What is this?
This is a wireless audio device, created from a cheap wireless router, capable of playing internet radio streams or music on its USB flash drive. It requires only a 12v power source so power consumption is very low. A custom web page controls the music and volume. Perfect for daily office music or for listening at night while sleeping (since there are no moving parts to add noise).
The parts and pieces...
- Belkin SHARE MAX N300 - $22 – Expansys (or any compatible router)
- USB audio adapter (3D 5.1) - $2 – eBay
- 2GB USB drive - $5 - You probably have one in a junk drawer
- Speakers - this will vary in price, any will do but quality is king when selecting speakers.
The setup...
Here are the steps needed to convert the router into a mini music player (full instructions on the Setup page):
- Convert the router's OS to DD-WRT
- Add Optware The Right Way (OTRW) which adds even more features to DD-WRT
- Configure USB audio device with the needed software
- Load the web page for audio controls (setup and download soon)