Add an Ipod Input to tape player of SC-815/816

milesursogood · Post by **milesursogood** » 06 Jan 2013, 10:35

#b2fkb0 - Will a non-grounded 3.5MM stereo cable do?

btbateman · Post by **btbateman** » 13 Jan 2013, 16:12

Thanks for the guide, op.

Trouble shooting anyone? Is this a successful solution or will it cause trouble?

I'm getting no input through the Lch terminal indicated by the op (nothing through the left speakers). Although I seem to be getting it through the terminal beside Lch (see picture). I Swapped L and R headphone wires around on the board (to Lch, Rch pointed out by op) with same symptoms - nothing coming through Lch. Also checked headphone wires for continuity.

So this configuration, shown in my picture, seems to work but I thought I'd post it because I don't know why it works or if it will cause trouble. At first listen I also couldn't really tell if the sound quality was better than my tape adapter so I wonder if I did something wrong.

** update - this configuration doesn't work for me. The sound is way too quiet. Will try again.
** thanks for pointing that out - ground is connected where op suggested I just took the pic from a bad angle. It's there.

: photo.jpg (446.5 KiB) Viewed 5484 times

Cojack · Post by **Cojack** » 14 Jan 2013, 07:33

i am no expert here, but looking at the write up and pictures and then looking at yours you are missing a ground which maybe some if not all your problems

Post by **bags519** » 14 Jan 2013, 11:06

Odd I am grounded but also just did this mod yesterday and have no left speakers. I'm going to take a look at my solder joints again today..

But the sound quality is much better out the working side..

btbateman · Post by **btbateman** » 14 Jan 2013, 16:48

Thanks, Cojack.
My above picture is poorly angled: the ground is there just not visible. It's screwed into the same spot as op suggested.

Let us know how it goes, bags519, thanks for the info.

I'll give my configuration a closer listen soon and give us an update.

Stormie · Post by **Stormie** » 15 Jan 2013, 20:10

Awesome writ-up. My 1997 855T has a SC815 stereo, however, the cassette circuit board looks completely different than the pics. Anyone know of an alternate method of adding mp3 / iPOD capabilities to the stock stereo? Thanks

Post by **bags519** » 20 Jan 2013, 17:36

This was the working combination sc-816... both right n left working properly and good audio.

Post by **b2fkb0** » 13 Mar 2013, 21:03

milesursogood wrote:#b2fkb0 - Will a non-grounded 3.5MM stereo cable do?

I'm unsure as I have done three 816s with grounded cables. Maybe someone else can weigh in.
Dan

Post by **b2fkb0** » 13 Mar 2013, 21:10

bags519 wrote:This was the working combination sc-816... both right n left working properly and good audio.

Good deal! I have noticed subtle differences in the 816s I have worked on so be sure you are on left and right channel pins. The audio quality is far superior than the tape adapter system. I hope this helps!
Dan

Post by **EstVolvo** » 19 Mar 2013, 14:56

First I tried according to the instructions in the original posting. The sound was terrible and only one channel worked.
Then I tried it as explained by Bags 519 above - it seems to be working.
The sound quality may be just a hair better than with a cassette adapter.
I removed the supply and take-up reel, magnetic shield and pressure pad from the tape. The tape gets ejected.
How to modify a regular tape so that it wouldn't get ejected?

Add an Ipod Input to tape player of SC-815/816

Re: Add an Ipod Input to tape player of SC-815/816