Create Virtual USB Sticks With a Raspberry Pi Zero

Folkert van Heusden encountered limitations with the USB playback feature in his Opel Astra’s infotainment system, prompting him to seek an alternative solution to avoid repetitive song selections during his commute. To address this issue, he turned to a Raspberry Pi Zero and leveraged the Mass Storage Gadget (MSG) driver in the Linux kernel to transform it into a virtual USB mass storage device.

The decision to use USB storage was driven by the car’s outdated infotainment system, which lacked Bluetooth capability and had a crackly audio input jack. While the Raspberry Pi Zero acting as a storage device wouldn’t resolve the 1000 file limit, Folkert developed two Python scripts to circumvent this restriction. One script generates images from a folder of music files, while another selects a random image from the Zero’s SD card and configures the MSG driver to use it.

Despite being a Proof-of-Concept, there are plans for future improvements, such as mounting the RPi Zero’s SD card as read-only to prevent data corruption during power-off. Additionally, adjustments are needed for the image creation process, as it currently requires root access due to the use of loopback devices. Overall, Folkert’s project showcases a promising solution to enhance music playback in vehicles with limited USB capabilities, paving the way for further refinements and optimizations.

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