*** IGNORE first post and first page. Saved for archival "thought process" purposes when this idea first came to light *** Jump straight to Conclusion / Getting Started Guide on 2nd page for latest.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/yet...-alternative-to-2go-poly.905925/post-15280129
TLDR:
-- Adding a travel router with a battery pack allows wireless audio streaming and wireless UI for on-the-go w/ CCA or rPi (Hifiberrry || Allo Digione / Allo Digione Signature). WARNING: Carrying a travel router on one's person may be harmful. Please research health risks. Poly has an access point as well, so not sure of the implications. Use at your own risk.
-- App tested is Neutron for iOS and Android. DAP should be able to used in place of smartphone if it can stream to CCA.
Note: I've been on hiatus since last year, but pop in here sometimes to offload a item in the classifieds. Many thanks to @Amberlamps' excellent post which inspired me to take it one step further. I'm glad I caught that post as it was a game changer for I. I was hard-headed because I enjoyed my Curious USB setup, but glued to a desktop/CCK so my rig just sits for months and months. Portable is the core of why I got into this hobby and I want to get back to my roots. I usually have no idea what is the latest on the Chord threads, so don't assume I know stuff. I'm NOT going to be here long, so hope to see others take over and experiment if this interests anyone. I'm enjoying the music with my now transportable rig but will pop in a handful of times a year, but I'm out. Don't rely on me to support this thread. It's a simple and inexpensive solution so others should be able to run with the baton.
Apologies in advance for ignoring questions OUT OF SCOPE listed below. Just going to stay on-topic for this particular project. It looks like the discontinued Chromecast Audio is out of stock everywhere, but RaspBerry Pi (Hifiberry || Allo Digione / Allo Digione Signature) is an alternative. Good luck finding a CCA if you want to experiment (MobileFun (Reputation unknown) has in stock new, but YMMV). Onto the show...
My transportable project is complete. My Head-Fi arc is complete. No more plot armor. No more 2go. Much appreciated the help on this site. Roll the end titles. Yay! Moving on though from 2go dreams. This is an alternative to 2go as I don't need all the bells and whistles the 2go provides and I'm tired of waiting. I'm not a fan of being tied to a desktop and the CCK as I like to go on walks with this system to alleviate my constant back pain. Not a fan of DAPs either (TGFC, Thank God For Chord). I'm also skeptical if Rob Watts is not involved in a Chord project. The Poly has too many hoops, I just want direct play from the App. Not a chain of Apps dependent on one another. I'm afraid the 2go will suffer a similar fate. I'm old school, so have not experimented with streaming services yet. This is direct Hires, Redbook and DSD files streaming to the Hugo2. This should work on a Mojo as well.
[PHOTOS posting over weekend, maybe hard to follow without...]
For the physical transport system, I had to cut a hole in the side of the Flat Fanny as there was not enough room in the front. So I moved the battery pack in the back center. The CCA is to the left of the battery pack and the travel router is to the right of the battery pack. This inadvertently had the effect of load balancing as now everything is not front-loaded. For the Flat Fanny, Suzy can possibly custom make front and back pockets with an opening to route optical cable. My Flat Fanny is still in good shape after the hacks so will punt trying to order another batch. The Flat Fanny is tight to the body so doesn't sag down and is well-constructed. For a Mojo, you can get a small belt holster bag (Mojo, CCA + optical cable). Maybe two small battery pack and separate the CCA and travel router as an alternative transport system. Flat Fanny should work with Mojo as well.... Stacking sux, but it's in a static position as everything is controlled wireless via smartphone. Your not constantly removing devices from a bag. So Pros > Cons. Some like I will take extreme measures to be able to listen to a Chord product anywhere and everywhere, so not to hard to justify. Small startup fee.
The magic happens because the travel router can be configured in Hotspot Mode. Basically, you just plug in an access point (WIFI SSID or Hotspot) (e.g. HOME_WIFI) and the password in the travel router. It's a WIFI network (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) within a network (WIFI or 4G) (e.g. HOME_WIFI), so your basically using the travel router to act as a client to login to a wireless service. Your iPhone will login and have access to the travel router private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). When your out of your normal WIFI range (e.g. HOME_WIFI), you will still have a private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) just not connected to the Internet. So you can still use the Neutron App for iOS to control your music over private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) via the travel router offline. One caveat though is when you select the output in the Neutron App, a handshake needs to take place on the Google Servers to initiate the CCA. You will need to be online to initiate. So initiate before you go out of your main WIFI range (e.g. HOME_WIFI) or offline and don't close your app. I have not tested Hotspot, but should work the same so you have Internet everywhere with your rig. I'm good with no Internet for now while on a walkabout. I did test Library Wifi. Just login to travel router, scan, select captive portal WIFI, then save. Goto browser and login. Should be same with hotel, etc. So basically you stay loggedin to the travel router WIFI primarily (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). That travel router will act as a client and login to most WIFI/Hotspots (e.g. STARBUCKS_WIFI). It will create a bridge to allow you access to the Internet via your private travel router WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). So TRAVEL_WIFI <--> STARBUCKS_WIFI <--> (Internet). Within TRAVEL_WIFI, you can stream and control UI via smartphone like you do at home into a Hugo2/Mojo and have full access to the Interwebz. Online or Offline (As long as you don't close Neutron).
