The MP3elf is a low-cost Ethernet connected MP3 player that receives a MP3 stream from a local
area network server and delivers it to amplified speakers or a Hi-Fi system.
You can have a single source of MP3 files in your home or office, and browse through
playlists from any MP3elf. Multiple MP3elf's can access the same music and playlists, or even hook in to streaming internet radio. There's no need to transfer your new MP3 files all over the place - they can now be kept in a single location, on the music server PC.
The Universal IR receiver allows the MP3elf to respond to one of your existing Remote Controls
(or use the on-board pushbuttons) and the LCD interface can display your very own choice of information.
The elfServer software design allows compatibility with a range of different front-end options. As it is Java based, it can run on Windows, Macintosh, or Linux machines.
MP3elf V2
...now how do I get one?
A fully assembled MP3elf may be purchased directly, alternatively...
The entire design is available under open source BSD License - you can
download all the design documentation, source code, and
circuit board layouts for free, and build your own!
Kits are also available for purchase, to save you the
trouble of sourcing most of the components yourself. We are selling these kits to cover our
own development expenses, rather than to make a profit. This project is intended to
showcase our design skills using microcontroller technology with a range of software platforms - if
you have your own commercial project in mind that you would
like to have developed, please feel free to contact us!
Audio Interface
The audio interface uses a 24 bit DAC to provide a line level output which will connect
into your Hi-Fi stereo system or amplified speakers. The MP3elf will handle signals of
up to 320kbps (the maximum possible), to provide for the highest quality sound.
There are also on-board connectors to allow access to raw signals
(both before and after the DAC) if you'd like to build the MP3elf into your own amplifier project.
The MP3elf has also been successfully converted for use in a car, with a laptop in the boot.
Infrared Remote Control
As well as 6 on-board pushbuttons or up to 16 external pushbuttons, the MP3elf has a
"Universal" style IR Remote Control receiver, which is able to receive commands from most existing
remote controls, or even IR capable palmtop devices.
Use as a Development Tool
Also useful as a Development Tool
As well as a MP3 player, the MP3elf has been designed to allow it to be used as a general
purpose development tool, and can program both PIC and ATMEL flash microcontrollers
using ICSP. As well as the MP3 capabilities, you have a microcontroller board running Java, with
Ethernet, Telnet, FTP, RS232, 1-Wire and I2C interfaces, LCD connector with backlight and contrast control, plus 6 on-board pushbuttons and a universal IR decoder.
The audio signals have been exposed both before and after the DAC on headers, and the on-board PIC microcontroller has a number of exposed I/O pins. Your own imagination is the limit! See the Features section for more details.
Would you like to assist?
Feel free to use and extend the design under the BSD License.
If you'd like to assist us develop the MP3elf further,
you will find all the necessary contact details on the MP3elf
project page at Sourceforge.
