FAQ
TL;DR: DIY 2.4 GHz audio link streams 320 kbps MP3 up to 9 m indoors; “The latency can be set freely” [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8264643] Range and delay are user-tuneable via PulseAudio on Linux [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262996]
Why it matters: Makers can build low-cost wireless speakers that beat unstable Bluetooth A2DP in sound quality and control.
Quick Facts
• Link speed: ~400 kbps raw, 320 kbps payload using NRF24L01+ with ACK enabled [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262444]
• Verified range: 9 m LOS; penetrates two floors with antenna alignment [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262996]
• Receiver draw: ≈60 mA playing, 14 mA idle [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262444]
• BOM cost: PLN 150–200 per Tx/Rx pair (≈€35–45) in small runs [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8263100]
• Tuneable channels: any 2 MHz slot between 2.400–2.5 GHz to dodge Wi-Fi [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8263220]
What hardware makes this 2.4 GHz audio link work?
The transmitter uses an AT91SAM7S64 MCU driving an NRF24L01+ transceiver; audio is pre-encoded to 320 kbps MP3 on the PC. The receiver runs an AT91SAM7S512, decodes via the Helix MP3 library, and outputs through a TDA1543 or CS4344 DAC [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262444]
How far can the signal travel in real homes?
Open-space reach is about 9 m; with antennas aligned it played through two concrete floors. Mis-alignment or walking between devices can cause dropouts, especially with the micro-sized transmitter [Elektroda, piotr_go, #8262996; #8281663].
Will it clash with my 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router?
You can program any 2 MHz channel inside 2.400–2.500 GHz, so selecting an idle slot avoids Wi-Fi overlap [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8263220]
Is latency noticeable when watching movies?
No. PulseAudio lets you set buffer delay so audio matches video; users can even advance sound ahead of picture if desired [Elektroda, piotr_go, #8264643; #8310001].
What power supply do I need for the receiver?
Expect roughly 60 mA during playback and 14 mA while waiting for packets, so a 3.3 V source with ≥100 mA headroom is safe [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8262444]
How much will a DIY set cost to build?
Prototype parts sourced from multiple vendors cost PLN 150–200 per pair. Bulk buying or PCB panelisation lowers the figure [Elektroda, piotr_go, #8263100; #8263180].
Can I etch a single-sided PCB to save money?
Not advised. Nordic’s layout guide calls for a solid ground plane and plenty of vias; single-layer boards hurt RF performance [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8263270]
How do I turn a Logitech Unifying dongle into a micro transmitter?
- Solder an external antenna to the nRF24LU1+ inside the dongle.
- Flash new firmware via SPI using an ATmega-based programmer [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8265434]
- Load a usbserial driver and stream audio as if to /dev/ttyUSBx [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8272462]
Why skip Bluetooth A2DP modules that cost only PLN 70?
The author reports frequent audio dropouts and lower SBC codec quality, whereas LAME-encoded MP3 remains stable at 320 kbps [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8265434]
Is there Windows software, or only Linux support?
Only a custom PulseAudio output module for Linux exists. Porting to Windows would need recompiling PulseAudio with LAME and writing a USB endpoint driver [Elektroda, piotr_go, #8291351; #10008786].
Can the system transmit 5.1 surround sound?
No. The receiver’s MCU and stereo DAC limit throughput; PulseAudio can down-mix 5.1 to two channels, but full 5.1 exceeds processing and bandwidth limits [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8495332]
What’s an edge-case failure I should plan for?
The micro-transmitter stutters when a person blocks the path because its PCB antenna lacks gain. Mounting a quarter-wave whip or rotating 90° reduces the issue [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8281663]
How many decoupling capacitors are really necessary?
Place a 100 nF ceramic at every Vcc pin; this lowers supply ripple and prevents audible “beats” in audio output [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8269582] "Less disturbance equals cleaner sound," notes the designer.
Does the NRF24L01+ support lossless audio if I skip MP3?
Practical payload is ~370 kbps after overhead. CD-quality stereo PCM needs 1.4 Mbps, so compression (MP3, AAC, or ADPCM) is mandatory unless you drop sample rate or channels [Elektroda, piotr_go, post #8369847]