Pimoroni tutorial adds audio playback to Tiny FX MicroPython board

Les Pounder has published the third installment of his Tiny FX series on Pimoroni's Learn site, focusing on audio integration. The tutorial covers two techniques: generating simple tones directly and playing WAV files from the board's 4MB onboard storage. A complete sample project recreates the Ghostbusters ECTO-1 siren with synchronized LED flashing, controlled by the BOOT button. The walkthrough targets makers with roughly 45 minutes of build time and uses Audacity for audio file preparation.

Audio implementation details

• Storage: Audio files reside in an sfx directory on the Tiny FX's 4MB onboard flash, uploaded via Thonny's file pane
• Format: Guide uses 16-bit, 11025 Hz mono WAV; higher sample rates work but increase file size with no benefit since output is mono
• Code structure: MicroPython module runs lighting animation and audio playback together inside a try-finally block for clean shutdown
• Trigger: BOOT button at center of the board initiates playback
• Hardware pairing: Speaker combined with LED dots for synchronized audio-visual output

Why it matters

The tutorial lowers the barrier for adding audio to MicroPython-based maker projects by providing a complete, documented workflow from file preparation through clean shutdown handling. It demonstrates practical use of the Tiny FX's limited onboard storage for media playback rather than relying on external SD cards or streaming.