[stevenjchang]

Car Stereo iPod Dock Connector to Aux 3.5mm Audio Cable - eBay (item 270344054647 end time Apr-14-09 00:20:15 PDT)

here is a $2 ipod dock connecter
i was thinking about getting it, taking it apart, and recabling it myself (i have never solder'ed or done anything DIY on head-fi before)

but this seemed like a cheap way to start, i would be using a mini 3

do you think it will be fine?
also, any cable recomm?

 

[elliot42]

Could work, but it'd be easier to start with a new dock connector, I reckon, even if it does cost a little more. You can get them from:
Qables - http://www.qables.com/shop/index.php...ex&cPath=76_81
Ridax - iPod/iPhone Dock Connector ordering
SparkFun - SparkFun Electronics - iPod Connector Male Style 1

 

[Good Times]

Don't do it man. Get the parts and start from scratch. Then you'll have clean terminals for soldering, everything will fit, and honestly, they're not that expensive. The dock plugs are like $3, and there's nothing else you'd re-use on that cheap cable anyway.

False economy there, and in fact a lot more work.

 

[joneeboi]

You're better off getting a stack of connectors from the sites elliot42 recommended to you. If you mess up or want to build multiple docks, you have the option at a comparable lower cost. For LOD-building techniques, check out:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/ipo...allery-415418/
YouTube - How to: Tiny iPod LOD (Line Out Dock)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/how...-cable-316475/
Build a Must-Have iPod Accessory — Systm — Revision3

 

[pdupiano]

I agree with the everyone else, buy a few incase you make mistakes. Since it's your first project, nonetheless first soldering project, its a good recommendation. unfortunately both qables and ridax are out of the us so you'd end up paying about $10 for shipping and wait a little over a week. I've ordered from ridax and it took about 6 business days (a week and about a day). I've got a couple of connectors (E type from ridax) left over, let me know if you want to buy them to save time and shipping cost.

Additionally, if this is your first project don't forget to take the following into account:
1. Soldering pencil + solder
2. Wires
3. Plugs
4. Techflex, what's a home made cable without techflex

the cost tends to add up. I know a lot of folks turn to DIY to try and save cash, but if you're getting into DIY because it's cheaper... trust me it's not cheaper. Screwing up multiple times is part of the diy experience and if you add up the cost of your time and cost of parts you end up realizing that it's not worth it. on the other hand if your motivation is to learn a new skill and get that pride of making something from scratch... well then its absolutely worth it! But do it right, look into the things I mentioned above before even committing to buy the ipod dock connectors.

 

[stevenjchang]

thanks everyone, VERY HELPFUL

to answer your question: both
i want to save money, but i also want to learn.

i'm interested in recabling my HPs, and since i've never done it before i was thinking about starting with an lod, mini to mini, and ksc75s

i'm short, i eventually want to do my own amps (cheap amps), like a portable and maybe a tube. I'd rather do that then buy. for money, ofcourse, but also just as a hobby. but reading all the DIY confuses me, so i'm just trying to get my feet wet with small stuff.

 

[joneeboi]

If that's the case, you really have to check out these sites:

Getting Started in Audio DIY
How to Build the CMoy Pocket Amplifier