TL;DR
A Reddit user repurposed a retired parking meter into a music-playing jukebox using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and open-source libraries. The build uses RFID cards to control playlists and includes a tiny OLED display where the solar panel once was.
What happened
Connect_Use2528, a Reddit user, converted a decommissioned parking meter into a functioning jukebox after being asked to repaint it. The meter's lock was drilled out and its housing reused to hold a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, chosen specifically to support Spotify playback. The builder adapted RFID tags and cards to trigger playlists, control volume and pause playback; inserting a playlist card into the meter's slot advances to the next track. A small OLED display was installed in the former solar panel location to show minimal "now playing" information. The project drew inspiration from the Phoniebox ecosystem, and the creator relied on open-source libraries including pygame for audio, mfrc522 for RFID interaction, and Adafruit CircuitPython for the display. The builder also used the AI assistant Claude to develop a basic operational routine when assembling the software side of the device.
Why it matters
- Shows how low-cost single-board computers can repurpose obsolete street hardware into interactive devices.
- Highlights the role of open-source libraries and community projects in enabling creative DIY audio projects.
- Demonstrates a tactile, physical interface alternative to app-based parking and media controls.
- Illustrates how hobbyists combine hardware mods, RFID and small displays for compact, user-friendly builds.
Key facts
- Project by Reddit user Connect_Use2528 who started after being asked to paint a decommissioned parking meter baby pink.
- The meter's original lock was drilled out to allow repurposing of the enclosure.
- A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W was used to enable Spotify playback; a weaker Pi Zero W was considered insufficient.
- RFID chips on cards are used to access playlists, adjust volume and pause playback; inserting a playlist card skips to the next track.
- A tiny OLED "now playing" screen was installed where the solar panel had been.
- The build drew inspiration from the Phoniebox project, which supports audio playback driven by RFID cards and Spotify streams.
- Open-source libraries used include pygame for playback, mfrc522 for RFID, and Adafruit CircuitPython for the display.
- The builder used the AI assistant Claude to help produce a basic operating routine for the device.
What to watch next
- Whether the builder publishes schematics, code or a step-by-step guide for others to replicate the project: not confirmed in the source.
- Potential community adaptations that combine the meter jukebox with other Phoniebox-style features or streaming services.
- Any follow-up posts from the creator showing long-term durability, power solution details or public demonstrations: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: A compact single-board computer capable of running Linux and handling lightweight multimedia and networking tasks.
- RFID: Radio-frequency identification uses small tags and a reader to exchange data wirelessly, often for access or identification.
- OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays are thin, low-power screens that can show text or simple graphics with high contrast.
- Phoniebox: An open-source project that lets users build child-friendly jukeboxes using a Raspberry Pi and RFID-triggered audio playback.
- Claude: An AI assistant used to help generate or refine code and operational logic during the project's software development.
Reader FAQ
Who built the parking meter jukebox?
A Reddit user identified as Connect_Use2528.
Which hardware and software were used?
The project used a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and open-source libraries including pygame, mfrc522 and Adafruit CircuitPython.
Can it play Spotify playlists?
Yes; the builder chose the Pi Zero 2 W specifically to support Spotify playback.
Are build instructions or code available?
not confirmed in the source.
Was the Phoniebox project involved directly?
Phoniebox served as an inspiration and example for RFID-driven playback, but direct use or integration is not detailed.
OFFBEAT An old parking meter and a Pi make beautiful music together You can't park there, mate Richard Speed Fri 16 Jan 2026 // 09:30 UTC An enterprising engineer has turned an old parking…
Sources
- An old parking meter and a Pi make beautiful music together
- Someone turned a decommissioned parking meter into …
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