Loud-ESP RFID Edition

What is it?

Loud-ESP Tag Edition is the sequel to the Loud-ESP project — a reimagined ESP32-powered smart speaker + RFID music player designed for makers, smart home enthusiasts, and ESPuino fans. Instead of the TFT display used in the original Loud-ESP, this version adds an RFID reader so you can tap cards or tags to trigger playlists, switch tracks, or control functions. It’s built for integration with Home Assistant, DIY kits, or standalone use — wherever you want physical, tangible control over your audio.

Main features

ESP32 with PSRAM for smooth playback and streaming
Dual MAX98357A DACs (~5 W per channel) driving small but punchy speakers
Li-ion battery management with improved idle power draw and robust 3.3 V power stage
SD card storage (moved from SPI to SDIO mode for better speed & fewer pin constraints)
RFID reader module (plug-in ready) for card/tag-triggered controls
12 RGB LEDs + permanent rotary encoder + 5 push-buttons via GPIO expander for onboard control
Push-buttons for playback control (play/pause/skip, etc.)
Designed as a DIY kit friendly to home assembly

How to use it

Assembly

The kit includes all the components you need: main board, RFID module, speaker outputs, LEDs, buttons, rotary encoder, etc. You will need standard tools — a soldering iron, maybe a drill or a file if you adapt an off-the-shelf case. Assembly takes a few hours, depending on experience.

Integration & Firmware

Fully compatible with Home Assistant via ESPHome. Also works with the community ESPuino firmware (see ESPuino repo). Sample firmware is provided so you can flash it, assign your RFID tags, set up your audio preferences, and get started quickly

Enclosure & Case

One of the design goals was to make this a DIY kit you can house in off-the-shelf enclosures. I found a Bluetooth speaker kit case that’s close — but it requires modifications (charging port holes, button cutouts). I plan to design a new case based on that, adding the missing holes; community-made 3D prints are very welcome.

Behind the Design

I reviewed the original Loud-ESP schematics, improving battery management, reducing idle power draw, and beefing up the 3.3V power stage.
I switched the SD card interface from SPI to SDIO mode — freeing up pins and significantly improving speed in tests.
After someone requested ESPuino support, I added 12 LEDs, 5 push-buttons via a GPIO expander, and made the rotary encoder permanent (instead of optional).
Because the main board was already fairly crowded, I opted for off-the-shelf RFID modules rather than designing a radio module in-house to ensure reliability.

Current Status & What’s Next

This is currently a work in progress. First prototypes are built, and I’m collecting feedback. Adjustments are still being made to layout, case fit, and power consumption. I’ll be refining the final design and publishing full documentation + source files soon.