How to Use Adafruit VS1053 Headphone FeatherWing: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit VS1053 Headphone FeatherWing is an add-on board designed for the Feather series of development boards by Adafruit. It incorporates the VS1053, a versatile MP3/AAC/WMA MIDI audio codec chip, providing a simple solution for adding audio playback through a standard headphone jack. This component is ideal for creating portable music players, audio notification systems, and for adding sound to embedded projects.

• DIY MP3 players
• Sound effects for games and interactive installations
• Audio notifications for IoT devices
• Educational projects involving audio processing

• Audio Decoder Chip: VS1053
• Audio Formats Supported: MP3, AAC, WMA, MIDI, and more
• Voltage Supply: 3.3V from Feather board
• Current Consumption: ~20mA (playback), ~100mA (peak)
• Output: Stereo headphone jack (1/8 inch)
• MicroSD Card Slot: Yes, for audio file storage

1. Mounting: Attach the FeatherWing to the top of a Feather board ensuring all pins align correctly.
2. Power Supply: Ensure that the Feather board is powered with a 3.3V supply, which is also used by the FeatherWing.
3. MicroSD Card: Insert a microSD card with audio files into the slot on the FeatherWing.
4. Headphones: Connect a pair of headphones or a stereo input to the headphone jack.

• Audio File Format: Make sure the audio files are in a format supported by the VS1053 chip.
• File System: Format the microSD card with a FAT16 or FAT32 file system.
• Library: Use the Adafruit VS1053 library for easy integration with the Feather board.
• Volume: Start with a low volume to avoid damage to your hearing or audio equipment.

#include <SPI.h>
#include <SD.h>
#include <Adafruit_VS1053.h>

// Define the pins used
#define BREAKOUT_RESET  -1      // VS1053 reset pin (not used!)
#define BREAKOUT_CS      6      // VS1053 chip select pin (output)
#define BREAKOUT_DCS     10     // VS1053 Data/command select pin (output)
// These are the pins used for the music maker shield
#define SHIELD_RESET  -1      // VS1053 reset pin (unused!)
#define SHIELD_CS     7       // VS1053 chip select pin (output)
#define SHIELD_DCS    8       // VS1053 Data/command select pin (output)
// These are common pins between breakout and shield
#define CARDCS 4     // Card chip select pin
// DREQ should be an Int pin, see http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/attachInterrupt
#define DREQ 3       // VS1053 Data request, ideally an Interrupt pin

Adafruit_VS1053_FilePlayer musicPlayer = 
  // create breakout board object!
  Adafruit_VS1053_FilePlayer(BREAKOUT_RESET, BREAKOUT_CS, BREAKOUT_DCS, DREQ, CARDCS);
  // create shield-version object!
  //Adafruit_VS1053_FilePlayer(SHIELD_RESET, SHIELD_CS, SHIELD_DCS, DREQ, CARDCS);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("Adafruit VS1053 Simple Test");

  if (! musicPlayer.begin()) { // initialise the music player
     Serial.println(F("Couldn't find VS1053, do you have the right pins defined?"));
     while (1);
  }
  Serial.println(F("VS1053 found"));

   if (!SD.begin(CARDCS)) {
    Serial.println(F("SD failed, or not present"));
    while (1);  // don't do anything more
  }

  // Set volume for left, right channels. lower numbers == louder volume!
  musicPlayer.setVolume(20,20);

  // Play one file, don't return until complete
  Serial.println(F("Playing track 001"));
  musicPlayer.playFullFile("/track001.mp3");
  // Play another file in the background, REQUIRES interrupts!
  Serial.println(F("Playing track 002"));
  musicPlayer.startPlayingFile("/track002.mp3");
}

void loop() {
  // File is playing in the background
  if (musicPlayer.stopped()) {
    Serial.println("Done playing music");
    while (1) {
      delay(10);  // we're done! do nothing...
    }
  }
  if (Serial.available()) {
    char c = Serial.read();
    // if we get a 'p', pause/unpause!
    if (c == 'p') {
      if (! musicPlayer.paused()) {
        Serial.println("Paused");
        musicPlayer.pausePlaying(true);
      } else { 
        Serial.println("Resumed");
        musicPlayer.pausePlaying(false);
      }
    }
  }
}

• No Audio Output: Ensure the headphone jack is fully inserted and the volume is turned up.
• File Not Playing: Check the microSD card for proper formatting and compatible file types.
• Intermittent Playback: Make sure the DREQ pin is connected and functioning correctly.

• Audio Quality: If the audio quality is poor, check the power supply for stability and sufficient current.
• SPI Communication: Verify that the SPI connections are secure and that the correct pins are being used.
• Library Updates: Ensure you have the latest version of the Adafruit VS1053 library.

Q: Can I play audio files other than MP3? A: Yes, the VS1053 chip supports a variety of audio formats including AAC, WMA, and MIDI.

Q: How do I control the volume? A: The volume can be controlled programmatically using the setVolume method in the Adafruit VS1053 library.

Q: Can I use this FeatherWing with other microcontrollers? A: While designed for Feather boards, it can be used with other microcontrollers that support SPI communication, given appropriate voltage levels and pin connections.