Sunday, July 14, 2013

DIY AirPlay Speaker System using a Asus WL-520gu Router



In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to re-purpose a Asus WL-520gu router into an Apple AirPlay Speaker System. I have a custom built OpenWRT image already fully configured with AirPlay so all you have to do is flash and go.

Major kudos to the Wifi Radio project on MightyOhm.com which introduced me to OpenWRT and a major inspiration for this project.

Requirements

- Asus WL-520gu Router (Stock Firmware, Tomato, DD-WRT or OpenWRT)
- Compatible USB Sound Card (USD DAC - Digital Audio Converter). See below.
- Speakers/Stereo System (or Headphones).

Flashing the OpenWRT AirPlay Firmware

Download my OpenWRT image pre-configured with AirPlay (aka ShairPort). Note that this firmware is specifically designed for the Asus WL-520gu router. If you use this firmware on any other router, you will brick it.

If you are already running Tomato, DD-WRT or OpenWRT (with Luci) on your router, you can flash directly from the web interface.

If you are running OpenWRT without a web interface, here are the commands to flash via command line:

cd tmp
wget http://goo.gl/MNkAm
mv MNkAm openwrt-brcm47xx-squashfs.trx
mtd -r write openwrt-brcm47xx-squashfs.trx linux

Otherwise if you are running the Asus stock firmware or need to recover from a bad flash, follow these instructions - Asus WL-520UG: Loving Tomato Firmware. Obviously, flash with the OpenWRT AirPlay image above.

Enjoy some Music

Plug in your USB Sound Card to the router and connect it to your speakers. Then power cycle the router.

On your iOS device, connect to the open/unencrypted 'AirPlay520gu' wireless network.

Important Note: Wireless is enabled by default within the image. However, the router requires one extra reboot after being flashed before wireless will start properly (Don't ask me why, I don't know). So basically, if you don't see the 'AirPlay520gu' wireless network, give the router a reboot/power cycle.

You should now be able to AirPlay music from your iOS device to the 'AirPlay520gu' AirPlay Speakers.

iOS 7 Beta - AirPlay to WL-520gu router from iTunes Radio


Different Modes and Use Cases

Standalone Mode (Default, no configuration needed) - Broadcast unencrypted/open SSID of "AirPlay520gu". DHCP Server enabled with no default route or DNS server to allow iPhone to maintain connection to LTE/4G network for internet radio streaming.

Wireless Client Mode - Connects to existing wireless network similar to how your iphone/ipad connects to your network. This is how most commercial AirPlay Speaker System work. HowTo: Switch to 'STA' mode

AP (Access Point) Mode - Connects to existing network via a wired Ethernet cable (or Ethernet over Powerline). Broadcast additional SSID to extend your wireless network coverage - add AirPlay and get better wireless coverage too! HowTo: Disable DHCP, change IP Address, Set SSID/Encryption type

Check the OpenWRT forums or Wiki for help on re-configuring your new AirPlay router!

Compatible/Recommended USB Sound Cards (Plug and Play)
Some additional USB DACs that I haven't tested personally, but should also work:
Note: The cheap "3D Sound" USB audio adapter may work, but there is at least two versions - one that works (C-Media chipset) and one that doesn't (6911 Chipset, JMTek, LLC 48Khz Only). My recommendation is to avoid them unless you're 100% positive you'll get the one with the C-Media chipset or to keep things simple, pick up the Syba SD-CM-UAUD USB Stereo Audio Adapter if you're on a tight budget or prefer the form factor.

DIY AirPlay Sound System for under $100

A great sounding AirPlay speaker system can easily be put together on a very limited budget and blow away anything sold at the Apple Store costing twice or three times as much. As an example, a LP-2020A+ Lepai Tripath Amplifier paired with the Dayton Audio B652 bookshelf speakers will give you awesome sound on a tight budget.

Syba USB Audio Adapter - $7
Lepai 2020A+ Amp - $23
Dayton Audio B652 Bookshelf Speakers - $52

Total cost $82 + router

What if I don't have a Asus WL-520GU Router?

Definitely do not buy one (unless you can get it super cheap, ~$10). This router has really dated hardware and is no longer manufactured.

