How to Use DFPlayer Pro: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The DFPlayer Pro, manufactured by DFRobot, is a compact and versatile MP3 player module designed for audio playback applications. It supports audio files stored on a micro SD card and features a built-in amplifier for direct speaker output. The module is compatible with various audio formats, such as MP3, WAV, and WMA, and can be easily controlled via serial communication, making it an excellent choice for projects involving microcontrollers like Arduino.

• Interactive audio systems
• Voice prompts in embedded systems
• DIY audio players
• Educational projects
• Alarm or notification systems
• IoT devices with audio feedback

Below are the key technical details of the DFPlayer Pro:

The DFPlayer Pro has a total of 16 pins. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5.0V power source and GND to ground.
2. Audio Output:
   • For speaker output, connect a 4Ω or 8Ω speaker to the SPK_1 and SPK_2 pins.
   • For headphone or external amplifier output, use the DAC_R and DAC_L pins.
3. Microcontroller Connection:
   • Connect the RX pin of the DFPlayer Pro to the TX pin of the microcontroller.
   • Connect the TX pin of the DFPlayer Pro to the RX pin of the microcontroller.
4. Storage Media: Insert a micro SD card with audio files into the module's SD card slot.
5. Control: Use UART commands to control playback, volume, and other functions.

• Ensure the micro SD card is formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 for compatibility.
• Use decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to reduce noise.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating of the module to prevent damage.
• Use a logic level shifter if your microcontroller operates at 3.3V and the DFPlayer Pro is powered at 5.0V.

Below is an example of how to control the DFPlayer Pro using an Arduino UNO:

#include "SoftwareSerial.h"

// Define RX and TX pins for SoftwareSerial
SoftwareSerial mySerial(10, 11); // RX = pin 10, TX = pin 11

void setup() {
  mySerial.begin(9600); // Initialize SoftwareSerial at 9600 baud
  Serial.begin(9600);   // Initialize hardware serial for debugging

  delay(1000); // Wait for the DFPlayer Pro to initialize

  // Send initialization command to DFPlayer Pro
  mySerial.write(0x7E); // Start byte
  mySerial.write(0xFF); // Version
  mySerial.write(0x06); // Length
  mySerial.write(0x09); // Command: Select device
  mySerial.write(0x00); // Feedback
  mySerial.write(0x02); // Parameter 1: SD card
  mySerial.write(0x00); // Parameter 2
  mySerial.write(0xFE); // Checksum (high byte)
  mySerial.write(0xED); // Checksum (low byte)
  mySerial.write(0xEF); // End byte

  Serial.println("DFPlayer Pro initialized.");
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Play the first audio file
  mySerial.write(0x7E); // Start byte
  mySerial.write(0xFF); // Version
  mySerial.write(0x06); // Length
  mySerial.write(0x03); // Command: Play track
  mySerial.write(0x00); // Feedback
  mySerial.write(0x00); // Parameter 1: High byte of track number
  mySerial.write(0x01); // Parameter 2: Low byte of track number
  mySerial.write(0xFE); // Checksum (high byte)
  mySerial.write(0xF7); // Checksum (low byte)
  mySerial.write(0xEF); // End byte

  delay(5000); // Wait for 5 seconds before repeating
}

1. No Sound Output:

   • Ensure the speaker or headphones are properly connected to the correct pins.
   • Verify that the audio file format is supported (e.g., MP3, WAV, WMA).
   • Check the micro SD card for proper formatting (FAT16 or FAT32).

2. Module Not Responding:

   • Confirm that the RX and TX pins are correctly connected to the microcontroller.
   • Ensure the baud rate in the code matches the module's default (9600 bps).
   • Check the power supply voltage and current to ensure it meets the module's requirements.

3. Playback Stops Unexpectedly:

   • Verify the micro SD card is securely inserted and not corrupted.
   • Check for loose connections in the circuit.

Q1: Can I use the DFPlayer Pro without a microcontroller?
A1: Yes, the DFPlayer Pro can be controlled using buttons connected to the ADKEY1 and ADKEY2 pins.

Q2: What is the maximum speaker power supported?
A2: The built-in amplifier supports up to 3W for 4Ω speakers.

Q3: How do I adjust the volume?
A3: Volume can be adjusted via UART commands or by using external buttons connected to the ADKEY pins.

Q4: Can I use a USB drive instead of a micro SD card?
A4: Yes, the DFPlayer Pro supports USB drives via the USB+ and USB- pins.