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Hi, I tried both ESP Audio DuoDual (Dual I2S DAC MAX98357) and Louder ESP32 (I2S DAC TAS5805M). They are very good. However, when I tested the Bluetooth functionality using my Pixel 7, both modules couldn't play properly; the sound was very choppy. I have an A1S module, and it plays over Bluetooth perfectly fine. I'm wondering if there is an issue with the settings. Can you provide any guidance? Here is the log: |
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Replies: 9 comments 10 replies
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try disable telnet server and logging. |
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Hi aldi4803, Below is the log: |
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Hello, I tried a few different squeezelite-esp32 versions (21607, 21667, 16/32), but that did not help. I tried fully erasing the flash and setting everything up from scratch, but that also did not help. I finally created my own extremely minimal sketch using ESP32-A2DP. With that, the stuttering was different (very frequent small stutters vs less frequent long stutters heard using squeezelite-esp32). I tried adjusting buffer quantity and sizes, but that did not provide a noticable change. Here is something that appears to be related: At this point, I am suspecting that something is bad with the Bluetooth portion of the ESP32 Mini module. I ordered a replacement, but it will take a while to arrive. I'll try to update you after it arrives. |
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Hi, |
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I borrowed an ESP32-WROOM-32 module from another project in my house. This module was purchased from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B45T1TYQ. The good news is that when I put my minimal sketch using ESP32-A2DP on that module and connected it to the Louder ESP32 board, the Bluetooth connectivity and audio worked perfectly. No noticeable stuttering and range seems very good (works from another room). The bad news, obviously, is whatever this ESP32 module is that came with my Louder ESP32 board is junk. Picture of the new setup is below, as well as the problematic "MINI D1 ESP32" module. I'm hesitant to try using squeezelite-esp32 on this setup, since the PSRAM is on the Louder ESP32 board and I just don't feel like running 80MHz signals over jumper wires is going to give meaningful results.
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Yes, this is good news. From your scratch test, we can almost determine that there is a connection between the ESP32 Mini and the stuttering. This might also be the cause of my other post about buffering problems, as I use the same board to play songs and experience buffering issues. The bad news is that I've used most of the pins on the module; I've connected an SPI OLED and a rotary encoder to it. As you mentioned, jumpers are not a good option. I feel that the problem with the included ESP32 Mini lies in its design rather than its quality. I'll have to wait until my new Louder ESP arrives to see if it experiences the same issue. |
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"I feel that the problem with the included ESP32 Mini lies in its design rather than its quality" On a quick look, the physical size of the LDO regulator on the ESP32 mini is significantly smaller than on my other ESP32 board that is connected using jumper wires. On the ESP8266, I have seen reports that the current requirement spikes to ~750mA when the radio is active. I don't know if the same is true of the ESP32, but it certainly is cause for concern. On top of that, the Louder ESP32 depends on the 3.3V regulator on the ESP32 module to also supply the 3.3V for the PSRAM and the DVDD for the DAC, so the LDO's current requirement is even higher. It is certainly possible that the 3.3V supply is dropping or sagging under load. I have some hot air rework gear. Let me swap just the ESP32 module between my boards and see if the issue follows the module or the carrier PCB. |
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I replaced the onboard regulator with a DC-DC converter shortly after receiving the board, as it burned out. This appears to be a common issue, with two other individuals on the forum experiencing the same problem. The 700 mA power consumption is quite substantial.
I opted for the Louder board due to its compact size, eliminating the need for a separate amplifier. I only require a few watts to drive my bookshelf speakers. Additionally, it already has the configuration applied to run squeezelite-32.
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On Jan 14, 2024, at 9:38 p.m., Pwedge ***@***.******@***.***>> wrote:
"I feel that the problem with the included ESP32 Mini lies in its design rather than its quality"
Quite possibly. There are tons of mini modules out there of dubious quality.
On a quick look, the physical size of the LDO regulator on the ESP32 mini is significantly smaller than on my other ESP32 board that is connected using jumper wires. On the ESP8266, I have seen reports that the current requirement spikes to ~750mA when the radio is active. I don't know if the same is true of the ESP32, but it certainly is cause for concern. On top of that, the Louder ESP32 depends on the 3.3V regulator on the ESP32 module to also supply the 3.3V for the PSRAM and the DVDD for the DAC, so the LDO's current requirement is even higher. It is certainly possible that the 3.3V supply is dropping or sagging under load.
I have some hot air rework gear. Let me swap just the ESP32 module between my boards and see if the issue follows the module or the carrier PCB.
