5.5 iMod Dock Cable

[MrJingles]

I did a search for this question and cannot find the answer. Has anyone tried to build a 5.5g iMod dock cable, the one that Ken offers with the caps built into the dock? If so, can you please tell me what it entails? It would be great to build a couple.
Thanks in advance.

 

[wgr73]

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing...that would be cool!

 

[MrJingles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wgr73 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah, I was wondering the same thing...that would be cool!

It might be cool to try some different caps and cables for a bit of different sq. I'm sure it can be done if you know what components you need.

 

[FallenAngel]

I think it says so on the RedWineAudio site that the DAC output caps could not fit into the 5G IPods and are simply moved from the device to the cable. Just put a pair of caps inline with the Left/Right signals or use an amp with input caps.

 

[MrJingles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think it says so on the RedWineAudio site that the DAC output caps could not fit into the 5G IPods and are simply moved from the device to the cable. Just put a pair of caps inline with the Left/Right signals or use an amp with input caps.

Any suggestions on model?

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJingles /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any suggestions on model?

Of caps?

IMod uses BlackGate NX, so I'm guessing ALO uses the same. As for value, to take a wild guess, I'd say it's 47uF/6.3V, they're small enough and should have a good corner frequency.

Personally, I would build an adapter (dock-box-plug) and put some film caps in there instead. Definitely not as "clean", but for the chance to put some nice film caps in there, I'd say it's worth it.

 

[unclejr]

Ok, I know next to nothing practically about doing any of this, so take this for what it's worth (not much). The pin configuration is probably a ground, and the L/R for the line out. More can be found at:

http://ipodlinux.org/Dock_Connector

A female dock (sans caps) can be found in small qty at:

http://home.swipnet.se/ridax/connector.htm

Note that they are rather expensive. For all the flack ALO gets about pricing, regardless of whether or not Ridax is/is not their source, I think that this female dock is one of their best offerings, economically speaking.

The trick is going to be soldering the caps into the signal path by modifying one of these docks. I'll leave that to the more experienced persons to figure out!

 

[balou]

Qables.com also has dock connectors, for less, and you can also buy everything else needed for cables at them.

Personally, I'd also use polypropylene caps instead of boutique electrolytics. Why spend money on something which may or may not sound good when you can buy something which has scientifical proven linearity over a frequency range far higher than audios 0-20khz?
value: 1uF or higher should be more than enough

 

[warrior05]

I'm about to build one myself which will be using the same ALO caps. My plan is to have the cable exit from the face of the dock rather than the back thus creating a 90 degree connection and giving me a shorter path to my Move.

Also, swt61 and I are collaborating on building a couple of dock stations. They will have recharging capability via USB. His will have an 1/8" jack since I built him an 1/8" to RCA adapter and he doesn't have an iMod. For my iMod, I'll be purchasing some film caps as well as wiring it up for RCA outputs.

 

[warrior05]

Quote:

Originally Posted by balou /img/forum/go_quote.gif Qables.com also has dock connectors, for less, and you can also buy everything else needed for cables at them. Personally, I'd also use polypropylene caps instead of boutique electrolytics. Why spend money on something which may or may not sound good when you can buy something which has scientifical proven linearity over a frequency range far higher than audios 0-20khz? value: 1uF or higher should be more than enough

Do you have a preferred source for these kinds of caps? Perhaps I'll try them rather than the electrolytics I was planning on.

 

[MrJingles]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warrior05 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm about to build one myself which will be using the same ALO caps. My plan is to have the cable exit from the face of the dock rather than the back thus creating a 90 degree connection and giving me a shorter path to my Move.

Awesome. Keep us up to date on the results. Can't wait to see the builds.

 

[wgr73]

Yeah! That would be great. It doesn't seem too hard to build one, but then again I never have! I will try soon...

 

[warrior05]

Put in my order for some caps. I'm going to use the same Black Gates for the dock IC since they are so tiny. I ordered a pair of larger Black Gates as well as Sonicaps to see if I hear any difference between electrolytic and polypropylene film caps.

I should have my iMod dock connector done sometime this weekend and will definitely post back with some pics.

The dock stand is still probably a couple weeks away but I'll be opening a new thread about that project.

 

[unclejr]

Interested myself, enjoy the project!

 

[EFN]

Count me in, since I have already have my Frankennuts ShuttlePod in motion. My MKII will look a bit more civilised.