Can I use a DIY cord for audio input on my breadboard?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a DIY cord to connect an iPhone as an audio input signal for a boombox project involving transistors as amplifiers. Participants explore the technical aspects of wiring and potential risks to the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Alan, inquires about splitting a headphone wire to connect to a breadboard without damaging his circuit.
  • Another participant notes that a headphone cable typically contains three wires: left channel, right channel, and ground, suggesting that identifying these wires should allow for a safe connection.
  • A different participant shares a method of using defective headphones by soldering them to high-value resistors, which can then be used to connect to the breadboard, while also mentioning the importance of strain relief to prevent breakage.
  • Another reply suggests using a 3.5mm input jack that can be mounted on a PCB, providing links to Radio Shack products that could facilitate the connection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the possibility of using a DIY cord for audio input, but there are varying methods and approaches suggested, indicating that multiple competing views remain on the best way to achieve this.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need to identify specific wires in the headphone cable, which may depend on the type of headphones used. There is also an implied need for caution to avoid damaging the circuit, but no specific consensus on the best method is reached.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals working on electronics projects, particularly those involving audio input and amplification, as well as students in engineering or electronics courses.

GBK.Xscape
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So I have to build a boombox using transistors as amplifiers for my Engineering Electronics class in college and it works and everything. The only thing I have a question about is I want to make my own cord to use my iphone as the audio input signal that is to be amplified. At the lab they have cords that can go into a 3.5mm jack and come out at the other end with two wires; one goes to ground and the other goes to where I input my signal. Can I just split a normal headphones wire and then stick them into my breadboard and it will work? I just don't want to damage my circuit that I've put effort into. I have a spare pair of headphones I wouldn't mind cutting open. Also would radioshack or any place sell an adapter for something like this?

Cheers,

-Alan
 
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In a headphone cable should be three wires:

Left Channel

Right Channel

Ground


Figure out which wire is which and you should have no problem attaching your iPod/sound device before the amplifier circuitry without damaging it. You can also buy a 3.5mm input jack you can mount on a PCB, if your PCB isn't done yet:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CP1-3523N-ND
 
For audio gadgets, my daughter always has at least one pair of defective headphones, or you can buy new phones for almost nothing. Then, I usually just solder them to high value resistors, using the resistors as leads to poke into the breadboard.

It's also good to have some strain relief because the soldered leads will fatigue and break after a short while. I usually just cut a resistor lead off, wrap it tightly around the around the cable and poke the two ends into the breadboard, side-by-side. It's not very strong, but it will usually work out if you don't tug.
 
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