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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: RyanJ on July 07, 2022, 05:06:40 PM

Title: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 07, 2022, 05:06:40 PM
I've got a handful of Sony A10s and will bring multiple recorders in to a venue. In my almost 20 years of taping, I have never used internal mics to record. If I am going to tape, I am going to do it right and bring in some proper mics. I see the Sony A10 as an epic 007 recorder with some decent sound to it. The internal mics on the A10 have been bothering me ever since I got it. I've always wanted to chop them off. Well, I decided to do it today. Thanks to a few pics on TS, I got inspired on my day off. Also, thanks to Nicky C for some encouragement and telling me how to start it. I am really happy with the results on the first one. Will do the rest tonight. I have filled the internal mic holes with some clear setting epoxy. It may be just a small amount of space saved, but it's worth it to me.

Steps

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/1.jpg)
1. Take two screws on outside of the unit underneath the grip below the internal mics. It does take some prying and you'll probably make some scratches in the grip to remove it.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/2.jpg)
2. Take 9 screws that hold the battery in place

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/3.jpg)
3. GENTLY lift up the battery and to the RIGHT. It is ribbon connected and soldered in to the main board. You will see some tape over the mic jack, remove that and remove the two screws underneath. You can then move the plastic tray out of the way and you can now remove the internal mics.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/4.jpg)
4. I cut the mic cables close to the circuit board to remove the internal mic housing. You can now work on the internal mics without risking damaging the board.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/5.jpg)
(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/11.jpg)
5. I unsoldered at these points, removing the excess cable from the board to make it clean.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/6.jpg)
6. Back to the internal mic housing. Remove two screws on outside of the internal mic caps. To take the cap off takes a bit of finesse. It should rotate counterclockwise and come off.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/7.jpg)
(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/8.jpg)
7. There is another screw holding the cap onto the housing remove that and the cap comes off. Image 8 is what is left from the mic cap.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/9.jpg)
9. You are left with the bracket. This bracket can be removed from the plastic and placed back once you've cut the mic brackets. You can go a few options with how you cut it, but after doing a few, I feel this is best just to cut these and fill the holes with epoxy. It's important to cover the holes because the circuit board is exposed at this point when you close it.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/10.jpg)
10. At this point, I would cut the plastic mic protectors that are on the A10. I just used some wire cutters and it goes through pretty easy. I tried to cut as close to the base as I could and dremeled the rest away.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/12.jpg)
12. When closing the unit back up, this is the trouble point. I am not sure if this is a slide mechanism or a clip mechanism for closure. I've broken it both times and had to super glue the unit back together to make the bottom part flush. Everything else clicks in.

(http://www.ninlive.com/ryanj/a10-mod/13.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: dyneq on July 07, 2022, 05:29:50 PM
Thanks for sharing the snaps. I've been tempted to do the same. Based on other posts here, I believe I understand the steps, but do you mind sharing any of the trickier aspects & tips?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 07, 2022, 05:34:27 PM
Thanks for sharing the snaps. I've been tempted to do the same. Based on other posts here, I believe I understand the steps, but do you mind sharing any of the trickier aspects & tips?

I'll make a detailed post on the 2nd one. Opening the unit up is the trickiest. The two screws are behind the table grip on the top of the back (again pics are coming) and then when you open it you don't want to break any of the clips off that hold the A10 together. I had to superglue the unit back together for the bottom to sit flush. Instead of having to dremel down the internal frames of the internal mics, I would just remove them from the bracket altogether.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Gaerlind on July 07, 2022, 07:43:26 PM
What for to do it if you can't make it nice and neat?
Sorry, but it's very rough work.
Device is just broken...
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Chilly Brioschi on July 07, 2022, 08:09:00 PM
In US there is a clay-like epoxy named PC-7, dries charcoal grey.

Certainly we only see day one result
A little sandpaper and Krylon Fusion, or similar automotive plastic paint will finish it beautifully.

Or go rough... Much less likely to attract a thief
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: fireonshakedwnstreet on July 07, 2022, 08:26:38 PM
Real nice
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 07, 2022, 09:36:53 PM
Certainly we only see day one result
A little sandpaper and Krylon Fusion, or similar automotive plastic paint will finish it beautifully.

Correct. I am not done, just filling the internal mic holes at this point and letting them set for a day or two. Just to be sure!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Gaerlind on July 08, 2022, 01:17:34 AM
Can you made a test-recording with internal mics? Please.
To see the level of hiss made by recorder.

