Fixing up old garage stereo

[Metallover]

Well, I got an old stereo at a garage sale a couple summers ago for $5. It worked pretty good. Near the end of last summer the spekers started sucking. I just found out it's because someone (probably me) effed up the speaker wires.

The main goal of fixing this thing up is adding mp3 campatibility. Just checked and there is a couple a/v inputs along with a left and right mic input. I need stereo input. I also want to amplify the input signal slightly so I dont drain the battery in my ipod having the volume cranked up all the way when I'm listening. I don't like changing the volume on the stereo...

Any suggestions or if you know how I can amplify the input let me know. I hope to have most of it done by later tonight. I'll post pics.

[Metallover]

I fixed up the wires. That would definately explain the crappy sound and lingering one-speaker-not-working problem.





I also found a good lead to use as the output from my ipod.



There is one thing I don't like about these things though.

[magman]

Nice....looks like you could use a tool box

when I was in my 20s at this apt complex I was living in had a CD boombox laying next to the dumpster and I thought to myself " I wonder if it still works?" so I took it home and the cd player didnt work but the radio does and I still have it...its my source of music in the garage

[What's_nitro?]

That's a nice little project you have there. The stereo in my basement shop looks a lot like that one! Instead of a pre-amp for the mp3 player, why not just leave the volume on the stereo higher? It would have the same effect, ie. you wont need to turn the player's volume up so high.

[Metallover]

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

That's a nice little project you have there. The stereo in my basement shop looks a lot like that one! Instead of a pre-amp for the mp3 player, why not just leave the volume on the stereo higher? It would have the same effect, ie. you wont need to turn the player's volume up so high.

I want to be able to switch from mp3 to radio without flipping a tit every time when the volume is wayyy to loud.

I was thinking about making something similar to this mint tin amp- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-RHK...eature=related

Looking at that, I think I'll just deal with the volume difference. Either that or if anyone knows how I could use the ipod cable to get power to it so I wouldn't need to worry about the volume being up there...

[Metallover]

Just got done. This is going to be a great radio for the garage. It's loud enough for the garage (40w), and it does everything I ever wanted it to do. It'll be great to listen to some good music while playing ping pong or working on a bike/car.

Here's what was on the inside:



This is how I did a short test run to see if I was using the right wires (1 ground, 2 pos)






look from outside -



Ipod output cleanliness



Finished product




I'll stick 'er in my garage tomorrow and take a pic of it in it's home. I just hope the ipod wire is long enough...