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"I replaced the onboard regulator with a DC-DC converter shortly after receiving the board, as it burned out." "This appears to be a common issue, with two other individuals on the forum experiencing the same problem." (all other points) I swapped the ESP32-WROOM-32 modules between my working board and the mini board that was showing issues. Prior to removal via hot air, I marked them. The "G" module is from my good board and that the "?" module is from the "MINI D1 ESP32" board that was supplied with my Louder ESP32. After the swap of just that module, I had a bit of trouble programming the board and had to change the flash mode from "QIO" to "DIO" due to constant "Core dump flash config is corrupted!" messages during boot. After that change, I now have a mini board that seems to be working just as I would expect. In other words, swapping just the ESP32-WROOM-32 module now allows my Louder ESP32 to play audio via Bluetooth using my simplistic sketch without skipping/stuttering. While I'm unwilling to say that this is conclusive, it sure looks like the ESP32-WROOM-32 module on the board that was provided to me was bad.
Next step is to put sqeezelite-esp32 back on the board and see if it works correctly. |
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I put squeezelite-esp32 back on the board, but it failed to boot because the binary image configures the 4MB flash to use QIO mode. I double checked my rework and found a microscopic short between SD_DATA_3 and SD_DATA_2. After clearing this, squeezelite-esp32 booted correctly. After configuring all of the I/Os for the Louder ESP32, I now have audio working without any stuttering over Bluetooth! Seems pretty clear to me that there are some flaky ESP32-WROOM-32 modules out there. |
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Very impressive! My new module just arrived, I haven't had the chance to test it yet. I'll let you know the results later. With the new module, I now have three boards in hand: one Duo, one old Louder, and one new Louder. Could it be that both ESP32 mini modules on the Duo and the old Louder have issues, similar to the one in your hands? Does this mean that buying some better quality ESP32 mini modules and replacing the ones currently used might solve the problem? |
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Hey @holefrog @Pwedge
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Hi@shntool, After conducting tests on the recently acquired Louder board, I have identified that the Bluetooth issue persists. However, upon removing all soldered jump wires from the old ESP32 module and repositioning them on the underside of the new Louder board, there is a noticeable improvement in the WiFi connection. Regarding the prior discussion on intermittency, as documented here, the performance seems to be satisfactory thus far. The issues with the ESP32 modules are not your responsibility. I do not seek a refund; consider this as my contribution to supporting your work. I eagerly anticipate positive updates from you. Regarding the new design featuring an external antenna, I believe it is a brilliant idea. Hope that can solve the WiFi and Bluetooth issues. I would like to suggest the inclusion of breakout pins for the ESP32 module. As we often need to add peripherals (like display, rotary encoder), the current PCB design requires soldering directly to the board, and breakout pins would greatly enhance flexibility and ease of use. |
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Hello @shntool, I look forward to the new design! |
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Hi @shntool @Pwedge, I then attempted to connect my Pixel phone's Bluetooth to the ESP-Louder again, but the same issue persisted; the sound was very choppy. It seems like a compatibility issue now, doesn't it? |
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Hi @holefrog, The only thing that I can say is that my setup has been working just fine since replacing the ESP32-WROOM-32 module. Prior to the swap, my iPhone SE would stutter multiple times a second, even when sitting right next to the Louder ESP32. Now, it only stutters if I walk to the opposite end of my house. Additionally, the squeezelite-esp32 web interface used to seem flaky and showed a lot of disconnect messages in the logs. After the module swap, this is no longer an issue. |
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Certainly, compatibility is just one possibility, but it's really strange that the transmitter plays sound perfectly fine. If it's a power issue, then in a situation like mine and yours, even when the phone and Louder are placed together, the sound should still be choppy. |
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I don't really follow your logic, and unfortunately I really can't invest more time into this. My module was bad. Swapping it has made my setup perform as I would expect it to. End of story. To be more clear, I suspect that the wireless receiver in my module (and presumably yours) has some kind of fault that causes it to have extremely low sensitivity. My phone (and presumably yours) likely have a wireless transmitter that limits the transmit energy in order to conserve battery life. A wireless receiver with low sensitivity connected to a wireless transmitter with low to medium transmit energy will likely result in a poor quality and unstable link, resulting in the stuttering. Your standalone bluetooth transmitter likely has a wireless transmitter that allows for much higher transmit energy. A wireless receiver with low sensitivity connected to a wireless transmitter with high transmit energy may result in a decent enough quality link to avoid the audio stutters. Further reading: https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/key-attributes/range/ |
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Yup, you are right. Many factors may affect the transmitting range of Bluetooth. I do not have any new ESP32 mini modules with me now, and there are so many of them on the web that I do not know which one has better quality. |
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"I replaced the onboard regulator with a DC-DC converter shortly after receiving the board, as it burned out."
Is this the 5V regulator on the Louder ESP32 (XL1509 at U1) or the 3.3V LDO on the ESP32 Mini module?
"This appears to be a common issue, with two other individuals on the forum experiencing the same problem."
Wasn't aware that there is a thread related to issues with this board. Can you please point me to it?
(all other points)
I think we can all agree on these items :)
I swapped the ESP32-WROOM-32 modules between my working board and the mini board that was showing issues. Prior to removal via hot air, I marked them. The "G" module is from my good board and that the "?" module …