Probably to change the mic capsules to more noiseless is a good solution for some A10 users?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: SMsound on July 08, 2022, 01:38:07 AM
Looks way more  >:D without two microphones on top... now it's just your pocket MP3 player.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Ozpeter on July 08, 2022, 04:48:53 AM
Looks way more  >:D without two microphones on top... now it's just your pocket MP3 player.
I am sure there must be some samples from the internal mics in the main A10 thread.  They are not any kind of disaster in my opinion, especially if set to the wide position which gives a significantly better stereo image than you could get from the M10 internals.  I would only remove them if minimising size was really important.  Backup systems are always reassuring to have when recording on location.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Twenty8 on July 08, 2022, 07:06:44 AM
Can you made a test-recording with internal mics? Please.
There are other threads with discussion of the internal mics.  This thread is about removal of the internal mics.

What for to do it if you can't make it nice and neat?
Sorry, but it's very rough work.
Device is just broken...
This is a asshat comment.  This device doesn't have to LOOK good, it has to PERFORM well.  This is the most street racer thread in a month!

Thanks for posting RyanJ.  I would like to see more as I am going to do this to one of my A-10s when I have time off.

Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: daspyknows on July 08, 2022, 08:29:47 AM
I would bevtempted to buy a chopped one.  Don't need or want internal mics. 
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Gaerlind on July 08, 2022, 09:38:19 AM
There are other threads with discussion of the internal mics.  This thread is about removal of the internal mics.me off.
Yes!
I ask CHOPPED internal misc sound. I mean preamps noise sound.
Recorder menu doesn't know that mics was chopped. So its possible to analyse clear preamp noise.
Probably this noise is made by cheap capsules. If it so - there is a lot of variants to modify this recorder.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: aaronji on July 08, 2022, 10:42:23 AM
Yes!
I ask CHOPPED internal misc sound. I mean preamps noise sound.
Recorder menu doesn't know that mics was chopped. So its possible to analyse clear preamp noise.
Probably this noise is made by cheap capsules. If it so - there is a lot of variants to modify this recorder.

Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think this is true. The circuit needs to be loaded with a resistance similar to that of a microphone, right? If this is correct, you could just set the recorder to mic-in, with nothing plugged into it, and record that. I recall discussions here saying that was not a valid way to assess the pre-amp...
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: johnmuge on July 08, 2022, 10:46:34 AM
That is a really nice chop job. I haven't used internal mics since 1979 and don't plan on starting now. The smaller the better and blue tooth as a bonus. I think I'm going to try out one of these PCM-A10's.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 08, 2022, 11:05:17 AM
I removed the wires at the board as well as the solder. I tried recording with the internals and nothing comes up. Just has the recorder on standby with nothing on the waveform.

I am at work all day today. But will test some things out this weekend. As well as give an overview on how I did it!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: hipporu on July 08, 2022, 11:15:20 AM
A good short educational program from SD about noise measurement
https://www.sounddevices.com/microphone-preamp-noise/
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: voltronic on July 08, 2022, 11:15:44 AM
Wow, this is taking rather extreme measures against Zoomies, huh?  ;)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: DavidPuddy on July 08, 2022, 11:55:49 AM
I love this, nice work. Black epoxy would have made it even better IMO. I wonder if my A-10 is out of warranty...  :cheers:
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 08, 2022, 12:56:53 PM
That's a fun mod. I opted to using black gaffer tape to cover the mics on my A10 to deter questions. There was an A10 sold about a year ago on ebay with the top mic guard broken off and it made me think of doing something similar to this.

Too bad you couldn't fit a pair of XLRs up there. Had sony gone a few more mm wider on the top you could almost fit them.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: yltfan on July 08, 2022, 01:25:53 PM
I haven't used internal mics since 1979 and don't plan on starting now.

Don't mean to derail the thread, but I gotta ask about your 1979 internals...
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: MakersMarc on July 08, 2022, 01:37:36 PM
I would bevtempted to buy a chopped one.  Don't need or want internal mics.


same for me, fuck the internals. I had them removed in all 7 of my Oade warm mod decks. But they ain't epoxy filled.  :P
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: mccordo on July 08, 2022, 03:34:35 PM
I used my internals once at a Lettuce show when I was going Busman BSC-1 > V2 > M10 and found the battery for the V2 that I had fully charged that afternoon was dead upon arriving at the venue that night. Since the M10 couldn’t take XLRs I had no choice but to mount it on top of the stand. Listened to a few minutes once and never even processed the files.

