Creating a Discord Radio Station with Raspberry Pi

Key Notes

  • You can create a 24/7 radio station on Discord with Raspberry Pi and Kenku FM.
  • Installing the right software is crucial for smooth streaming.
  • Follow the correct steps for connecting Kenku FM to your Discord server.

Transform Your Raspberry Pi into a 24/7 Discord Radio Station

Are you eager to enhance your Discord community’s experience? By setting up a radio station using Raspberry Pi, you can stream music and create a vibrant atmosphere for your members. This detailed guide walks you through the process, from selecting the right hardware to running Kenku FM, ensuring you can keep the music flowing around the clock.

Essential Hardware and Software for Your Radio Station

To successfully turn your Raspberry Pi into a radio station, you’ll first need to gather the necessary hardware and software.

Your main requirement is a Raspberry Pi that can handle a desktop interface. The latest Raspberry Pi 5 with 8 GB of RAM is ideal, but an older Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 GB of RAM is also sufficient.

It’s recommended to install Raspberry Pi OS since it offers a user-friendly interface and is optimized for the device.

With your equipment ready, let’s move forward to set up your Discord radio station!

Installing Kenku FM on Raspberry Pi

Kenku FM is crucial for your project as it simplifies music sharing within your Discord server. This software allows you to play local music files or stream from the web.

You can download Kenku FM from the official Kenku FM website or the GitHub releases page. The application is pay-what-you-want, meaning you can even get it for free. Make sure to download the version designed for Debian ARM if you’re using Raspberry Pi OS.

After the download, right-click the.deb file and select Package Install. Confirm your choice by clicking Install when prompted.

Post-installation, look for Kenku FM in the Accessories section in the Raspberry Pi menu.

Connecting Kenku FM to Your Discord Server

Before configuring Kenku FM, ensure you have a voice channel ready in your Discord server. If you need assistance creating one, refer to the official instructions.

Next, create a Discord App and a custom bot via the Discord Developer Portal.

Click on New Application, name it, and proceed. Then, access Bot settings and create a bot if you haven’t already by clicking Add Bot. Set the bot’s name and limit its addability by disabling the Public Bot option.

In the OAuth2 settings tab, select Bot in the Scopes section. Enable Connect and Speak permissions in the Bot Permissions section. Copy the generated URL at the bottom.

Use this URL in your browser to invite your bot to the desired Discord server, selecting the server and clicking Authorize. Complete any Captcha verification if prompted.

Running Your Discord Radio Station with Kenku FM

With your bot in place, it’s time to give it music. Access your bot’s token from the Bot settings and use it in Kenku FM. Paste the token into the settings menu, click Connect, and restart Kenku FM.

Kenku FM allows two main methods for sharing audio: local music files and streaming from online platforms. To add local music, press the Plus (+) icon next to Playlists to create one, then add your music tracks by pressing the Plus (+) icon in the upper right of the playlist window.

For streaming, open Kenku FM’s built-in web browser. Navigate to your preferred streaming site like YouTube or Spotify, play the desired audio, and ensure the output is directed to your Discord channel.

For optimal sound quality, adjust your Discord channel settings to set a higher channel bitrate.

Now, your music should flow seamlessly into your Discord voice channel. To further improve community engagement, consider exploring articles on the best Discord servers for additional ideas.

Additional Tips for Optimal Streaming

  • Regularly verify your audio setup to avoid interruptions.
  • Experiment with playlists to keep the music fresh.
  • Make use of audio mixers for better sound control.

Summary

Setting up a Discord radio station using a Raspberry Pi and Kenku FM can significantly enhance your server’s atmosphere. This guide provided the essential requirements, installation steps for Kenku FM, and the instructions for linking it with Discord, ensuring you keep your community engaged with continuous music streaming.

Conclusion

Embrace the power of community engagement by transforming your Raspberry Pi into an exceptional 24/7 Discord radio station. With the actionable steps outlined above, you can create a lively atmosphere for your server that keeps your members coming back for more.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use any version of Raspberry Pi for this project?

Yes, although the Raspberry Pi 5 is recommended, the Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 GB of RAM will also work well for setting up your radio station.

Is Kenku FM free to use?

Yes, Kenku FM operates on a pay-what-you-want model, allowing you to set the price, including $0.

What audio sources can I stream?

You can stream local audio files or use Kenku FM’s built-in browser to stream from platforms like YouTube and Spotify.