[guyx1992]

Hi..
I really want to enter the world of DIY. I have zero experience with soldering and I have close to none when it comes to knowledge about electricity.
I really want an iPod dock and don't want to buy one. Is it a good decision to try and build one as a first project? I want it to have a line out and a 220v charger.
Where can I learn how to do it?
I searched the site + google, haven't found instructions.

 

[MASantos]

That is probably not the best way to start DIY. The size and fragility of the dock connector pins are a challenge even to experienced DIYers.

I would suggest you build a couple of cables first, maybe an amp(you know you want one!!

) to experiment and learn the basics.

 

[Ishcabible]

A dock or LOD?

LODs aren't that hard if you aren't heavy handed.

 

[guyx1992]

I want to build a dock. Something like this: http://www.coolcircuit.com/gadgets/w...pod-dock-5.jpg
I have no use with a LOD. I have no portable amp and don't want one

 

[Ishcabible]

Then that will be a good deal harder.

 

[joneeboi]

Start with the CMoy. Follow that up with either Mini^3 or PIMETA. Then PPAv2 or M^3. From there, you're on your own as to what you want to work on. You'll probably have a good idea by then.

 

[Good Times]

You can do anything if you put your mind to it. I say do it. If that's what you need, then why the hell not? Your first may end up looking a bit ragged, but you can always build a 2nd with your knowledge of the 1st.

 

[Good Times]

PS when did I start sounding like my Dad? Sheesh? Pulling out the old cliches!

 

[Ishcabible]

Apple iPod and iPhone Dock Interfaces pinout and signals @ pinouts.ru

Leave pins 2,3,4, and 18 on and take the rest out unless you want USB.

Get a pair of RCA jacks. Right goes to pins 2 and 3. Left goes to pins 2 and 4.
Get a DC jack and matching elpac.
Then make whatever casing you want.

 

[qusp]

that picture appears to just have a regular apple cable mounted in a wooden box

if you do one with charging ability, be really careful because if you screw up the polarity, you will kill your ipod. make sure you get a cheap multimeter to test if you are determined to do that for your first project.

 

[qusp]

errmm why not use a different pin for each channels ground?? seems a bit unnecessary to try to solder 2 wires to pin 2. in fact I recommend not using 2 at all for a first project (I dont even do it now, because its not necessary) as its right next to the audio pins and could cause a short to ground (especially with 2 wires) use 15 and 29 for ground; it doesnt matter which one to which channel as they are all connected on the ipod logic board

 

[Ishcabible]

You know way more than me, so guyx1992, go with that!

 

[qusp]

yeah many people fall for that trap, there are many ground pins in the ipod LOD, 2 is just designated 'audio ground', but they are all on the same ground plane. just dont use 11 (serial ground) as that is not connected to the others. that can be shorted to ground for simple iphone 3G or touch 2G operation (when you couldnt be bothered with the iphone resistor) but we wont go into that. all that matters is that 2 is not the only one available and is probably the last one you should use due to the proximity to the audio line-out pins

 

[Ishcabible]

Well that shall be very useful. Thanks!