Instead consider picking up a TomatoUSB compatible router or Pogoplug and following my other DIY AirPlay tutorials:
[Tutorial] - Pogoplug E02/V4 with Arch Linux ARM

Another option would be my Apple AirPlay AirEnabler Adapter Kit, which is a totally plug and play solution that allows you to add Apple AirPlay to any existing home stereo, car stereo, pc speaker system, ammo box portable speaker systemstereo cooler or my favorite the Boominator, "the ultimate party machine".

62 comments :

  1. I've followed these instructions exactly and I can connect via airplay but I'm getting no sound out of my syba sound adapter. I can get sound if I pipe random into it, and it works well with mightyohm's project also. I've been looking all around for something obvious like sound settings but I don't know where to look. Everywhere online tells me to use alsamixer which isn't included in this build. Any idea's?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michael,

      I apologize for the late reply. I don't have my WL-520gu router anymore so I can't help you troubleshoot this.

      Qui

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The SSID of your separate switch is for the most part settled as default or even the name of the modem or switch. You can secure your system by exchanging the title of your system's SSID. asr 1001

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are a genius . I can say that you have a done a great job here to share this with us. You have done it after some research and hence no doubt at all that it's going to help us all.You covered every angle. Good one, and keep it going. Check for essay writing service reviews

    ReplyDelete
  5. A system that is low in power does not require car speakers that are high powered, but an audio system that is high powered requires speakers that can deal with the output that is powerful.
    http://soundexperts.org/best-4x6-car-speakers/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I need to write my college essay. The topic of your article seemed very interesting to me. Do you have any statistical data?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Many individuals utilize compact earphones when tuning in to their convenient gadgets, however there are different alternatives to the way you tune in to music. amplifier experts

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's fitting time to make a few arrangements for the future and the time has come to be glad. I have perused this post and on the off chance that I would I be able to wish to recommend you few fascinating things or exhortation. Maybe you could compose next articles alluding to this article. I yearning to peruse considerably more things about it! AppValley iOS 10

    ReplyDelete
  9. A debt of gratitude is in order for setting aside an ideal opportunity to talk about this, I feel unequivocally about it and affection adapting more on this subject. On the off chance that conceivable, as you pick up ability, would you psyche overhauling your website with additional data? It is greatly useful for m Emus4U iOS 11

    ReplyDelete
  10. A debt of gratitude is in order for offering this quality data to us. I truly delighted in perusing. Will without a doubt going to impart this URL to my companions. NessTool Android

    ReplyDelete
  11. Decent post. I was checking continually this online journal and I'm inspired! To a great degree helpful data extraordinarily the last part I administer to such data a considerable measure. I was looking for this sure data for quite a while. Much obliged to you and good fortunes. Mojo Installer iOS 11

    ReplyDelete
  12. High-quality put up, stay aware of this fascinating work. it's miles a extremely good idea so one may be at the safe side. Gmod game

    ReplyDelete
  13. You can play, stop briefly, and rewind the program playing on your TV utilizing your smartphone directvlogin.us DirecTV, with its name a portmanteau of DirectTV.

    ReplyDelete
  14. More and more startups are embracing the digital age and putting up their own business website. They find that websites are a notch higher and better than simply having a Facebook Fan Page or a twitter account.Excellent website design come in many forms, it all depends on what your criteria is for the best web design. cheap shoes in Pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  15. I actually delighted in perusing this post, massive fan. preserve doing outstanding me whilst might you be capable of distribute extra articles or in which could I be able to peruse greater at the difficulty? internet modeling

    ReplyDelete
  16. If you need to select a blogging platform to create a new blog, you will be able to choose from numerous options. Different types of bloggers are able to avail varying benefits from each of these platforms, but if you are a beginner, then the right the Blogger platform is the right blogging platform for you. You might be curious why Blogger is appropriate for you.mens casual dress shoes

    ReplyDelete
  17. The preferred standpoint with this model is that it is in reverse perfect with any 802.11g and 802.11b skilled gadgets. The D-Link Wireless Router will work with no issues on the off chance that you as of now have a current system equipment introduced. Strangely, this model has been tried to work flawlessly with blended systems.Top 10 best asus router