On Neutron App: Settings | Output To | <your CCA/rPi>
Reminder: Have to be online to handshake with Google Servers using the CCA (Hotspot | Wifi w/Internet).
Note1: CCA needs to be configured with Google Home App. Afterwards, the App can be deleted.
Note2: Chord remote control works with line of sight through the Flat Fanny and light clothing.
Note3: A smartphone may not be needed. If a DAP can output a stream to the CCA, it should work the same. That means you can have a very small DAP for the UI and a Chord for the sound output. Again, no clue on DAPs. Tera Player was my last DAP.
TOOLS:
Flat Fanny from Etsy ($20)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205150...=sr_gallery-1-14&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
TP-Link N300 (TL-WR802N) ($25)
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wire...travel+router&qid=1556830813&s=gateway&sr=8-4
Anker Battery Pack 2-port ($40)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Portable-VoltageBoost-Technology/dp/B07HBWF1K8/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3F8RMEZRBMNE8&keywords=anker+portable+charger&qid=1556830855&s=gateway&sprefix=ankder+,aps,196&sr=8-12
Anker 4-inch micro USB cables (2) ($7)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Pack-Powerline-Micro-Inches/dp/B01NAMTC5T?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2528932011
Google Chromecast Audio (optical output) ($UNKNOWN as discontinued) [Chromecast Audio — Firmware version 1.37.146679]
Lifatec 15 inch optical cable ($100) [Custom size down to 6 inch, same price though]
http://www.lifatec.com/toslink2.html
Neutron Music Player (iOS) ($6)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/neutron-music-player/id766858884?mt=8
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/android-neutron-music-player.566664/ [Android-only, but should be similar to iOS]
OUT OF SCOPE:
Mobile Hotspot
Streaming Services
5GZ (Alternative Larger Travel Routers Avail.)
Streamers - Raspberry Pi
Battery Pack
Apple Watch
DAPs (Android App that can install Neutron to stream may work for those that don't want to use their smartphone. Not sure natively.)
Cables
SD cards / External Storage
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/yet...-alternative-to-2go-poly.905925/post-15280129
TLDR:
-- Adding a travel router with a battery pack allows wireless audio streaming and wireless UI for on-the-go w/ CCA or rPi (Hifiberrry || Allo Digione / Allo Digione Signature). WARNING: Carrying a travel router on one's person may be harmful. Please research health risks. Poly has an access point as well, so not sure of the implications. Use at your own risk.
-- App tested is Neutron for iOS and Android. DAP should be able to used in place of smartphone if it can stream to CCA.
Note: I've been on hiatus since last year, but pop in here sometimes to offload a item in the classifieds. Many thanks to @Amberlamps' excellent post which inspired me to take it one step further. I'm glad I caught that post as it was a game changer for I. I was hard-headed because I enjoyed my Curious USB setup, but glued to a desktop/CCK so my rig just sits for months and months. Portable is the core of why I got into this hobby and I want to get back to my roots. I usually have no idea what is the latest on the Chord threads, so don't assume I know stuff. I'm NOT going to be here long, so hope to see others take over and experiment if this interests anyone. I'm enjoying the music with my now transportable rig but will pop in a handful of times a year, but I'm out. Don't rely on me to support this thread. It's a simple and inexpensive solution so others should be able to run with the baton.
Apologies in advance for ignoring questions OUT OF SCOPE listed below. Just going to stay on-topic for this particular project. It looks like the discontinued Chromecast Audio is out of stock everywhere, but RaspBerry Pi (Hifiberry || Allo Digione / Allo Digione Signature) is an alternative. Good luck finding a CCA if you want to experiment (MobileFun (Reputation unknown) has in stock new, but YMMV). Onto the show...
My transportable project is complete. My Head-Fi arc is complete. No more plot armor. No more 2go. Much appreciated the help on this site. Roll the end titles. Yay! Moving on though from 2go dreams. This is an alternative to 2go as I don't need all the bells and whistles the 2go provides and I'm tired of waiting. I'm not a fan of being tied to a desktop and the CCK as I like to go on walks with this system to alleviate my constant back pain. Not a fan of DAPs either (TGFC, Thank God For Chord). I'm also skeptical if Rob Watts is not involved in a Chord project. The Poly has too many hoops, I just want direct play from the App. Not a chain of Apps dependent on one another. I'm afraid the 2go will suffer a similar fate. I'm old school, so have not experimented with streaming services yet. This is direct Hires, Redbook and DSD files streaming to the Hugo2. This should work on a Mojo as well.
