Seeking Advice for Squeeze Ball Sound Project

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi everyone,

I'm diving into a project to create a tennis ball-sized squeeze ball that plays sounds when squeezed. I could really use your expertise in selecting the right components and designing the circuit. Here's a quick rundown:

Goal: Make a small squeeze ball that generates sounds on a squeeze using a pressure sensor, microcontroller, and speaker/buzzer.

Components I'm Considering:

  1. Pressure Sensor: Thinking of a Flex sensor like https://www.digikey.com/short/9q5d3njm. Is this suitable, or should I consider something else?
  2. Microcontroller: Considering an Arduino Nano. Any other compact and versatile options?
  3. Speaker/Buzzer: Piezo buzzer or small speaker? What specs should I look for?
  4. Audio Module (Optional): Heard about the DFPlayer Mini MP3 Player Module. Is it a good fit?
  5. Power Supply: Planning to use a CR2032 coin cell battery. Is there a better choice for a compact setup?

Questions:

  1. Are my component choices on the right track, or should I explore alternatives?
  2. How should I wire and connect these components for a small form factor?
  3. What's the best way to program the microcontroller to generate sounds on pressure changes?
  4. Tips for securing components inside the enclosure and achieving an airtight seal?
  5. Any vital components or considerations I might be missing?

Thanks!
Chris

2

If I was doing this, I’d prototype the way you’re going - on a breadboard to get the hardware and software working - forget the tennis ball for now.

Then, i’d look at the ball, and figure out how to get what works on the protoboard - inside the ball.

That’s likely going to be a custom pcb and a lithium ion pack, an off the shelf microcontroller may be too large and power hungry to be viable.

You can shoehorn the parts you mention around the main pcb.

If it’s only ever going to be a one-off, you have a bit more leeway, but reliability will always be a consideration.

3

Very bad idea. There is not enough power in these to last more that a few seconds producing sound.

This is perhaps you biggest problem, but some sort of rechargeable lithium ion battery would be your best bet.

These things are available commercially but at an eye watering price, which illustrates how much this is not a beginners project.

4

Don't need a microcontroller. DF Player Pro is designed to play different tracks depending on resistance at certain pins. Look at this circuit: DFPlayer Pro - A Mini MP3 Player for Arduino WiKi - DFRobot

With a bit of creativity, your flex sensor can do the same thing. These speakers work with the Player pro and are surprisingly loud for their size

Wanna know something funny? When I was looking through my history for the speakers, I came across these orders for a similar audio project. So if you want to shop at Digi-Key, here are the part numbers you need :slight_smile:

Digi-Key Part # Manufacturer Part Number Description Customer Reference Quantity Backorder Unit Price Extended Price
1738-DFR0768-ND DFR0768 DFROBOT DFPLAYER PRO - A MP3 PLA 2 0 $8.90000 $17.80
433-1242-ND SP-1511L-2 SPEAKER 8OHM 700MW TOP PORT 91DB 4 0 $1.90000 $7.60
1528-1833-ND|1904|LI-ION LI-POLYMER CHARGER BOARD||1|0|$6.95000|$6.95|
1528-4237-ND|4237|LITHIUM ION POLYMER BATTERY - 3.||1|0|$5.95000|$5.95|

5

Thanks all for the informative responses, gives me a great starting point to get going!

6

Have you perfected a method of opening your squeeze ball and closing it back up and it still works as new?

7

Still exploring options on the ball. Was also considering a little firmer hollow ball like racquetball but haven't come up with an approach on this yet

8

Without the ball, all else is irrelevant.

9

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