read files from a pendrive?

[manelto]

it would be possible to read files (such as MP3) from a pendrive connected to the usb port.
I'm thinking of a circuitpython library/function, but I guess it's the same in micropython

[jimmo]

Are you using CircuitPython or MicroPython?

What you're asking about is called USB Host Mode (compare to Device Mode that is commonly used in CPy/MPy). We don't currently supported this on any ports, although it is something we would like to add.

I think CircuitPython are investigating support for host mode too.

[manelto]

I usually program in circuitpython but if it works in micropython, perfect. I now use a raspberry pi zero to play music by reading files from the SD card and/or a flash drive. But the Pi Zero is very slow at startup and I would like to replace it with some device with RP2040 or any other that allows MP3 playback. Of course, with the possibility of being able to read music files from a flash drive.

[jimmo]

The rp2040 doesn't have a DAC, so you're going to need an external (e.g. i2s) DAC to generate the audio output. Not to mention having to implement the mp3 decoding.

I would instead recommend taking a look at a dedicated mp3+sdcard module that you can control from MicroPython/CircuitPython, e.g. https://www.adafruit.com/product/3357

[peterhinch]

There is a MicroPython driver for such VS1053 cards here which has been tested with the Pico.

[manelto]

Thanks jimmo and peterhinch!

I consider reading files from a flash drive an essential requirement.
If that's not possible, I'll stick with the pi Zero.