[PHOTOS posting over weekend, maybe hard to follow without...]
For the physical transport system, I had to cut a hole in the side of the Flat Fanny as there was not enough room in the front. So I moved the battery pack in the back center. The CCA is to the left of the battery pack and the travel router is to the right of the battery pack. This inadvertently had the effect of load balancing as now everything is not front-loaded. For the Flat Fanny, Suzy can possibly custom make front and back pockets with an opening to route optical cable. My Flat Fanny is still in good shape after the hacks so will punt trying to order another batch. The Flat Fanny is tight to the body so doesn't sag down and is well-constructed. For a Mojo, you can get a small belt holster bag (Mojo, CCA + optical cable). Maybe two small battery pack and separate the CCA and travel router as an alternative transport system. Flat Fanny should work with Mojo as well.... Stacking sux, but it's in a static position as everything is controlled wireless via smartphone. Your not constantly removing devices from a bag. So Pros > Cons. Some like I will take extreme measures to be able to listen to a Chord product anywhere and everywhere, so not to hard to justify. Small startup fee.
The magic happens because the travel router can be configured in Hotspot Mode. Basically, you just plug in an access point (WIFI SSID or Hotspot) (e.g. HOME_WIFI) and the password in the travel router. It's a WIFI network (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) within a network (WIFI or 4G) (e.g. HOME_WIFI), so your basically using the travel router to act as a client to login to a wireless service. Your iPhone will login and have access to the travel router private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). When your out of your normal WIFI range (e.g. HOME_WIFI), you will still have a private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) just not connected to the Internet. So you can still use the Neutron App for iOS to control your music over private WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI) via the travel router offline. One caveat though is when you select the output in the Neutron App, a handshake needs to take place on the Google Servers to initiate the CCA. You will need to be online to initiate. So initiate before you go out of your main WIFI range (e.g. HOME_WIFI) or offline and don't close your app. I have not tested Hotspot, but should work the same so you have Internet everywhere with your rig. I'm good with no Internet for now while on a walkabout. I did test Library Wifi. Just login to travel router, scan, select captive portal WIFI, then save. Goto browser and login. Should be same with hotel, etc. So basically you stay loggedin to the travel router WIFI primarily (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). That travel router will act as a client and login to most WIFI/Hotspots (e.g. STARBUCKS_WIFI). It will create a bridge to allow you access to the Internet via your private travel router WIFI (e.g. TRAVEL_WIFI). So TRAVEL_WIFI <--> STARBUCKS_WIFI <--> (Internet). Within TRAVEL_WIFI, you can stream and control UI via smartphone like you do at home into a Hugo2/Mojo and have full access to the Interwebz. Online or Offline (As long as you don't close Neutron).
On Neutron App: Settings | Output To | <your CCA/rPi>
Reminder: Have to be online to handshake with Google Servers using the CCA (Hotspot | Wifi w/Internet).
Note1: CCA needs to be configured with Google Home App. Afterwards, the App can be deleted.
Note2: Chord remote control works with line of sight through the Flat Fanny and light clothing.
Note3: A smartphone may not be needed. If a DAP can output a stream to the CCA, it should work the same. That means you can have a very small DAP for the UI and a Chord for the sound output. Again, no clue on DAPs. Tera Player was my last DAP.
TOOLS:
Flat Fanny from Etsy ($20)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/205150...=sr_gallery-1-14&organic_search_click=1&frs=1
TP-Link N300 (TL-WR802N) ($25)
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wire...travel+router&qid=1556830813&s=gateway&sr=8-4
Anker Battery Pack 2-port ($40)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Portable-VoltageBoost-Technology/dp/B07HBWF1K8/ref=sr_1_12?crid=3F8RMEZRBMNE8&keywords=anker+portable+charger&qid=1556830855&s=gateway&sprefix=ankder+,aps,196&sr=8-12
Anker 4-inch micro USB cables (2) ($7)
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Pack-Powerline-Micro-Inches/dp/B01NAMTC5T?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2528932011
Google Chromecast Audio (optical output) ($UNKNOWN as discontinued) [Chromecast Audio — Firmware version 1.37.146679]
Lifatec 15 inch optical cable ($100) [Custom size down to 6 inch, same price though]
http://www.lifatec.com/toslink2.html
Neutron Music Player (iOS) ($6)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/neutron-music-player/id766858884?mt=8
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/android-neutron-music-player.566664/ [Android-only, but should be similar to iOS]
OUT OF SCOPE:
Mobile Hotspot
Streaming Services
5GZ (Alternative Larger Travel Routers Avail.)
Streamers - Raspberry Pi
Battery Pack
Apple Watch
DAPs (Android App that can install Neutron to stream may work for those that don't want to use their smartphone. Not sure natively.)
Cables
SD cards / External Storage
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