Back on topic: IMO this mod is exactly what the A10 needed. I just got a new A10 last week and was already thinking about how to hide the internals. Looking forward to seeing the step by step on how you did it.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: checht on July 08, 2022, 04:30:49 PM
Awesome mod!

As I don't have a unit on hand, I'd appreciate hearing what the chopped height is.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: johnmuge on July 08, 2022, 06:36:58 PM
I haven't used internal mics since 1979 and don't plan on starting now.

Don't mean to derail the thread, but I gotta ask about your 1979 internals...

It was a Panasonic cassette recorder, don't remember the model. It didn't do a good job but I recorded The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, Van Halen in New Haven and Kiss at MSG in 1979. My pictures came out better than the audio.
Edit, I went digging and found The Outlaws 11-24-79 tape #1 from New Haven Coliseum. I'll revisit it and post it if it sounds ok and look harder for tape #2.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Chilly Brioschi on July 08, 2022, 07:20:27 PM
I would bevtempted to buy a chopped one.  Don't need or want internal mics.


same for me, fuck the internals. I had them removed in all 7 of my Oade warm mod decks. But they ain't epoxy filled.  :P

There are tons of "goop" that will fill.
Sugru comes to mind, if it still exists.


I love this stuff and was fascinated by it the first time it fixed my '66 Bug

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61-9BZyCR+L._AC_SY290_.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: seethreepo on July 08, 2022, 07:39:53 PM
What about 3d printing a new case or even a new case front minus the Sony branding add in a logo from a medical device.. = super stealth..  I've been thinking about this for a while in terms of a different 007 approach.  (*dont own a 3d printer or know how hard it would or wouldnt be) 


thoughts? 


edited to add  related 3d printer material
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-EiIk32QUU
https://formlabs.com/blog/designing-3d-printed-snap-fit-enclosures/
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 09, 2022, 04:36:53 AM
What about 3d printing a new case or even a new case front minus the Sony branding add in a logo from a medical device.. = super stealth..  I've been thinking about this for a while in terms of a different 007 approach.  (*dont own a 3d printer or know how hard it would or wouldnt be) 


thoughts? 


edited to add  related 3d printer material
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-EiIk32QUU
https://formlabs.com/blog/designing-3d-printed-snap-fit-enclosures/

My friend is in the process of creating a 3D printed case as I type  ;)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 09, 2022, 05:55:00 AM
I've updated the first post with my steps on how to make this happen.

I would also be happy to do this for anyone who doesn't want to go through the trouble.

Awesome mod!

As I don't have a unit on hand, I'd appreciate hearing what the chopped height is.

3.75"

Normally it is 4.3" so this has saved some space. I bring a lot of gear in to 007. Plus, I just want a recorder. Not a recorder with mic. I think it looks a lot killer without the mics too!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: dactylus on July 09, 2022, 11:08:08 AM

Thanks Ryan!

Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: checht on July 09, 2022, 11:54:52 AM
Great photos and instructions, many thanks Ryan.

At 3.75", that thing is vanishingly small!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: zeus163 on July 13, 2022, 12:33:51 AM
Thanks for showing us the pictures. My gorilla hands would ruin it, but I'm glad to see you offer up this service! I'm planning on getting another A10 down the road and when I do....I may come calling!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: neutrino on July 13, 2022, 03:18:38 AM
Thanks for showing us the pictures. My gorilla hands would ruin it, but I'm glad to see you offer up this service! I'm planning on getting another A10 down the road and when I do....I may come calling!

It's really not that difficult to modd the unit in this way and be able to reverse it while keeping it looking 100% stock. The trick is when you take off the back cover, you have to slid it up slightly to unlock it.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 14, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
So....the general basis of this is that once you open it up you just unsolder the mics from the main board and this doesn't damage anything internally or how it fuctions?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 14, 2022, 12:02:06 PM
So....the general basis of this is that once you open it up you just unsolder the mics from the main board and this doesn't damage anything internally or how it fuctions?

Pretty much. I have already recorded with it and it does nothing to the recorder or external mic/line in signals.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 14, 2022, 01:22:11 PM
So....the general basis of this is that once you open it up you just unsolder the mics from the main board and this doesn't damage anything internally or how it fuctions?

Pretty much. I have already recorded with it and it does nothing to the recorder or external mic/line in signals.

