DFPlayer + Speakers causes a reset of my mega

Using Arduino Audio
#1

Hello,

I'm new to the electronics field and learning a lot. I am having a problem with the DFPlayer resetting as the mega goes through the setup.

My understanding is that this is a power problem. If I unplug the speakers, the program will run fine. I can plug the speakers back in after the setup and it will work as expected. When I attach a meter to the DFPlayer, I can see the jump in current from 0.04 to 0.11 (I'm using the 10A port). The DFPlayer is powered from a regulated 5V rail from a 6 pack of AA batts with a ±7.8V. The rail also powers the mega, a nrf24L01, a couple buttons, 16x2 lcd, a buzzer, and two led's.

Is there a simple fix for this? I'm a total newbie and have tried searching but could not see a solution.

Thanks for your help.

#2

I posted this in the arduino discord channel and got some advice on how to solve this issue. I am going to try adding a large capacitor (1500uf) across the power rail and see if that fixes the issue.

#3

Disclaimer - I've never used the DFplayer.

Are you sure the speaker is wired correctly? It should be a mono speaker wired between SPK1 and SPK2 (no ground connection to the speaker).

I can see the jump in current from 0.04 to 0.11

A current spike with an associated voltage-drop seems like a reasonable explanation. (It would be the voltage drop that causes a reset.) And "big capacitor" might help.

The meter is probably isn't responding fast-enough to show the true current peak (or the true voltage drop). And, with nearly 8V (3V to spare) I wouldn't expect 110mA to drop the voltage enough to cause a problem.

I also wouldn't expect a current spike that's different from the usual current, and I wouldn't expect to measure anything at all (or to get a reset) if you connect the speaker with no sound playing. (With no sound playing there should be no current through the speaker.)

#4

Are all your wires suitable for the current they carry? Many cheap hook-up wires are not suitable for significant current, they are meant for signals only.