Using Arduino with ISD1820 Voice Recording Module

The ISD1820 is a simple voice recording module with a built-in microphone. You can connect it to Arduino and trigger audio playback through code. It’s great for alert systems or projects that need voice output.

Required Components

• Arduino UNO R3
• ISD1820 Voice Board Module with speaker
• Jumper wires (male-to-male) for connections
• Breadboard for organized wiring

Understanding the ISD1820 Module

The module has onboard push-buttons so you can test it without Arduino first.

Button/Switch	Function
REC	Hold to record audio. Red LED lights up during recording
PLAYE	Press once to play full recording
PLAYL	Hold to play audio, release to stop immediately
FT Switch	Set to OFF to use the onboard microphone
REPEAT Switch	Set to OFF to play once per trigger

Wiring Diagram

Arduino UNO	ISD1820 Module
5V	VCC
GND	GND
Pin 2	P-E

For the speaker, connect it directly to the speaker pins on the module (if your module comes with a speaker already, skip this step).

Manual Recording with Onboard Buttons

1. Set FT switch to OFF
2. Set REPEAT switch to OFF
3. Connect 3-5V power to VCC and GND
4. Hold REC button and speak into the microphone (max recording time is approximately 10 seconds per session)
5. Release REC when done recording
6. Press PLAYE to hear your recorded audio

Arduino Code to Trigger Playback

int PE = 2; // Connect Pin 2 to P-E on the module

void setup() {
  pinMode(PE, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(PE, HIGH); // Start with button released
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Play Sound");
  
  // Trigger PLAYE by pulling P-E LOW
  digitalWrite(PE, LOW);
  delay(100);
  digitalWrite(PE, HIGH); // Release button
  
  // Wait for audio to finish (approximately 10 seconds)
  delay(10000);
}

How to Upload the Code

1. Open Arduino IDE and paste the code above
2. Go to Tools → Port and select the port your Arduino is connected to
3. Go to Tools → Board and select Arduino UNO
4. Click the Upload button (right arrow icon)
5. Open Serial Monitor via Tools → Serial Monitor to see “Play Sound” messages while audio plays

How the Code Works

The ISD1820 module uses active LOW logic. This means the P-E pin triggers the playback when pulled LOW, simulating a button press. Calling digitalWrite(PE, LOW) presses the PLAYE button, and digitalWrite(PE, HIGH) releases it.

To use a different pin, simply change the value of int PE = 2; to your preferred pin number.

Reference Videos

• Arduino ISD1820 Voice Recording Module Demo
• ISD1820 Tutorial and Demo
• Arduino Voice Recording and Playback Project