Thanks. I’m thinking of doing this, but maybe doing the ‘gap’ left at the top differently.

If you do a 3D printed case, it’s be interested in the file to get one made for myself.  :clapping:
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on July 14, 2022, 03:43:21 PM
I'd buy a case if these get printed.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: rastasean on July 14, 2022, 04:26:48 PM
Do you have any close up pictures of the capsules of the mics?

Gaerlind discovered the M10 has PRIMO EM 172 capsules.

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=170179.msg2380225#msg2380225
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 14, 2022, 04:40:29 PM
Do you have any close up pictures of the capsules of the mics?

Gaerlind discovered the M10 has PRIMO EM 172 capsules.

https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=170179.msg2380225#msg2380225

Those aren't the caps of the A10. I'll attach a decent pic of the caps. I just did this for someone else today.

My friend has a 3D printer and he just finalized the design. Going over there tomorrow to get the first case!

Here is what it looks like properly covered. 

Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: yug du nord on July 14, 2022, 05:15:15 PM
^Looks good!
One thing that worries me with the A10 (or anything with internal battery only) is what to do when that internal battery fails??.
After your modification, do you think that you could re-open the case if necessary?
Well done!!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 14, 2022, 05:51:06 PM
^Looks good!
One thing that worries me with the A10 (or anything with internal battery only) is what to do when that internal battery fails??.
After your modification, do you think that you could re-open the case if necessary?
Well done!!

Doubt it. But these internal batteries are pretty good. By the time it runs out, I bet something else will be out that will take over for these.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: checht on July 14, 2022, 06:56:43 PM
... or maybe the 3D printed cases will be happening, and it'll be no big to force-open the modded case and replace w new one?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 14, 2022, 07:20:46 PM
... or maybe the 3D printed cases will be happening, and it'll be no big to force-open the modded case and replace w new one?

This could definitely be a thing! I am glad to patch the holes on the top though. So that accidental spillage/rain etc won't get in to the unit. The case will be tight. But you never know.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 15, 2022, 04:33:11 AM

My friend has a 3D printer and he just finalized the design. Going over there tomorrow to get the first case!


Please see if the print designs can be posted here - 100% want to get a 3D printed case made.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: tjj5036 on July 15, 2022, 04:21:23 PM
This is so cool. Definitely doing this to one of my A10s. Or maybe we can just chop it in the hotel room ahead of Rage :)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 16, 2022, 07:06:56 AM
This is so cool. Definitely doing this to one of my A10s. Or maybe we can just chop it in the hotel room ahead of Rage :)

This can be done! I'll bring the stuff!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Ozpeter on July 16, 2022, 10:58:36 AM
To my ears, the biggest downside of the M10 is the omnidirectional mics.  Closely spaced omnis do not produce something which could reasonably be called stereo.  I wonder whether a pair of amputated A10 mics could be implanted into an M10?c  Hmmm.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 16, 2022, 11:59:14 AM
To my ears, the biggest downside of the M10 is the omnidirectional mics.  Closely spaced omnis do not produce something which could reasonably be called stereo.  I wonder whether a pair of amputated A10 mics could be implanted into an M10?c  Hmmm.

I think we all can agree these microphones were not intended for concert recordings. More for dictation and other applications of that sort. I guess to appease the average user?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 16, 2022, 12:29:04 PM
Any news on the 3d printing?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: daspyknows on July 16, 2022, 12:43:11 PM
To my ears, the biggest downside of the M10 is the omnidirectional mics.  Closely spaced omnis do not produce something which could reasonably be called stereo.  I wonder whether a pair of amputated A10 mics could be implanted into an M10?c  Hmmm.

I think we all can agree these microphones were not intended for concert recordings. More for dictation and other applications of that sort. I guess to appease the average user?

Not sure all would agree.  There are likely a few who will insist they are almost as good as Schoeps.   :yack:
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: unidentified on July 16, 2022, 01:19:28 PM
I'm sure that all M-10 owners here on Taperssection, including me, agree with other TS members that the M-10's closely spaced omni mics are not suited to recording live concerts.   
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 16, 2022, 03:21:57 PM
Not sure all would agree.  There are likely a few who will insist they are almost as good as Schoeps.   :yack:

LOL

Any news on the 3d printing?

I was shown the design and the mic jack needed to be bigger in order to accommodate larger mic plugs. He is busy this weekend but we'll be getting together some time next week.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: vanark on July 16, 2022, 04:09:29 PM
I'm sure that all M-10 owners here on Taperssection, including me, agree with other TS members that the M-10's closely spaced omni mics are not suited to recording live concerts.