    ReplyDelete
  18. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
    Keynote spekers

    ReplyDelete
  19. Watch this isn't simply turned down low, set it at a larger amount and check your sound once more.visit here

    ReplyDelete
  20. the famous news anchor recently suffered scorpions inside his apartment in Greenwich Village. Not only did this accident happen inside an apartment on Manhattan Island, but Scorpio somehow found its way to its 17-storey residential unit. How scorpio stays in the apartment remains a mystery.شركة مكافحة حشرات بالطائف
    شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالطائف
    شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالطائف

    ReplyDelete
  21. Pakistan has made its Kirkri by and by on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. While supporting Pakistan, China attempted to get the help of different nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the Kashmir issue, yet the issue didn't appear. On this bombed endeavor of China, different nations said that Kashmir is a respective issue of India and Pakistan.
    Read more - https://www.dainiktimes.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. As an issue of first significance, we will depict to you what Evite is? Most of the people consider Evite, yet a segment of the society are exceptionally ignorant of this great site. In case you are a social occasion dear, by then you should consider Evite and Evite Alternatives. If you are organizing a get-together and need to send sales to the social orders, by then Evite can help you a lot. Evite is a social organizing site which can help you in making, directing, adjusting and sending requesting. Understand More - Evite Alternatives

    ReplyDelete
  23. 8 Ball Pool, an online multiplayer game, which was propelled in 2010, is the top netting game on Google PlayStore and IOS Appstore. It offers players a vivid gaming experience on their gadgets. At first the game was discharged for PC just, however later it was presented on cell phones.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ever thought of getting financially free in your life?
    .
    There are so many options available in the market which will promise you to become financially free. However, they aren't ethical ways to get to the destination.
    .
    Well, you can get financially free in your life by playing games on UFABET and win big prizes. Visit the link and register and start gambling on your favorite sports like Football, Volleyball, and more.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Are you looking for high-quality Customized Pendrives?
    .
    Well, Wayona is one of the most popular and leading manufacturers designing the best quality and high branded pendrives for long.
    .
    Wayona Corporation comes up with the mission to facilitate global trade between the world-wide buyers.

    Visit the link to order now:- https://pendriveindia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Are you looking for the best quality LED Lights?
    .
    Well, with Nineled you can buy at the price of Wholesale LED Spotlights, LED Street Lamps, Light Post, Cheap Down-lights and many more items.
    .
    You can get all the things at reasonable prices. Just order it and get it delivered at your doorstep on Nineled.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Are you looking for the best quality บุหรี่ไฟฟ้า pod?
    .
    Well, you can check out one the Eceecigpod is the leading brand which offers you to cheap price electronic cigarettes.
    .
    Moreover, the company has a variety of styles such as Pok Smok Voopoo Relx Smoant, Drag Pumping, and more. All these are easy to carry and you’ll get at your doorstep with lightning-fast speed.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Greeting someone with love is one of the meanest task specially in this hard-paced life. However, you can still do that by giving your special ones a reason to smile and love.

    Well, you can greet people with various methods and one such method is by following this complete guide on Greeting people https://medium.com/@olivia67/how-greetinly-help-people-around-india-to-spread-happiness-136960af19cc

    ReplyDelete
  30. Abaadd Developers Private Limited opened its doors in 2007. They provide Eco-friendly display of e-waste, Data destruction, asset recovery, reporting & certifications as well as health & safety.

