Circuit Board Radio
Offline | Mono |Â Lo-fi
This version of the Vintage Radio does not receive live radio signals. It is a self-contained offline music player. You load albums or tracks onto a microSD card, insert it into the board, and control playback using the single knob and button interface.
The audio is mono and intentionally low-fi to resemble the character of old AM broadcasts. You can hear an example in the video below.
Difficulty:Â Advanced
1. Download the FilesÂ
Get the print files for the Circuit Board Version on MakerWorld. This includes the full enclosure and all printed components required for this build.
After you download, come back here for the hardware list and the tutorial sequence.
Download From Makerworld
2. Acquire the Hardware
Here is a list of the hardware you'll need for my design. Some of this you might already have, some of it you might not. I'm giving you links to the items I purchased in "bulk". If you're just making one, you might want to take note of what I used, and find a better small quantity to purchase. I'll be honest, everything I used came from Amazon, except for the DFPlayer. You'll need to buy the real one (not on Amazon) if you're going to build yours just like mine, because the knockoff ones that have on Amazon have different firmware and will not work with my design.
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Breadboard
Purchase
RP2040-Zero Microcontroller
Purchase
Proto-board
Purchase
Amplifier circuit component
Purchase
DFPlayer Component
Purchase
MicroSD Card
Purchase
M3x5 Screw
(2x - mount)
Purchase
M3x6 Screw
(1x - antenna)
Purchase
M3x5Â Flathead
(2x - mount)
Purchase
M2x6 screw
(2x - circuit board)
Purchase
M2x8 screws
(4x - speakers)
Purchase
M3 Insert
(2x - mount)
Purchase
Potentiometer Knob
Pushbutton
Speaker
Purchase
Telescopic Antenna
Purchase
1K Resistor
Purchase
2K Resistor
Purchase
10K Resistor
Purchase
Charger Block
Purchase
USBc Cable
Purchase
Potentiometer
Purchase
Wire (solid core)
Purchase
Capacitor
Purchase
Male Header Pins
Purchase
3. Build Tutorials
Filament Suggestions
These are the filaments I recommend for printing the radio, based on finish, durability, and how forgiving they are during assembly. The goal is a clean surface, predictable tolerances, and parts that feel intentional once everything comes together.
Print Settings
This section covers the slicer settings used to print each part successfully. You’ll see recommended layer heights, wall counts, infill choices, and where supports are intentionally used. The focus is on getting clean surfaces, reliable tolerances, and parts that assemble without fighting you.
Tools Needed
You don’t need a full workshop to build this. These are the few tools that make the process smooth, precise, and frustration-free, from cutting and stripping wires to tightening the final hardware.
Wiring the Circuit
This section covers how everything connects electrically. You’ll wire the components step by step, verify signal paths, and make sure power and audio are flowing exactly where they should.
Assembling the Radio
Once everything is tested, it’s time to bring it all together. This final step shows how the parts stack, align, and fasten into the finished radio, turning a collection of components into a working object.
Program the Microprocessor
This step walks through loading the firmware that brings the radio to life. You’ll upload the code, confirm everything is running as expected, and make sure the microprocessor is ready before it ever goes inside the enclosure.
Support the Project?
This project exists because of hours of testing, failed prints, redesigns, and revisions. If you’ve found it useful and want to support future mounts, PCBs, and new designs, you can contribute here. Every spool helps! 🥰
🧵 Buy Me Some FilamentLet's Stay Connected
This project is evolving. When I release new mounts, updated files, PCB revisions, hardware improvements, firmware changes, or entirely new designs, you’ll hear about it first. I’ll also share builder showcases and practical updates that make the radio easier and better to build. No noise. Just relevant information for people actually working on the project. You can unsubscribe anytime.
