Random Builds

Here's a collection of random things I've built over time.

A Couple of New Enclosures

Source Selector

I have a friend who has a small zvex impamp. This is a very simple tube amplifier (about 1 watt of output power) and has only  a single set of RCA input jacks. My friend wanted an easy way to switch between his iPod and phone as sources, plus a simple volume control. Build with a Hammond 125B enclosure, an ALPS Blue Velvet pot and a DPDT switch, the result was easy to build and very functional.

Here is is connected up to the Impamp:

Speaker Switcher

I needed a quick and easy way to switch between two sets of speakers. Rather than invest in nice big speaker binding posts, I decided to use euro-style terminal strips. Add a couple of aluminum plates for the housing and a 4PDT switch and it works great.

Curve IPod Dock

I ordered a few IPod dock connector break-out boards a while back with the intention of building my own LOD (Line Out Dock) connector. Instead, I bolted one to a chrome curvy thing that came as a stand for an external hard-drive casing. The rest of the parts were out of the junk bin.

Adaptor Box  

Doesn't it seem that you are always searching around for the right plug adaptor? Want to go from 3.5mm stereo to RCA plugs? What about 1/4" stereo? I built this adaptor box to solve that problem. Each side is one channel. So I have three different adaptors in one box.

Breakout Box

Here's a handy box that makes it easy to take a 3.5mm stereo input, route it to an attenuator, then to a terminal block for input and another set for outputs. This makes it super simpler to interface audio gear with crap on the breadboard.

PlexiAmp

Here's a dual LM386 amp in a clear plastic sunglasses case with small drivers salvaged from a broken set of Logitech computer speakers.

Death Cans

12AX7 preamps with a 280 volt plate voltage mounted directly in some cheap computer/laptop headphones. I have not yet raised the moral fortitude nor the courage to actually test them.