    Since 2007, the Abaadd Developers started their electronic recycling services and soon became popular and expanded into the end to end waste management service industry

    ReplyDelete
  31. Syncetech is one of the websites which comes out with the freshly brewed content about PC, Windows, How-To’s, Fixes, and much more.
    .
    Syncetech comes with a clear goal of offering the best of everything for pc. They offer solution-oriented guides like fix error, how to, windows fix windows error and many more.
    .
    The mission of Syncetech is to provide every possible information related to Tech. You can visit this site here https://www.syncetech.com/category/how-to/

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Are you looking for the Best Gaming Laptop in India under 50000 Rupees?
    .
    Well, you can now grab the best budget gaming laptop under a fixed budget with great specifications.
    .
    Hunting for the gaming laptop might be daunting, but at BestGamingLaptop does a lot of hard work and covers Best Gaming Laptop.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Are you looking for Black Friday VPN Deals?
    .
    Well, VPN or Virtual Private Network lets you do internet surfing which is not tracked by your Internet Service Provider or ISP.
    .
    Now, VPN’s like ExpressVPN, TunnelBear, NordVPN are some of the best in business. However, the price of these services is quite expensive. So, here is the Black Friday VPN Deals 2020 for you.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Looking for the Best Laptop Under 60000?
    .
    Check out NiamIndia for the latest pricing and Reviews for Best Laptops under 60000 here:- https://www.niamindia.org/best-laptop-under-60000/

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am professional Gamer working for Foriza Horizon as a Senior Consultant. i love to play games. Here is the best Tablet for games.

    https://www.newmeaccelerator.com/best-8-inch-tablets/

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am professional Gamer working for Foriza Horizon as a Senior Consultant. i love to Play Games on my PC. Here is my Blog to solve issue of Avast using too much CPU.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Are you looking for the
    headphones for your kids so that you are not disturbed ? In this post, we have listed the best headphones for kids.
    https://techno-stuff.com/best-headphones-for-kids/

    ReplyDelete


  39. I am a Interior Designer by Profession. I love to listen to music. Here is my Blog about

    High Quality Bookshelf Stereo System.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Still hunting for the Best Laptop under 50000 with i5 Processor and 8GB RAM?
    .
    Well, if you have a decent budget of 50000 there are plenty of things you have to look for. When it comes to Best Laptop under 50000 with 8GB RAM you don’t have to sacrifice.
    .
    The good news is I have done all the hardwork for you comes up with the Top 9 Best Laptop for Video Editing under 50000.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Gaming laptops are increasing its popularity and market sales over the years by its unwavering performance, durability and the simple feature of mobility so if are looking for best gaming laptop under 1 lakh

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for sharing this marvelous post. I m very pleased to read this article.

    office.com/setup
    norton.com/setup
    mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  43. An interesting discussion is worth comment. There's no doubt that that you should publish more on this topic, it may not be a taboo matter but generally folks don't talk about these topics. To the next! All the best!!

    Buy Instagram Story Views

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi guys , looking for latest and amazing technoligical ipdates?
    WIsh to keep updated with latest technical changes?
    Reach us at
    https://geekermag.com/

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi guys , looking for latest and amazing technoligical ipdates?
    WIsh to keep updated with latest technical changes?
    Reach us at
    https://geekermag.com/

    ReplyDelete
  46. We intent to serve one-stop one-software solution, offering a complete blend of self-reliant platforms for your daily execution by bringing your brilliant ideas to reality, and enhancing productivity of already existing businesses.
    Do visit us more solutions at
    https://saaspect.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info.
    Many, thank you 5 Best Laptop For Gaming And School Work

    ReplyDelete
  48. Download my OpenWRT image pre-configured with AirPlay (aka ShairPort). Note that this firmware is specifically designed for the Asus WL-520gu router. If you use this firmware on any other router, you will brick it. cotton double bedsheet online shopping , bridal bed sheet amazon ,

    ReplyDelete
  49. I amazed with the research you made to make this actual submit incredible.
    Great activity!

    Have a look at my homepage; 풀싸롱

    (freaky)


    ReplyDelete
  50. This gadget is very useful for us and through this, we can solve our many issues and get benefits but some people have not enough knowledge about it and they should ask about it from seniors and use it properly. Am I right? Assignment writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I think he did the great job by creating this cool DIY tutorials. Download Gbwhatsapp

    ReplyDelete
  52. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article..
    안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  53. Impressive!Thanks for giving me an idea to my site. Ill be following your works from now on. Hoping for your success.Everyone loves what you guys are up too.
    야설

    ReplyDelete
  54. Conosco un sito Web sulle migliori suonerie gratuite disponibili su suonerie, ti invito a unirti a noi.

    ReplyDelete