Hi all…my son had been working on a small project where he tried to build an alexa like smart speaker using esp32 s3 board, MAX98357A audio amplifier, INMP441 microphone and a speaker with an external button. All of these are connected by jumper cables, following this specific video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPP2alIU7Gg&t=136s
He tells me all the connections are correct, the codes worked correctly, the tutorial was followed by him correctly unitl the last part of the video, where he encountered some problems. They are
a) the external mute button doesnt work at all, although the mute option inside home assistant worked. The lights on the esp32 worked and was controllable, indicating the code worked
b) even though he setup the wake word with the voice assistant inside ha, the esp32 does not detect his voice at all, it shows that wakeword is unavailable
c) it shows ’ assist satellite ’ as idle, meaning its waiting for my voice command, which is not detectable in the first place
First issue is that video is a year old and voice has moved on a long way since then, almost all the code used is out of date, search here for more up to date solutions.
here for example
Second issue is jumper leads are always touch and go with connection reliability, soldering is the answer and a good skill to learn if he is interested in this stuff.
So post some pics of his setup, and his code and people may be able to help. We are always willing to help others learn.
Also look at the Spotpear Ball/ Muma devices, ESP32-S3 N16R8, max98357, inmp441, Display, WLED RGB LED, all complete for a price that’s roughly in line with the individual components.
Sound quality/ volume aren’t all that great, but not worse that self-built esp32-s2+max98357.
