Ipod/Iphone DIY line-in dock connector [photos]

[sunjan]

Just discovered this via the Rockbox forum:
http://ipodfoo.blogspot.com/2009/06/making-ipod-dock-for-recording-and-line.html

Most of us wouldn't bother, a line-in connector can be bought for $39.
But it's cool to see that it can be done at home. Great photos and instructions anyway!

This project adds a switchable line-out, which few of us need. That part can be skipped if you want to save time.

[ubxf]

it may work for the ipod but it doesn't work for the iphone unfortunately.

[sunjan]

it may work for the ipod but it doesn't work for the iphone unfortunately.

Concluded from empirical testing, or because Apple says so?

I know all peripherals for the Iphone must have Apple's sign of approval, otherwise you'll get the warning message. But nevertheless, a lot of dock-connected devices still work, even if they haven't passed the approval process.

[ubxf]

from testing, line out works but not line in

[sunjan]

from testing, line out works but not line in

Thanks a lot for testing, it's always good to get field reports.

Just for the record:
- which connector did you use (custom/DIY, or the Ridax one here: http://www.chargeconverter.com/shop/connector.htm)
- which Iphone model did you use for testing
- which recording app did you run (Audiofile FiRe or smth else)

[ubxf]

i used podbreakout v1.3
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8295
iphone 3G
Audiofile Fire

[12milluz]

If a transformer wired to take a balanced line and put it into an unbalanced line was placed in front of this, it could be VERY useful!

[ubxf]

sorry but i don't see how balancing the signal would change the fact that it's not getting in the iphone . my next experiment will be to open a working line in device

[MarkE]

Does this link help? It's a pin out description of 3G iPhone..

http://pinouts.ru/PortableDevices/ipod_pinout.shtml

[Neilyboy]

I made one about a year ago and use it with my rockboxed nano it works great. just wish my nano was larger than 2gb.

neil

[12milluz]

sorry but i don't see how balancing the signal would change the fact that it's not getting in the iphone . my next experiment will be to open a working line in device

Sorry my comment was more to myself than anyone else

[ArchivalAudio]

this is very cool-
I'd like to try to make one and some how fit a line in  & line out - instead for the switch...
does anyone know where to get the iPod plug in the US- the links cited are all from overseas.
I think It would be cool to have my RockBox iPod  a record in & line out!

thanx
--Ian

[sunjan]

does anyone know where to get the iPod plug in the US- the links cited are all from overseas.
I think It would be cool to have my RockBox iPod  a record in & line out!

No US vendors, but qables and ridax both ship overseas, AFAIK.
Or you could pick up one of these, dremel a hole for line-in too:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170387495562
(seller: excellbay)