Introducing DFPlayer module to working project breaks code

I am trying to add sound to the fireworks light project I used for a Project 14 Challenge. The project uses an Arduino Mega 2560 knockoff microcontroller.

I’ve added a DFPlayer Mini hardware and plan to use the DFRobotDFPlayerMini library. I have used this hardware and library combination before with some success.

When this instruction is called

  if (!myDFPlayer.begin(mySoftwareSerial)) {  //Use softwareSerial to communicate with mp3.
    Serial.println(F("Unable to begin. Check connection and SD card, or reset the Arduino."));
    while (true)
      ;
  }

I get one string of lights flashing and nothing else works.

#include "Arduino.h"
#include "SoftwareSerial.h"
#include "DFRobotDFPlayerMini.h"
#include <RGBLed.h>

//define array of output pins for ease of setup
const byte aryPins[] = { 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,
                         28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
                         37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,
                         46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 };

RGBLed b1r1LED(53, 51, 49, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);  //assign three pins to each RGBLED
RGBLed b1r2LED(47, 45, 43, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b1r3LED(41, 39, 37, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b2r1LED(35, 33, 31, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b2r2LED(29, 27, 25, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b2r3LED(23, 24, 22, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b3r1LED(52, 50, 48, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b3r2LED(46, 44, 42, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed b3r3LED(40, 38, 36, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
RGBLed sparklerLED(30, 32, 34, RGBLed::COMMON_CATHODE);
/*
const byte sparkle_LED1 = 30;//assign pins to each single LED
const byte sparkle_LED2 = 32;
const byte sparkle_LED3 = 34;
*/

const byte ButtonPin = 28;  //assign pin to input button to start fireworks
const byte LEDStrip1 = 19;  //assign pin to output trigger of sequential LED's for burst1
const byte LEDStrip2 = 20;  //assign pin to output trigger of sequential LED's for burst2

const byte INITIAL_VALUE = LOW;  //The initial state of all Outputs. Can be LOW or HIGH.


//setup DF Player
int rxPin = 10;    // DFplayer RX to Arduino pin 10
int txPin = 11;    // DFplayer TX toArduinopin 11
int busyPin = 12;  // DFplayer BUSY connected to pin 12

SoftwareSerial mySoftwareSerial(rxPin, txPin);
DFRobotDFPlayerMini myDFPlayer;


//define array of RGB colours
int* getRandomRGBColor() {
  static int(*r);  // pointer variable

  switch (rand() % 7) {
    case 0: r = RGBLed::BLUE; break;
    case 1: r = RGBLed::GREEN; break;
    case 2: r = RGBLed::CYAN; break;
    case 3: r = RGBLed::RED; break;
    case 4: r = RGBLed::MAGENTA; break;
    case 5: r = RGBLed::YELLOW; break;
    case 6: r = RGBLed::WHITE; break;
  };
  return r;
};

void setup() {
  //Initiate Serial communication.
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println(F("Initializing DFPlayer..."));

  if (!myDFPlayer.begin(mySoftwareSerial)) {  //Use softwareSerial to communicate with mp3.
    Serial.println(F("Unable to begin. Check connection and SD card, or reset the Arduino."));
    while (true)
      ;
  }
 /*
  Serial.println(F("DFPlayer Mini online."));
  myDFPlayer.setTimeOut(500);                   // Set serial communictaion time out 500ms
  myDFPlayer.volume(25);                        // Set volume value (0~30).
  myDFPlayer.EQ(DFPLAYER_EQ_BASS);              // Set EQ to BASS (normal/pop/rock/jazz/classic/bass)
  myDFPlayer.outputDevice(DFPLAYER_DEVICE_SD);  // Set device we use SD as default
  myDFPlayer.enableDAC();                       // Enable On-chip DAC
*/

  for (int i = 0; i < sizeof aryPins; i++) {  //Go through all LED pins
    pinMode(aryPins[i], OUTPUT);              //Make them outputs
    digitalWrite(aryPins[i], INITIAL_VALUE);  //And set them to their initial value which is OFF
  }

  pinMode(ButtonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);  //Set the switch's pin to be an input with a pullup (default is HIGH)
                                     // pinMode(busyPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  //  int soundFile = random(1, 4);  // multi soundfiles: 0001.mp3...0012.mp3
  //int soundFile = 1;              // single soundfile: 0001.mp3

  if (digitalRead(ButtonPin) == HIGH) {  //Test button pin to set off fireworks
    return HIGH;
  } else {
    randomSeed(analogRead(0));
    int burst_orderIdx = rand() % 3;  //random number 1-3 to determine what burst sequence will run

    if (burst_orderIdx == 1) {
      Serial.println(F("Start fireworks burst pattern 1,2,3"));
      //LED Strip 1 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, LOW);

      //Burst 1 On
      b1r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 1 Off
      b1r1LED.off();
      b1r2LED.off();
      b1r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 1 completed "));

      //LED Strip 2 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, LOW);

      //Burst 2 On
      b2r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 2 Off
      b2r1LED.off();
      b2r2LED.off();
      b2r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 2 completed "));

      //Burst 3 On
      b3r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      //delay(500);

