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I'm building a fully-integrated digital source solution for Acura Integra ELS / Honda Civic Bose (new thread title)
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ashmostro
Senior Member
- Thread starter
- #107
Unexpected but positive followup update:
The PCB manufacturer rejected my design for a minor issue last night, and thankfully I had to wait until morning for them to set up a way to update the file, because overnight I had an aha moment that changes the design and would have rendered the PCB order a waste of money!
The aha moment:
The current design up until now has been to include firmware to change the DSP compatibility setting between 5V and 3.3V which are the two common architectures used by DSPs for volume control circuits. That was fine, but it meant that A) I would have to set the device per the user's initial request to the correct setting(s) for their amplifiers(s), and B) to change the setting in the future (ie new amp with different protocol) the user would have to be comfortable opening up the device to expose the USB port, which I purpose don't want to keep exposed so no one inadvertently destroys the device trying to connect to it that way.
But that is all too complicated for a great user experience, so I decided to build an auto sensing circuit that will switch to the correct voltage protocol based on what the amp sends out one of its volume control terminals. This means the device is not only plug and play, but interoperable between DSP designs (so long as they are using a simple potentiometer for volume control, as was true before).
I've been working on this since last night and should have the design ready by late tonight, for resubmission to the PCB manufacturer.
The PCB manufacturer rejected my design for a minor issue last night, and thankfully I had to wait until morning for them to set up a way to update the file, because overnight I had an aha moment that changes the design and would have rendered the PCB order a waste of money!
The aha moment:
The current design up until now has been to include firmware to change the DSP compatibility setting between 5V and 3.3V which are the two common architectures used by DSPs for volume control circuits. That was fine, but it meant that A) I would have to set the device per the user's initial request to the correct setting(s) for their amplifiers(s), and B) to change the setting in the future (ie new amp with different protocol) the user would have to be comfortable opening up the device to expose the USB port, which I purpose don't want to keep exposed so no one inadvertently destroys the device trying to connect to it that way.
But that is all too complicated for a great user experience, so I decided to build an auto sensing circuit that will switch to the correct voltage protocol based on what the amp sends out one of its volume control terminals. This means the device is not only plug and play, but interoperable between DSP designs (so long as they are using a simple potentiometer for volume control, as was true before).
I've been working on this since last night and should have the design ready by late tonight, for resubmission to the PCB manufacturer.
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ashmostro
Senior Member
- Thread starter
- #108
I ended up withdrawing my PCB order last night as I realized I wanted to make additional changes. I'm happy to report the redesign is done!
Change Log:
Change Log:
- Upgraded from one to two DACs as I found a way to do it without going to a 6 layer PCB, so the added cost is incremental. This means that all models will likely come with the optional subwoofer level control as well as the main system volume control integration. If you missed it earlier, the subwoofer level control, if used, would take commands from the head unit's bass EQ setting.
- The auto-sense circuit is done too! This allowed me to remove the USB port as users won't need to fiddle with settings if they change to different amps, or have two amps that use two different voltage protocols (3.3V vs 5V). Now, the Integrator will auto sense and apply the correct voltage scale automatically, on both channels.
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ashmostro
Senior Member
- Thread starter
- #111
I've got a question for you guys and gals.
If you were to buy this product, would you want to use the option to utilize the factory speaker wiring, or run your own? The factory wiring is pretty thin, so it's not great for high powered systems, but would be fine for modest power (say 50-75 wpc). I'm considering offering two options of wiring harnesses - one with speaker wires integrated, and one that skips the speaker wires for those who want to run thicker wire themselves (that option would be considerably less expensive as wire ain't cheap).
Where would you land?
If you were to buy this product, would you want to use the option to utilize the factory speaker wiring, or run your own? The factory wiring is pretty thin, so it's not great for high powered systems, but would be fine for modest power (say 50-75 wpc). I'm considering offering two options of wiring harnesses - one with speaker wires integrated, and one that skips the speaker wires for those who want to run thicker wire themselves (that option would be considerably less expensive as wire ain't cheap).
Where would you land?
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ashmostro
Senior Member
- Thread starter
- #116
Hey all — quick update. I've set up a Slack community for this System Integrator project where I'll be posting dev updates, answering questions, and gathering feedback as things get closer to launch. Figured it'd be a better home for ongoing conversation than scattered forum threads. It's also the best place to make feature requests during the product development cycle.
If you've been following along and want to stay in the loop, DM me and I'll send you the link.
Still happy to answer questions here too — not going anywhere.
If you've been following along and want to stay in the loop, DM me and I'll send you the link.
Still happy to answer questions here too — not going anywhere.
acurax
Senior Member
TBCH, I use optical over RCA when I can with my home theatre, but that really depends on your target price point and the volume of sales you expect. I'd suggest doing a survey to gauge interest as well as preference.
Victorofhavoc
Senior Member
- First Name
- Gordan
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- Car(s)
- Integra type s
Just a note, bmw and merc used fiber heavily for years to limit em interference, but they abandoned it due to fragility. My cousin was a BMW engineer at one point and said he frequently saw people doing custom audio on Bmw's back then that would wreak havoc on the system when they'd bend or damage one of the fiber lines.
Modern day shielding is lighter and better, while the throughput on copper has caught (and surpassed) fiber in some cases.
I went down a rabbit hole a while back for my home theatre setup (after I hadn't done much HiFi stuff in almost 10 yrs) and I was shocked to see how "outdated" toslink has become. Glad I still have some of my Chromecast audios with toslink! For basic audio they're great.
Sounds like you're going down the right direction anyway.
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ashmostro
Senior Member
- Thread starter
- #119
Yeah, my question was more about what ports people have on their DSPs, in case going one way or the other would limit the population of compatibility.
I think we're still good with RG6 SPDIF for now. If that changes, I'll just design a solution for it
I think we're still good with RG6 SPDIF for now. If that changes, I'll just design a solution for it