Agree, but in a pinch when you have nothing else, it can work. Not what I would prefer, but I'm happy with the one recording I made with the M10 internals.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Chilly Brioschi on July 17, 2022, 06:35:24 PM
Any news on the 3d printing?

Can it be printed in titanium ?      ;D
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: rastasean on July 19, 2022, 10:03:16 AM
Those aren't the caps of the A10. I'll attach a decent pic of the caps. I just did this for someone else today.

Were you able to take pictures of the mic capsules? I'm talking about the ones you severed from the recorder.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 19, 2022, 10:04:06 AM
Those aren't the caps of the A10. I'll attach a decent pic of the caps. I just did this for someone else today.

Were you able to take pictures of the mic capsules? I'm talking about the ones you severed from the recorder.

I did, just haven’t posted a pic yet.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 23, 2022, 01:09:58 PM
Here is the sketch up of the case!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 23, 2022, 02:22:40 PM
Here is the sketch up of the case!

Awesome! This is what I’m waiting for before I chop my internals off….so to speak.  ;D
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 26, 2022, 11:23:55 AM
Taking apart someone's A10 today, I took better pictures of the mics. Let me know if you need other pics of it.

Update on the cases. We are now on version 5 of the design. At each point in the print process there has been a fail point. Which then needs to be redesigned to ensure it completes. These are just test resins. The final resin will be something robust but able to withstand hotter temps, as stated earlier.

Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: commongrounder on July 26, 2022, 11:54:59 AM
Those capsules sure do have the look of a Primo brand model. The part number (2400) doesn’t match anything in their catalog, so it would have had to be a custom run. Primos have been used in other Sony models in the past.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 26, 2022, 12:09:18 PM
Taking apart someone's A10 today, I took better pictures of the mics. Let me know if you need other pics of it.

Update on the cases. We are now on version 5 of the design. At each point in the print process there has been a fail point. Which then needs to be redesigned to ensure it completes. These are just test resins. The final resin will be something robust but able to withstand hotter temps, as stated earlier.

Ryan is the case like a ‘skin’ that goes over the existing casing? I remember there was something like that for the R09-HR. I think I still have mine.

I think additionally it might be possible to make a new back for the unit and just replace that? One with a ‘flat’ top which joins seamlessly with the front of the unit.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 26, 2022, 12:32:38 PM
Taking apart someone's A10 today, I took better pictures of the mics. Let me know if you need other pics of it.

Update on the cases. We are now on version 5 of the design. At each point in the print process there has been a fail point. Which then needs to be redesigned to ensure it completes. These are just test resins. The final resin will be something robust but able to withstand hotter temps, as stated earlier.

Ryan is the case like a ‘skin’ that goes over the existing casing? I remember there was something like that for the R09-HR. I think I still have mine.

I think additionally it might be possible to make a new back for the unit and just replace that? One with a ‘flat’ top which joins seamlessly with the front of the unit.

More like a phone case. It will be a harder plastic with a raised front and more robust corners so that if it does fall the display won't be flat on the ground. Also, the sides are mostly open for access to the buttons/ports.

Too hard to make the back, me thinks. Just because on the inside of the back there are small little connectors to the battery housing etc. Would need to be someone who is very advanced at mold making.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 27, 2022, 01:03:20 PM
Did mine today.

I found that the little clip at the bottom broke, as per Ryan’s description, however it doesn’t matter - its the small clip a bit higher up that slips under the metal part of the battery frame that holds the back in place.

I did a bit more complex engineering which would be too much to go into…but the end result is that I got a plastic ‘blank’ which I cut out to cover the mic spaces on top, which I’m quite pleased with.

I still need to cut down the plastic at the top a bit more and smooth it out….any tips on how best to do that?

(https://i.ibb.co/djCbXzg/2-B897686-52-A8-4-ED0-96-EA-7-ADAE5-B61036.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/Qb1GwBc/52917869-3889-41-DB-9-E76-1-BDBB24905-A6.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: vanark on July 27, 2022, 01:22:48 PM
That blank on the top is slick. Nice work.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: yug du nord on July 27, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
^^Rotary tool sander??
Looks good!!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on July 27, 2022, 04:41:33 PM
Looks great!

I just use a dremel and clean it up!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ideal77dlr on July 29, 2022, 07:49:59 AM
Here’s my final one. Not perfect, but does the job.

