DIY iPod shuffle tape deck, yeehaa ...

[mobilefriend]

hi all, just to share with you an adapter I created for the iPod shuffle (2 hours job). Since the cassette tape deck was doing nothing, I thought of an adapter for the iPod shuffle that has no cable clutter and yet flexible enough for both the iPod shuffle and tape adapter to be removed.

Equipment:
1x iPod shuffle 1GB
1x Cassette tape adapter Sony CPA-9C (sounds better than the Belkin one)
1x iPod shuffle armband
2x "L" shape brackets
4x short screws

The results speaks for itself in the attached photos. The iPod shuffle can be detach from the dock as normal without ejecting the cassette tape adapter. Next, I'm planning to shorten the audio cable so that I don't have to coil the cable between the dock and the cassette tape deck further reducing the cable clutter and move the iPod nearer to the HU.

As with all tape adapters, sounds a bit "tin-can" like and lack in Bass compared to CD. The solution is to increase the bass setting and reduce the treble to provide decent audio. In addition, the iPod shuffle's volume need to be set to maximum to be level with other sources such as CD and radio.

End of the day, very satisfied with the result!!! Life is random

 

[eggz]

hey that's brilliant!

You should try and sell your invention to some of these mp3 makers!

 

[Azrielsc]

Nice and neat!!

How much of it is protruding out from the tape recorder?

Good job! :wavey:

 

[Racebred]

sui! can mod the bracket a bit to mount a regular ipod?

 

[rodders]

How about a i-pod mini?

 

[mobilefriend]

hi guys, thanks man. Currently it is protruding by about 2 cm, that's why I need to refine it more by getting rid of the excess cable and shorten the "L" brackets. In the ideal scenerio, the iPod shuffle dock should be just touching the face plate.

The tough part when putting it together was the depth the cassette tape adapter actually goes into the HU and it sort of lowers itself. So there must be sufficient clearance between the iPod dock and the tape itself for the adapter to proper get "suck" into the HU and play. Also, a lower profile phone jack will definitely improve on the looks department. For fun & laughter !

 

[mobilefriend]

hi guys, I actually thought of similar applications to the iPod (especially the black one) and iPod mini. But the weight of both these iPod will probably be too heavy causing the tape adapter to lift itself up affecting playback. Unless .... :thinking: some kind of additional re-inforecement to support the weight. I'll definitely explore .... cheers!

 

[Racebred]

mobilefriend, if you ever come out with such a contraption for the ipod, i'll buy it off you man.. you can mass produce it and i'll be your first customer.

one packet of rice free for you!

 

[rodders]

Any idea how you're gonna charge the i-pod in the car?

 

[kenntona]

mobilefriend, that's very innovative of you. Good stuff.

one packet of rice free for you!

The rat is free?

 

[Nuke]

Hahahahah!!!! This is so cool!! Such innovativeness! Kudos mobilefriend!!

 

[mobilefriend]

mobilefriend, if you ever come out with such a contraption for the ipod, i'll buy it off you man.. you can mass produce it and i'll be your first customer.

one packet of rice free for you!

Yo racebred, Thanks for the rice man, looks good but if I'm not wrong a few weeks old already ... Anyway, will share the idea with some pals in the industry to see if it can be done ... Will keep you posted.

 

[mobilefriend]

Any idea how you're gonna charge the i-pod in the car?

Yo rodders, good point, cannot charge but the shuffle last about 12 hours, it's long enough for a few days. The "off" switch is still access at the back, so can turn off when not in use. But can charge definitely better ....

 

[mobilefriend]

mobilefriend, that's very innovative of you. Good stuff.

one packet of rice free for you!

The rat is free?

:errr: wah lau, never see the rat until you mention.....

 

[mobilefriend]

Hahahahah!!!! This is so cool!! Such innovativeness! Kudos mobilefriend!!

thank you thank you, start to pie siah liao ...

 

[Derektvy]

Hey guys,

FYI, Inspected the new E90 yesterday. It has a 'hidden' Aux in jack inside the arm-rest console. I guess the new E90 drivers needn't to consider any ipod mods...

 

[Ghostrider]

Nice !!

 

[littleblackalfa]

nice idea... quite innovative. unfortunately, not many cars left on the road with cassette decks...

BTW, Blaupunkt is launching (can't say when) an iPod connector soon which allows you to see the song title/artiste name on your HU, AND also be able to control it using your steering... This, i believe fit both the iPod and the iPod Mini... The interface and connector are for Blaupunkt HU...

 

[mobilefriend]

yo bros, thanks for all the feedback man, actually just did it for fun & laughter ... If the E90 has an AUX-In that's great man ... Look forward to see all the new interface for iPod, more and more choices ...

Mercedes iPod site: http://www.mbusa.com/main/container.jsp?/features/iPod/index.jsp
BMW iPod site: http://www.apple.com/ipod/bmw/

The one featured for Merce very cool, can read the iPod interface from the Speedo :

 

[ferd]

Re: DIY iPod shuffle tape deck, yeehaa ...

very nice! patent and sell it!