Modifying head phones to get in-car DAB

[Aleemz]

I'm considering removing the ear-pieces from my Lobster headphones, and fitting a 3.5mm stereo line socket like this one: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1210&criteria=3.5mm%20stereo%20socket&doy=24m5 to the end which would connect to one of these http://www.coolsmartphone.com/index.php?option=articles&task=viewarticle&artid=421&Itemid=3 FM transmitters to get DAB radio in my car.

The reason for modifying the headphones would be to retain the antenna function of the headphone lead, which would be strategically placed in the car to hopfully pick up a decent signal.

What do you think?

[ringp3ace]

I've been thinking about doing this too. I've got a small (Lobby size) 2.5 mm jack to normal (iPod size) 3.5 jack stereo convertor from e-Bay. I use this all the time as I don't like talking 2 sets of ear phones around with me.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-5mm-to-3-5mm-STEREO-Headphone-Adapter-Convertor-MP4_W0QQitemZ320117463484QQihZ011QQcategoryZ14419Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Presumably you can get a wire (normal jack female to normal jack male) instead of detroying your headsets!

[Aleemz]

I wasn't sure whether an alternative cable would work as an antenna for the DAB radio channels like the original head-set does.

I have two headsets, so doesn't really matter if I butcher one of them.

Can you confirm that when using a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter and alternative headphones, the DAB radio stations still work?

Thanks!

[adadbby]

I think it is the best one.

-----------------------------------
iPod Converter
http://www.ipodconverter.com

[clarkgable]

i was thinking about doing this, but i've heard that these fm transmitters really don't work that well?

[Aleemz]

From what I've read, just like most other electrical goods, some are good, and some are not.

According to this review http://www.coolsmartphone.com/index.php?option=articles&task=viewarticle&artid=421&Itemid=3 of the Audia X transmitter, the sound quality is "excellent", but I guess sound quality is quite a subjective thing, and what's excellent for one person's set-up may not be for another's.

The Audia X is now available in the UK from places like this http://www.intomusic.co.uk/scripts/digiana-audiax.asp

[rudey]

so anyone got this working?

[Press-E-Dent]

I'm considering removing the ear-pieces from my Lobster headphones, and fitting a 3.5mm stereo line socket like this one: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1210&criteria=3.5mm%20stereo%20socket&doy=24m5 to the end which would connect to one of these http://www.coolsmartphone.com/index.php?option=articles&task=viewarticle&artid=421&Itemid=3 FM transmitters to get DAB radio in my car.

The reason for modifying the headphones would be to retain the antenna function of the headphone lead, which would be strategically placed in the car to hopfully pick up a decent signal.

What do you think?

For the best result you are better off soldering rather than plug in, wherever you can.

I am going to put two phono sockets on mine, to plug into Hi Fi so that I have DAB reception on stereo.

[Aleemz]

For the best result you are better off soldering rather than plug in, wherever you can.

I am going to put two phono sockets on mine, to plug into Hi Fi so that I have DAB reception on stereo.

Yeah, thats the plan, remove the ear-pieces from the headphones and solder a 3.5 mm stereo socket on the end so I can plug in the FM transmitter.




I've been thinking about doing this too. I've got a small (Lobby size) 2.5 mm jack to normal (iPod size) 3.5 jack stereo convertor from e-Bay. I use this all the time as I don't like talking 2 sets of ear phones around with me.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-5mm-to-3-5mm-STEREO-Headphone-Adapter-Convertor-MP4_W0QQitemZ320117463484QQihZ011QQcategoryZ14419Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Presumably you can get a wire (normal jack female to normal jack male) instead of detroying your headsets!

I tried this method by buying this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2-5mm-to-3-5mm-Stereo-Audio-Adapter-for-MP3-MP4-PDA-UK_W0QQitemZ250118684156QQihZ015QQcategoryZ86541QQ rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I've tried 2 types of headphones with this but the radio and tv function won't work - not enough signal.

So I guess it's back to the original plan of butchering the headphones.

[Press-E-Dent]

Sorry didn't realise that FM trannie had a male plug on it. thought it would have a female.:)

Mind you, being a trannie, how can you be sure.:):):)

[ringp3ace]

I've just got around to giving it a go.
I bought my FM transmitter (Power Trip FM) from HMV, and it comes with both 3.5mm and iPod connections.
I used the stereo 2.5mm male to 3.5mm female converter I bought off eBay.
Plugged it all together and hey presto, TV with the sound coming through the car speakers.
I'm in a good DAB area, so the signal is fine - even better with playing DAB radio.
No chopping or soldering required!!!

[kettle]

ringp3ace, are you saying that you're successfully tuning into a DAB signal using only a 3 pole 2.5mm jack? From Aleemz’s experiments with this earlier in this thread I thought the conclusion was that this wouldn't work. You must be in an area of ridiculously good DAB signal!

[ringp3ace]

kettle,
Yep.
lobster > 2.5mm to 3.5mm > PowerTrip = no problems.
I am in a good DAB area too.