Music Player Control

Try connecting D+ to the 5V line with a 1k5 resistor. If this works (i.e. pauses play) use it - it will definitely be safe. USB data lines are pulled down internally by a host device with 15k resistors, so the 1k5 is enough to pull it up to a high data state. I don't know whether a host would try to drive the D+ line low, but if it did so against a short to 5V, it may bend the driver.

Alternatively, ask someone who knows a bit more about USB .

If you have already done it and the device still works, then it would appear not to have damaged the circuit...I'm surprised there is no pause button.....You might find the answer at this link below....

http://www.usb.org/developers/usbfaq/

You could also achieve the same think by interrupting or opening the D- and D+ lines with a switch.

When the host device loses communication with the slave device on the USB port it will pause and wait for the communication to return. I don't know how log it waits until it simply drops it, but I think reestablishing communication with a switch will always work.

Stupid question perhaps, but do you need to pause it or just mute it? Turn the volume down or just plug in a headphone jack (or build a switch on the headphone jack)

Thank you all, either pause or mute is OK and it must be done electrically. Plugging a headphone in works, but it's mechanical, disconnects as the plug enters.

Tony

how about using a second set of speakers with independent volume or a switch in the ext or headphone jack?