Adafruit Music Maker FeatherWing w/ Amp sound is low

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I have a working Adafruit Music Maker FeatherWing w/ Amp - MP3 OGG WAV MIDI Synth Player - Stereo 3W Amplifier ( https://core-electronics.com.au/music-maker-featherwing-w-amp-mp3-ogg-wav-midi-synth-player-stereo-3w-amplifier.html ) and connected Speaker - 3 Diameter - 4 Ohm 3 Watt ( https://core-electronics.com.au/speaker-3-diameter-4-ohm-3-watt.html ) speakers.

Low Sound Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHjm5F457bw

I connected it uploaded code and it works but the sound is a lot lower than expected.

Also the feather gets way too hot (100+C hot) even after 5 seconds use. Is this normal?

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I am using library Adafruit VS1053 Library v1.2.0: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_VS1053_Library

I am using Arduino IDE (latest stable).

I am setting the volume to the loudest possible with mediaplayer.setVolume(0,0);

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Hey FearTec,

They use the FeatherWing in their tech demo here:
https://youtu.be/J2k2zfbh1VI?t=547

To ensure that you are getting the most volume out of your speakers, running a LiPo battery might be the best bet as that can output high currents (louder volumes).

I can’t speak from experience in this case but some electrical components can sometimes run pretty hot, although 100 degrees seems quite hot! Is there a way that you can verify the temperature? (If it is a faulty product we can definitely get that sorted out for you!)

Cheers,
Liam

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Thanks Liam

I’ll verify the temperature (lazer temp reading) and get back to you.

I am using a Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather Board with female headers.

The small chip near the speaker jacks get shit in seconds, the main IC takes 10 seconds to heat up.

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It will be a bit weird if a battery can deliver more voltage over mains?

I’m more concerned with the insane heat coming form it.

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Hey FearTec,

The power supply shouldn’t vary too much from its output.

See Adafruits page on the power options. Just double-check that the board is running at 5 V !
image

Let us know how you go!

Cheers,
Liam.

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The amp will definitely get hot at full volume - if you’re running it constantly at full power it’s worth sticking on a heatsink.

What’s your input? It’s a line level input so will need a preamp after whatever mic you’re using - maybe try a 3.5mm cord straight from your phone, and check your input volume levels.

Mind you, 3W is actually not super loud in the world of stereos. My bookshelf speakers for example are 25W/channel RMS.

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Thanks

I will ditch this one and get 1x https://www.adafruit.com/product/3357 instead and use and external amp.

The driver in the one I got gets way to hot (95c) at full volume and a heatsink and fan is needed. The heat is radiating through the board to the ESP32.

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Update, I was applying Kapton tape to the board pre thermal applying a heatsink to the feather and I accidentally damaged pin 37 (analog ground, low noise ref). I will source a new LSI Solutions VS1053b IC and have fun replacing it. Warranty is voided.

Datasheet: https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Dev/Arduino/Shields/VS1053B.pdf

I have ordered a different feather.

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