I saw that the DFPlayer has two analog audio outputs: an amplified monophonic output and a stereo headset output. I have two questions about these.
The amplified monophonic output is specified for a 3W speaker, but what about its impedance? I can get a 4 Ohm or an 8 Ohm speaker. The DFPlayer information do not specify the impedance it expects to be able to fully use a 3W speaker without saturating it.
Regarding the stereo headset output, do you know if the DFPlayer is able to switch from speaker to headset output when a headset it plugged? Or if it just outputs to both, or if it is software-controlled to switch from one output to the other?
The amplifier of the DF-player is able to Drive 4 Ohm speakers but commonly 8 Ohm speakers are used as a good compromise between max. audio Volume and power consumption (battery life).
The DF-player is unable to Switch between headphones and speaker. To enable the switching you will need Special Headphones Sockets which have Switches integrated and loop the speaker wires over this Switch.
As I understand it, at maximum volume, an 8 Ohms speaker will be underused, while a 4 Ohms speaker could be used to its maximum power. Since the DFPlayer has an adjustable volume, what is the point of using an 8 Ohms speaker? Preventing the child user from playing music too loud?
As for the headset usage, it does not seem easy to find a 3.5mm jack socket with integrated speaker switch, I may have to give up on that.
The point indeed is to limit the volume for the kids but in first place it keeps the amplifier from clipping, reduces overall powerconsumption at high volumes which extends battery lifetime.
Don’t be afraid, with a good 8 Ohm speaker the tonUINO will play more than loud enough (except your kids are heavy metal fans).
Thank you. I wonder how that could be integrated through a Tonuino box. I can drill round holes, but this is rectangular and with not much to maintain it.
Do you know how if it includes a mechanical switch to open the circuit when something is inserted in the jack socket, or if it is fully eletronic and opens the circuit when it is loaded with a finite impedance?
As for the schematics, I am afraid I do not understand very well what is what on the jack socket diagrams. :’-(
Actually I am starting to understand these schematics. The arrows indicate mechanical contacts that get disconnected when a plug is inserted into the socket, and, with the switching socket, dotted lines represent the command of the available switches.
So, to have the speaker disconnected one way or the other, I need to get either a 5 pins socket or, better yet, an 8 or 11 pins switching socket.
