music player with an LCD display using Arduino is an exciting project that combines electronics, programming, and music. It’s an excellent way to learn about sound sensors, audio playback, and interfacing with LCD displays. Customize the project further by adding features like playlist support or remote control. With this project, you can enjoy your favorite tunes in a unique and interactive way, driven by the sound of your environment.