Audio Issue with Pi Zero 2 W

[robbiet]

Hi All.  I am running FPP 7.5 on a Pi Zero 2 W with a 64GB SD card and the new Kulp K2-Pi0 cape installed.  I'm running a basic media only single track playlist on repeat but the playlist is failing to load after a couple of loops.  Here is what I am seeing in the FPPD logs.  The track is a 4 minute MP3.  Any advice?  Is this a bug or do I need to change a setting?


2024-07-14 13:24:00.419 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:00.428 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.429 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.430 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.431 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.458 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.458 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.460 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.460 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.487 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.487 (2188) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:274: Stalled audio, buffers still filling.
2024-07-14 13:24:00.927 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:01.431 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:01.935 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:02.439 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:02.944 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:03.448 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
2024-07-14 13:24:03.952 (2094) [MediaOut] /opt/fpp/src/mediaoutput/SDLOut.cpp:1151: Audio has stalled   0
...

[robbiet]

I should also mention that I have to reboot once this happens in order to be able to start a playlist again.

[robbiet]

I was able to resolve my issue. The Pi Zero does not provide enough power to the Soundblaster Play 3 which was causing FPP to freeze after playing a couple sequences. I purchased a micro-usb splitter off amazon that allows me to inject power instead of pulling through the Pi. Link below:

Micro USB Splitter Cable OTG... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XMPYRP9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


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[Poporacer]

The Pi Zero does not provide enough power to the Soundblaster Play 3

How were you powering the Pi Zero?

Glad you got it working.

[robbiet]

Ah. I spoke too soon. It looked like it was fixed as it ran longer than any previous attempts. However, after testing several times, it seems to fail anywhere between 20-30 minutes after the last reboot. Back to the drawing board.


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[robbiet]

It doesn't look to be a power issue. I am powering the Pi from the Kulp cape. I'm supplying 12v to the cape from a 100w meanwell power supply.

https://kulplights.com/product/k2-pi0/


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[breese]

Can you post your log files so everyone can take a look?

[darylc]

Every case I've seen of stalled audio with sound blasters has been fixed with a powered usb hub.  If that is not the case here then I don't know what to suggest.

[robbiet]

I did try the powered USB splitter mentioned above but that did not work. Here is a powered hub I found on Amazon, but I don't see how this would work any differently.  It just has multiple USB ports.

https://a.co/d/3C60CLG

Is there a hub that someone has confirmed will fix this issue?


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[MikeKrebs]

I don't know about the "right one". When they say powered hub, they mean a hub with separate power supply. So, if you power the hub via the micro usb power plug from a separate power source, that would be an acceptable one.

[breese]

Here is a 3.0, powered hub
https://a.co/d/3nUw3VU

[robbiet]

Ok. Ordered a powered hub to try. Will plan to submit the issue for developers if this does not work. Thanks all. Will report my findings.


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[robbiet]

Just wanted to confirm that everything is working when using a hub. I don't know if it has to do with the pi not providing enough power or if there is additional processing in the hub that makes it work. Like I mentioned earlier, I first tried injecting additional power with the usb splitter but that did not fix the issue. Obviously the hub is cleaning things up somehow. Is this something that should be fixed in FPP to avoid requiring a hub?


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[k6ccc]

I'm going with a lack of power issue.  Computers in general are rather limited on power availability via a USB port, and I can well imagine that a PiZero would be on the low end in that regard.  For all practical purposes, I only use powered USB hubs.  And anything that is going to draw much power goes via a hub.

[jnealand]

I also say it is a lack of power.  This is an issue that has come up for years and a separtely powered hub always fixes the issue.  Years ago there were issues with Beagle Bone for a similar power issue.  I still power my BBB separately from panels and an Octoplus.