PiRadio is a small and lightweight Python3 radio script that is based on the PiFM project
PiRadio came to life when I was tinkering with MakeMagazine-s RBPi Pirate Radio project. While cool, the project required you to download and burn the image they provided (couple of GBs), which was inconvenient.
Also, my Pi was randomly freezing up and experiencing hiccups while running the burned image. I still don't know why.
Anyway, I decided to build my own version of the project.
Python3 libraries:
- configparser, used for parsing the configuration file.You can get it by running
sudo pip3 install configparser.
Other libraries:
- mpg123, for transcoding the music files. You can get it by running
sudo apt-get install mpg123
Note: If you don't have mpg123 installed, PiRadio can install it for you. Just run PiRadio.py and hit yes when asked if you wish to install mpg123.
0. Download the project
You can download the project via github as a ZIP, or do a git pull https://github.com/whiteShtef/PiRadio.
1. Populate the music directory
Inside of the project directory lies the music directory. Place your music files inside. It already comes preloaded with one song if you just want to test your PiRadio.
Songs can be in whichever format you prefer, if mpg123 supports it (mpg123 supports a whole lot of music formats, including mp3.).
Note: you can edit the config file and change the MUSIC_DIR value.
2. Editing your settings
Edit the settings in config.ini file to suit your interest.
The BROADCAST_FREQUENCY is measured in MHz (Megaherz) and it sets the radio emmiter frequency.
The RANDOM tells PiRadio to shuffle the songs (play them in a random order).
3. Make your antenna
Connect any kind of wire to GPIO Pin 4 on your Raspberry Pi.
If you don't connect any wire, the broadcasting range will be just a cople of inches.
The wire doesn't need to be long, 10 cm/4 inches of wire is enough.
Image taken from mcuoneclipse.com
4. Run PiRadio.py
Run sudo python3 PiRadio.py and enjoy your radio!
Where I live, It is legal to broadcast on unassigned FM frequencies if the source is less powerful than 0.3 W.
Before broadcasting, you must check your (local, or state) laws. I am NOT responsible for any trouble you do if you violate your laws.