(https://i.ibb.co/vjDNQT6/350230-D2-1-E2-B-49-C0-8008-FFED364-A85-B8.jpg)
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: dactylus on July 29, 2022, 08:33:56 AM
Thanks for showing us the pictures. My gorilla hands would ruin it, but I'm glad to see you offer up this service! I'm planning on getting another A10 down the road and when I do....I may come calling!

It's really not that difficult to modd the unit in this way and be able to reverse it while keeping it looking 100% stock. The trick is when you take off the back cover, you have to slid it up slightly to unlock it.

This bears repeating if you're breaking your locking clips when opening the unit!!  Don't break it.  Thanks Neutrino!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: Ozpeter on July 29, 2022, 12:30:30 PM
Here’s my final one. Not perfect, but does the job.

Do the mods allow topless photos on this forum?  ;D    Anyway, neat work!
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: daspyknows on July 29, 2022, 04:34:04 PM
Here’s my final one. Not perfect, but does the job.

Do the mods allow topless photos on this forum?  ;D    Anyway, neat work!

As long as it's not political and in good taste.   :bigsmile:
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on October 26, 2022, 01:30:16 PM
I picked up a super cheap a10 recently and want to try chopping it later tonight.

Any tips from those who have done it that would be worth noting, maybe things that were not mentioned in the descriptions above?
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on October 27, 2022, 03:56:29 AM
That was way easier than expected.

I used a piece of plastic from a dvd case to fill the gap. Worked perfectly.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on January 08, 2023, 01:51:46 PM
Inspired by ideal77dlr's chop mod (thanks for the tips), I finally finished cleaning up my chop. Decided to use a flat lap, used in glass or lapidary work for a flat face polish on a stone or item.

Until I can afford a nbox, think I will make this unit primarily one I use with LOM mics like the Elektrusi or Geofone. 
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: vanark on January 08, 2023, 04:04:21 PM
That sure looks nice. Good job.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: loughney on January 28, 2023, 11:34:15 PM
Interesting, I have always thought a micless A10 would be a great option.

That being said the worst recorded show is one that doesn't get taped.  I was at a show Tuesday and my power supply failed, so I pulled out the mic cable and use the A10 internal mics.  Of course, I go to a lot of indie shows where the bands and the PA aren't great, but I was rather surprised that the A10 captured it pretty well.

I'm thinking of making a cap for my A10 to make it more stealthy, but I usually slide it behind my phone in a neoprin case and security never sees it.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: gormenghast on January 31, 2023, 05:14:21 PM
Ah, the tricks of the trade revealed  >:D
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: robgronotte on January 09, 2024, 08:36:23 AM
This thread is a bit old, but I just found it and honestly am a bit confused. Why do so many people think this tiny device would need to be even smaller?
Removing the mics only makes it such a tiny bit smaller that I really can't see the point.
Has anyone really had trouble getting one of these info a venue? I guess after previously having got much larger recorders in with no problem, this one seems crazy small to me already.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: ol' dirty taper on January 09, 2024, 12:51:43 PM
This thread is a bit old, but I just found it and honestly am a bit confused. Why do so many people think this tiny device would need to be even smaller?
Removing the mics only makes it such a tiny bit smaller that I really can't see the point.
Has anyone really had trouble getting one of these info a venue? I guess after previously having got much larger recorders in with no problem, this one seems crazy small to me already.

The old mics are an eyesore and easily detectable by their bright copper heads, some of us want more  >:D options for certain venues. Before chopping mine, I would gaff the mics to reduce the visibility.

I made mine with the mindset that it would be a clamp rig or backup for board feeds, so the mics are useless in either case. Would make for a pretty great drop rig for field recording where size and not standing out from nature is also a concern.

That all said, my Zoom F3 took it's place this pretty soon after. It was a fun afternoon project to tinker with and could be done with minimal skills.
Title: Re: Chopped Sony PCM-A10
Post by: RyanJ on January 11, 2024, 01:17:14 PM
This thread is a bit old, but I just found it and honestly am a bit confused. Why do so many people think this tiny device would need to be even smaller?
Removing the mics only makes it such a tiny bit smaller that I really can't see the point.
Has anyone really had trouble getting one of these info a venue? I guess after previously having got much larger recorders in with no problem, this one seems crazy small to me already.

Because when I'm >:D I'm bringing in multiple packs and recorders. Plus I never use internal mics and find them to be a waste. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