Review on 🎵 Icstation DIY Light Sensor Sound Module Micro USB Music Player for Talking Greeting Card: A Creative Gift with 8M Memory and Speaker by Ryan Gilliam

Very neat product. Depending on the size of your MP3 file, you can get well over a minute. The only real problem I had was that there were no instructions included with the kit. Because of this, I don't have a clear idea of what the switch does. At first I thought this would switch the device from PC available to battery powered, however the onboard storage was available in either position. When I applied 5V DC the device didn't start until I flipped that switch. In one position it accepts DC power from the cables, and the power LED is off by default (to save power I assume) and only blinks faintly during playback. I haven't tried adjusting the volume. Another review said it's possible, but that's loud enough. The MP3 I wanted to play was quieter than the standard MP3 it came with, so I recompiled the file with a louder standard sound. The volume increases the power consumption. See actual measurements below. The strangest thing about this device was the mode where it was connected to a PC (where you download the MP3 file). The LED light came on to show it was on, but I had to fiddle with the cable a bit to register it. (I have a very good cable so I'm pretty sure it was the connector.) I'm using Windows 10 so it might work on this system. The weird thing was that when I connected it to a computer, I couldn't start it at first, even though the memory was "seen" and the LED was lit. However, when I started unplugging the micro USB cable, the device was loose enough that the computer did NOT see it as a drive. Suddenly it started playing when I pressed the button. I want to see instructions. Whether it's a weak link or an intended feature. I have no idea but I can work with it and it's pretty reliable. Where the DC wires are, there is a 5V pad. These are the connections I used for all my testing. There is also a set of pads labeled 3.7 VDC. Current to which no wires are connected. I have no idea what it is for. Is this an alternate DC? Is that a DC output? I suppose I should have checked when I had counters. Spring. In any case it would have been 5 stars if it had come with a manual with specs. The device current draw is 60mA maximum (from standard MP3) and around 30mA nominal. Using a variable DC power supply, I've seen it work up to about 2.9V DC. I ordered a cheap LIR2450 coin cell battery and charger. This should work for several hours (DC 3.6V, rated 120mAh). I get a battery holder from ebay. Revain is slightly more expensive. Looking at the specs of the LIR2032 (3.7V DC, 35 mAh nominal, 70 mAh max), it will probably run a lot shorter, but still at least an hour. Update: I downloaded the instructions! Point 3 is still not explained, but I have a little more information. The 3.7V DC power cable is for the lipo battery and the manufacturer says it will charge the battery when plugged in and powered via micro USB. Hooray!