MP3 Player Made From a Router

gergoid writes "Check out this mp3 player hacked onto a small router. The router runs uClinux/ColdFire, a port of Micro-controller Linux on a ColdFire processor. Very neat toy!"

Comments

But OOH, that ROUTER!

[OmniGeek]

I find the router itself WAY more interesting than the router-as-MP3-player.

I've long been looking for a low-cost dedicated router/firewall suitable for a cable Internet connection, and this box looks VERY nice (assuming it doesn't cost five times as much as a cheap desktop PC); the Moreton Bay people appear to have done a Neat Thing, even without the optional MP3 output.

To those who question the article's relevance, I say that the router is a worthy story in itself. Consider the following:

1) NO ONE with a cable connection and a Windoze PC is safe from script kiddies; the OS just isn't safe. If you have a cable 'Net connection, you need a firewall.

2) Configuring a firewall isn't for the typical PC user, or even for many Linux newcomers. Proper security is tricky. Botched security is worse.

3) Here's a widely useful Open Source based device that does tricky tasks a less-than-expert probably can't do. And oh, by the way, Mr. User, that's Linux running your router and keeping the barbarians out. The Penguin Army marches on!

When's the stereo componant out?

[Skyshadow]

Why, oh why can't I just get my mits on a componant for my stereo stack that will play MP3s? I'd be happy with a normal CD Player that would also play MP3s burned onto a CD. I'm on the verge of just flat-out building an extra box to do this, but I don't know how I'd set up the remote control.

Actually, maybe a DVD Player with the CD and MP3 capability built in would be best; I could add it without having to buy a new cabinet to fit it all in, plus one could build in cool stuff like on-screen programming or song selection. There are a lot of PCs selling these days with CD burners for an extra $50, and you can get a new HP CD Burner for under $100 these days if you know where to look. I'd think that anyone with the know-how to find and use WinAmp and MP3s in general would have the technical level needed to burn CDs, so why is nobody swinging at this one? The DVD players already out must have some substantial processor power under the hood -- I'd be willing to pay $50-$75 more for one that could play MP3s over my stereo.

The things I do to avoid moving my computer closer to my TV... Actually, if anyone has used that X10 device that broadcasts MP3s on a 2.4 gigahertz channel, I'd love to hear if you're happy with it (or if it's fuzzy).

----

Re:Why do that to a router?

[substrate]

Why does there need to be a point to anything? It was an interesting hack as well as an interesting abuse of hardware. At a point in time when every script kiddie is referred to as a 'hacker' I think its refreshing to have brief articles on real hackers.

As always you're free to not read anything you don't feel is fit.

Hardware Newbie Question!

[Ratface]

OK, I've been thinking for some time about how I could get into hardware hacking. I haven't touched a soldering iron for over 15 years though, since I built a crystal radio at school.

Question is, where can I find some good starters material to wet my toes in hardware construction?

I look at the circuit that guy designed and it doesn't look so difficult to put together, but I wouldn't know where to begin.

Any tips at all appreciated.