Volumio 3.251 and Ultra+

#1

I purchased the RaspiAudio Ultra+ from Amazon because it was advertised as compatible with Volumio.
Unfortunately, I have yet to get any audio from the device using Volumio.

After half a day of reading, testing, and troubleshooting, I installed DietPi and I have managed to get audio from the Ultra+. At least I know the device works properly.

Coming down to my question.
How do I get Volumio working with the Ultra+?
I think I have reinstalled Volumio 3.251 almost 20 times and tried countless proposed solutions found on this forum and others.
I really want this to work, but I am loosing hope.
Is the Ultra+ not compatible with Volumio?
Should I replace it with a Mic+ or other DAC if I am planning to use Volumio?

Thank you in advance.

#2

Hi Relax and Welcome! Let me try with the last version of Volumio, stay tuned

#3

The Ultra is using the WM8960 codec just as the Waveshare so it is compatible

this user found this solution with the last version :

UPDATE:
OK, I was able to configure Waveshare WM8960 with the latest Volumio OS build on Raspberry Pi

I have RPI Zero W and made the following steps:

1. Clean install Volumio OS (Volumio-3.198-2022-01-24-pi.img)
2. Initial network setup
3. Enable SSH
4. Add string to dacs.json
nano /volumio/app/plugins/system_controller/i2s_dacs/dacs.json
{"id":"wm8960-soundcard","name":"Waveshare - WM8960","overlay":"wm8960-soundcard,i2s-mmap","alsanum":"1","alsacard":"wm8960soundcard","mixer":"Playback","modules":["i2c-dev","snd-soc-wm8960","snd-soc-wm8960-soundcard"],"script":"","i2c_address":"1a","needsreboot":"yes"}
5. sudo volumio kernelsource
6. git clone https://github.com/waveshare/WM8960-Audio-HAT.git
7. cd WM8960-Audio-HAT
8. sudo ./install.sh
9. Select Audio Output:

** I2S DAC > OFF*
** Output Device > wm8960-soundcard*

#4

I will try to test this tonight and report back. (CST timezone)
I did not think to or take the time to research the codec/chipset of the Ultra+ module yet.

Thank you.

#5

Ok, I followed the directions in the post and when I reboot after step 8, the web interface is no longer accessible.
I can still ssh into Volumio, but the web interface no longer loads.

I noticed a warning during step 8 saying “Package raspberrypi-kernel is not available”
I have not been able to find a way to install this package or a replacement for the package.

#6

Ok, never mind.
I realized that I missed putting a comma on the previous line in step 4.
I have successfully completed all of the steps.

Now I get an error when I try to play audio.
Something about failed to open ALSA.

#7

could you send me the error screenshot please?

#8

Screenshot from 2022-06-09 05-49-01
Screenshot from 2022-06-09 05-49-011074×1021 249 KB

#9

ok ok and you said that you have tried this ?

#10

I have tried this install guide, both method 1 and method 2.
Maybe combining the knowledge from the first solution you provided with the knowledge in this solution will get it working.
Worth another look anyway.

#11

Alright. I have an update.

Performing Method 1, I get audio, but it is quiet and crackly and the ultra+ module get very hot in just a couple minutes.
The reason it didn’t work the first time I tried this solution is because I tried to use the I2S DAC settings instead of the regular output device.

Performing Method 2, I managed to get audio after learning the above and the ultra+ module does not get hot.
The problem I discovered is that only some audio streams appear to work.
I can play the web radio stream labeled “ANTENA1 | 94,7 FM” but I randomly tried about a dozen other streams and received the error message in my June 9th screenshot.

I tried installing the Spotify Connect2 plugin.
I can connect my Spotify to it, but no audio and when I change the volume level, Spotify disconnects and returns to playing locally on my phone.