This project started last summer when I was sniffing traffic from the NPR One iOS app with wireshark. After logging a bunch of requests, I thought it might be possible to create a simple radio using a Raspberry Pi, since I’m unable to get a decent FM signal from WYPR or WAMU.
While testing out the endpoints, I spotted a link to NPR One public API docs in the error response. The project was pushed forward by the availibily of great API docs, and a bunch of application development and design documentation at the NPR One Developer Center. Since the NPR One API docs were written using swagger, it didn’t take much work to develop a full Node.js API client for NPR One by using swagger-client to connect to the API.
From there, I used the Node.js API client to create a simple NPR One command line interface that supports both keyboard and MPR121 touch controls with the new adafruit-mpr121 Node.js package. This was all integrated into a hand carved enclosure, which can be seen below.
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Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.
