JQ-D015BT -- Installation

Here is one application of the MP3 player module that I made. The installation was within this micro hi-fi system, which originally had a slot for the cassette player. However, the cassette loading mechanism was beyond repair, so I had no option but to remove it and install this module to keep it going. This particular micro hi-fi system has the Aiwa T-Bass system, which sounds outstanding, and with the MP3 player module, my music sounds excellent.

A nice feature of this MP3 player module is that it remembers the last track where I switched OFF the unit and starts from there when I switch it ON again.

System integration is extremely important and this hi-fi was a very good candidate to install the module into because as well as space for installation, it had a 12 V rail available only when ON. I was able to tap into that supply rail so when I switched ON the hi-fi unit, the module came ON as well. It is also a good idea to add a 100-µF electrolytic capacitor across the supply lines when tapping power from other circuits.

A small blob of hot melt glue from a glue gun is usually sufficient to secure the module in place. It is also semi-permanent and could be removed in the future should it become necessary.

This particular hi-fi allows the selection of auxiliary input by its remote control and therefore that was the best place for inputting audio. I soldered the audio output wires directly to the terminals of the auxiliary input sockets of the hi-fi.

When I powered ON the unit, the display read HI, and when I set it to FM mode, I was able to hear the hiss of the FM band. I pressed play and it began to automatically scan and store the stations, which was impressive.

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