Swapping Vinyl for Cardboard with this ESP32 Turntable
Cardboard, especially in its corrugated form, is a remarkably durable and versatile material. Known for its lightweight strength, ease of manipulation, and cost-effectiveness, cardboard can be folded and shaped into virtually any form. It’s extensively used in packaging due to these properties and its recyclability, but its applications extend far beyond. An innovative example is a functional cardboard record player.
This cardboard turntable does not play traditional vinyl records. Instead, each record contains an embedded RFID chip that the ESP32 microcontroller in the turntable’s body reads. The ESP32 then plays a corresponding song stored on an SD card, spinning the record with a small stepper motor. This creative approach bridges modern technology with the nostalgic form of a record player, enhancing its charm.
The design includes thoughtful details like a movable needle arm, secured with a magnet, and a volume slider, contributing to its realistic appearance and functionality. The use of cardboard not only highlights the material’s structural capabilities but also its potential for innovative and artistic projects.
In conclusion, cardboard is an underrated building material. Its strength, recyclability, and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of creative applications, as demonstrated by the cardboard record player. This project exemplifies how cardboard can be repurposed in unique ways, challenging the perception of it being merely packaging material.
Read more: Swapping Vinyl for Cardboard with this ESP32 Turntable