      //Sparklers
      for (int n = 1; n <= 3; n++)  // Count to five
      {
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
      }

      //Burst 3 Off
      b3r1LED.off();
      b3r2LED.off();
      b3r3LED.off();
      delay(1000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 3 completed "));
      Serial.println(F("End fireworks burst pattern 1,2,3"));
    } else if (burst_orderIdx == 2) {
      Serial.println(F("Start fireworks burst pattern 2,3,1"));

      //LED Strip 2 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, LOW);

      //Burst 2 On
      b2r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 2 Off
      b2r1LED.off();
      b2r2LED.off();
      b2r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 2 completed "));

      //Burst 3 On
      b3r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      //delay(500);

      //Sparklers
      for (int n = 1; n <= 3; n++)  // Count to five
      {
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
      }

      //Burst 3 Off
      b3r1LED.off();
      b3r2LED.off();
      b3r3LED.off();
      delay(1000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 3 completed "));

      //LED Strip 1 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, LOW);

      //Burst 1 On
      b1r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 1 Off
      b1r1LED.off();
      b1r2LED.off();
      b1r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 1 completed "));
      Serial.println(F("End fireworks burst pattern 2,3,1"));
    } else {
      Serial.println(F("Start fireworks burst pattern 3,1,2,"));

      //Burst 3 On
      b3r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b3r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      //delay(500);

      //Sparklers
      for (int n = 1; n <= 3; n++)  // Count to five
      {
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(255, 0, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 255, 0, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeIn(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
        sparklerLED.fadeOut(0, 0, 255, 10, 100);
        delay(100);
      }

      //Burst 3 Off
      b3r1LED.off();
      b3r2LED.off();
      b3r3LED.off();
      delay(1000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 3 completed "));

      //LED Strip 1 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip1, LOW);

      //Burst 1 On
      b1r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b1r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 1 Off
      b1r1LED.off();
      b1r2LED.off();
      b1r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 1 completed "));

      //LED Strip 2 launch
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, HIGH);
      delay(250);
      digitalWrite(LEDStrip2, LOW);

      //Burst 2 On
      b2r1LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r2LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(500);
      b2r3LED.setColor(getRandomRGBColor());
      delay(1000);

      //Burst 2 Off
      b2r1LED.off();
      b2r2LED.off();
      b2r3LED.off();
      delay(3000);
      Serial.println(F("Burst 2 completed "));
      Serial.println(F("End fireworks burst pattern 3,1,2"));
    }
  }
}

I have used a process of elimination (i.e. adding /* & */) to isolate the code that is causing me problems.

I have used this same code snipit in another project. It worked but was not combined with something else.

I am a code resurrectionist not a programmer or coder. I usually cut and paste code parts to develop a working project. Minds more familiar with Arduino have helped me solve problems in the past when I make code changes without fully understanding the underlying infrastructure.

I'm at the point of using another sound solution. This would be a pain-in-the-***. I would have to go back in and redesign the PCB. I made this attempt to add sound about six months ago without success. I settled for the light show only, promising myself I would go back and find a solution. When I revisited it recently I did find some coding errors that I made but nothing that contributed to the current problem I am having.

I've included the full code if that helps. am hoping someone could give me some insight. Why when this line of code stops everything?

Top Replies

colporteur over 2 years ago in reply to baldengineer

Yes, there is a pulldown resistor. I have used a combination of both 5V and Gnd triggers. I would like to have been more consistent but it has been a live and learn exercise. The LED fireworks light show operates as expected. It is when I add the DFPLayer code it goes south.
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JWx over 2 years ago in reply to colporteur

working code has:

mySoftwareSerial.begin(9600);
Serial.begin(115200);

hanging code is different:

Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.begin(115200);

maybe it's it? Player initialization not finishing and entering infinite loop because of not working software serial?

and - as robogary mentioned - if it doesn't help, maybe there is some resource conflict inside libraries - in this case I would use hardware UART of mega256 (it has four of them) - it probably consumes less shared resources of MCU
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colporteur over 2 years ago
Problem(s) discovered here are the fixes.

I can get the DFPlayer working with the Mega.

After bench testing a DFPlayer to Mega configuration I used the knowledge to troubleshoot the fireworks setup.

First there was a solder bridge between DFPlayer GND & IO-1. (Resolved)

Second the bench code used a button trigger == HIGH, the fireworks used a ==LOW. This required a INPUT_PULLUP on the button pin. (Resolved)

Third a dropped resistor was inline with both TX and RX between DFPlayer and Mega. Removed resistor to Mega. (Resolved)

Forth on power-up the Mega fails to initialize the DFPlayer. A reset of the Mega all was well but on power-up no joy. delay(5000) in void setup before calling the DFPlayer initialization routine . (Resolved)

On the bench setup the Mega provides power to the DFPlayer. In the FIreworks simulator the DFPlayer is powered from a 5VDC source. It took a few cycles to get my head around the race condition of the Mega initializing before power was fully up. The delay resolved that.

Now that I have working sound, I will need to integrate the DFPlayer code into the fireworks code. Thank you to all who provided their insight.
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