Make an iPod boombox from a classic radio

It works with 4 batteries to power the amplifier giving high volume level, ideal for outdoor use.

It can also work without batteries with a volume suitable for indoor listening.

more photos here

Step 1: Start

Removing the cover.

Step 2: Placement

The bottom showing the battery compartment to four size C 1.5v batteries and also the place for 1 size C 1.5v battery (this one to power the light for the radio display).

The 4 batteries compartment has the ideal size to place the iPod.

The single batterie compartment has the size to put 4 AA batteries

Step 3: Soldering

Close-up of the transformer and the single battery compartment

Soldering the wires for the new 4AA batteries.

The wires are attached to a connector with two pins. (the ones used to power hard drives) the connector will make easier to remove the batteries.

The two pins I tested as working to power the amplifier are the bottom (pin 5) and the middle (pin3)

I came to this conclusion using the trial and error method. (with the iPod connected to the line-in, tried the batteries cables to one pin (red) and connected the other cable to the other pins until it worked)

Step 4: Connecting the Batteries

A battery holder with 4 AA bateries.

The holder comes with a connector, but had to cut it and solder the male connector that fits to the one used on the trensformer. (from an old hard drive)

Step 5: Placing the IPod

Used hot glue to fix a foam mat to the metal base where the iPod will rest

Step 6: IPod Fastener

Attached a velcro band to the metal base to use as a fastener to the iPod. To keep it in place.

The velcro band is one of those used to bundle wires together. (a rubber band could be used also, but it isn´t so easy to remove)

Showing the iPod and the cable which will connect the headphones port to the radio line-in (phono/phone)

Step 7: Connecting Audio

The iPod in place fastened with the velcro

and

The cable connected to the radio line-in and iPod.

The line-in doesn´t use the amplifier so needs no batteries, giving sound for indoor use, the volume is controlled from theiPod

The Phono jack works with the amplifier and the batteries with loud sound for outdoors use, and is controled by the radio volume knob