BailaBox is an open-source, token-controlled music player interface built around an ESP32-S3, ESPHome and Home Assistant. Place a printed RFID token on the reader to start its assigned song or playlist, remove it to pause, and use the physical buttons and rotary encoder for playback and volume control.
This is a personal hobby project shared for other makers to study, modify and build. It is not a finished commercial product or a certified children's toy.
- RFID/NFC tokens mapped to songs or playlists in Home Assistant
- Play/pause, next and previous controls
- Rotary volume control with configurable limits
- ESP32-S3 running ESPHome
- Rechargeable single-cell LiPo battery and USB-C charging
- Custom main and power PCBs
- 3D-printable enclosure, controls and tokens
- Editable KiCad and Fusion 360 source files
- The main board reads the UID of a token placed over its RFID antenna.
- ESPHome sends the scan or removal event to Home Assistant.
- The supplied Home Assistant package maps that UID to a song or playlist.
- Home Assistant controls the configured media player.
The media itself is not stored on BailaBox. Available media services and players depend on your Home Assistant setup.
| Path | Contents |
|---|---|
hardware/main-board/ |
Main-board KiCad source, manufacturing files and mechanical reference |
hardware/power-board/ |
Power-board KiCad source, manufacturing files and mechanical reference |
enclosure/ |
Fusion 360 source and printable 3MF files |
firmware/esphome/ |
ESPHome configuration and secrets example |
home-assistant/ |
Home Assistant package and RFID/media mapping instructions |
docs/assembly.md |
Parts list, flashing, testing and assembly guide |
photos/ |
Product, assembly and exploded-view images |
This project requires PCB assembly, soldering, ESPHome firmware setup, access to Home Assistant, and either a 3D printer or an online printing service.
- Read the complete assembly guide and parts list first.
- Manufacture or order the main board and power board.
- Print the enclosure parts from
enclosure/print-files/. For the easiest setup, the author recommends the ready-to-print BailaBox print profile on MakerWorld. - Configure and flash the ESPHome firmware.
- Install and configure the Home Assistant package.
- Complete the pre-enclosure tests and final assembly described in the guide.
The repository describes BailaBox hardware revision 2. It is a tested personal hobby project shared so other makers can build, study and modify it.
BailaBox contains a rechargeable LiPo battery, strong neodymium magnets and small parts. Incorrect battery polarity, damaged cells or wiring faults can cause fire or equipment damage. Magnets can be dangerous if swallowed. Assembly and use should be supervised by an adult familiar with basic electronics safety, and the finished device should be inspected before being given to a child.
- Hardware, enclosure files and documentation: CC BY-SA 4.0
- ESPHome firmware and Home Assistant configuration: MIT
See LICENSE.md for the full licensing breakdown, third-party notices
and PiicoDev attribution.
Portions of the RFID schematic and PCB design are adapted from the PiicoDev RFID Module by Core Electronics, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. The design was modified and integrated into the BailaBox main board. BailaBox is not affiliated with or endorsed by Core Electronics.