"Y" splitters....

[DavidLSI]

Until I can spring for that electronic gizmo that will atuomatically switch between the output of my devices I would like to hear everyones opinion of simply using a "Y" splitter plugged into my ipod and gps tossing both output into one set of heaqdephones?

Basically is there any danger of hurting either device?

Thanks for your input....

SeeYa
DavidLSI

[1moreroad]

I would doubt there would be a danger -- they should be sitting at the same voltage for the speakers so there wouldn't be any current flow.  There might be some weird configuration for one device or the other (doubt it since consumer electronics can't afford to be too fragile), though.

I'm not sure what load they will present though -- the sound might drop out entirely when both try to switch on (meaning you hear nothing when the iPod is playing and the GPS is trying to speak).

[ianbh]

Probably depends on the devices.  About 20 years ago, I tried to run a Whistler & a casette player through helmet speakers.  Fried the Whistler.  After I got it repaired, I mounted a $2 speaker from RS in the helmet and ran the detector through it.  Later I used a Passport RD and plugged it into my J&M helmet speakers along with an MP3-worked fine.  I now use a Mixit 2 and run everything through it.  Ian, Iowa

[OMJunk]

If both devices are battery powered I would think not problem, but if powered by bike power, I would not risk it. If 1 is sending + signal, while the other is sending a - the interaction is a short circuit. Bad Juju!

[dinolee]

Even small voltage 'battery' powered devices can be wiped out by unimpeded current coming back through the line.  Do a google search on 'altoid tin audio mixer', there will be some good descriptions on how 100K resistors prevent this issue from happening in home-made audio mixers.

[RickC1957]

Hesus....I have done this since 05....no problem. My 8500 and 2610...simple Y from Radio Trash.

[DavidLSI]

Hesus....I have done this since 05....no problem. My 8500 and 2610...simple Y from Radio Trash.

Do you find it confusing?

[cyclopathic]

Do you find it confusing?

definitely!

having at least one device with autonomous battery power makes sense.. also making sure that you connecting common together, but the Y-splitter will do it..

[RickC1957]

Do you find it confusing?

David...no not really...it's rare that you get a radar ping and directions from the 2610 at the same time. When I'm doing long slab...I use the "Y" to listen to my MP3 player, I can still hear radar pings quite clearly. But, I'm quite sure one of the others as an elegant, expensive, re-invent the wheel solution to this  little situation....I kind of McGyver things together  

[Brightrider]

David,
Although there is probably no harm, I think you'll find plenty of folks advising against.  I made up a little doohickey that prevents current trying to flow back to the opposite devices.  It's 1/2 the size of an altoids container, requires no batteries.  I've used it for years but replaced my multiple devices with a Zumo recently.  Let me see if I can find it...if I do, you are welcome to it and we'll see if we can get it to you before your trip next week.  Will PM with the result of my search.

[DavidLSI]

David,
Although there is probably no harm, I think you'll find plenty of folks advising against.  I made up a little doohickey that prevents current trying to flow back to the opposite devices.  It's 1/2 the size of an altoids container, requires no batteries.  I've used it for years but replaced my multiple devices with a Zumo recently.  Let me see if I can find it...if I do, you are welcome to it and we'll see if we can get it to you before your trip next week.  Will PM with the result of my search.

 

[lamedog]

Started off with a home made Y with resistors to connect GPS and iPod to my custom earplugs. Got the schematic from another STN (do a search). Easy to fab and mine was very small. However, I was never happy with my cable option (the ones I used were a bit too stiff). I've switched to an off the shelf Y and haven't noticed any issues. The lack of a fader is no issue since I ride with very low volume. At the ding, I stop tune out the music and listen for Zelda's instruction.

[Walker]

David,
Although there is probably no harm, I think you'll find plenty of folks advising against.  I made up a little doohickey that prevents current trying to flow back to the opposite devices.  It's 1/2 the size of an altoids container, requires no batteries.  I've used it for years but replaced my multiple devices with a Zumo recently.  Let me see if I can find it...if I do, you are welcome to it and we'll see if we can get it to you before your trip next week.  Will PM with the result of my search.

Bright:  Please post it here in addition to PM.  Inquiring minds want to know  

[Walker]

I have a coworker friend who is an electronics whiz kid working on this problem.  I told him the requirements:  Takes input from radar detector, GPS, and MP3 player, with single output to earphones.  Gives automatic preference and switches output from one device at a time in this order of precedence:  1) Radar 2) GPS then 3) MP3. Small: size of an Altoids tin or pack of cigarettes.  Battery powered with cheap, readily available batteries.  (He's thinking 9V).  I asked him if he could do this and he thought it would be no problem at all, using MOSFET switches.

He's quite sure that he can piece something together easily and cheaply.  Right now he's busy reworking a bunch of lasers he uses for putting on laser shows.  After he's done with that he's going to put something together for me.  

[DavidLSI]

Bright:  Please post it here in addition to PM.  Inquiring minds want to know  

Please note that the search Brightrider was referring to was a physical search not a internet search.  He did find what he was talking about, we met up today and he gave me the little device. It is an Altoid container that contains resistors and 1/8" audio jacks.  Allowing me to plug in the GPS audio out output and the ipod output without having one device push its power back into other device.  

THANK YOU BRIGHTRIDER

I have a coworker friend who is an electronics whiz kid working on this problem.  I told him the requirements:  Takes input from radar detector, GPS, and MP3 player, with single output to earphones.  Gives automatic preference and switches output from one device at a time in this order of precedence:  1) Radar 2) GPS then 3) MP3. Small: size of an Altoids tin or pack of cigarettes.  Battery powered with cheap, readily available batteries.  (He's thinking 9V).  I asked him if he could do this and he thought it would be no problem at all, using MOSFET switches.

He's quite sure that he can piece something together easily and cheaply.  Right now he's busy reworking a bunch of lasers he uses for putting on laser shows.  After he's done with that he's going to put something together for me.  

I would be interested in seeing what you describe here.  I believe it would be that same as what Autocom has available.  I eventually will get one of these as my budget allows, they are 250.00 to 500.00 list price.

[Brightrider]

You are very welcome, David.  Enjoy it and let me know how it works out for you. I would imagine you gave it a test run...everything seem to work as expected?

Walker:  The unit I made up is really quite simple and does not have the sophistication of switching output preferences, although I had thought about doing that.  My main concern was to keep it simple, reliable, without needing a power source and inexpensive to build (got everything at Radio Shack).  I used it for quite a long time mixing the voice directions from my GPS and my iPod or XM.  My Etymotics only require moderate volume, even at highway speeds, so I set the GPS just a smidge louder than the audio source.  The voice came through very clearly over the music (without switching it off) and nothing was garbled in all the time I used it.  Same thing listening to comedy or sports...the GPS directions were very clear, so I declared victory and, as I said, used it for a good long time.

[Fudge]

I have a coworker friend who is an electronics whiz kid working on this problem.  I told him the requirements:  Takes input from radar detector, GPS, and MP3 player, with single output to earphones.  Gives automatic preference and switches output from one device at a time in this order of precedence:  1) Radar 2) GPS then 3) MP3. Small: size of an Altoids tin or pack of cigarettes.  Battery powered with cheap, readily available batteries.  (He's thinking 9V).  I asked him if he could do this and he thought it would be no problem at all, using MOSFET switches.

He's quite sure that he can piece something together easily and cheaply.  Right now he's busy reworking a bunch of lasers he uses for putting on laser shows.  After he's done with that he's going to put something together for me.  

Sounds like he is going to make one of these: http://www.mixitproducts.com/home.html.

[DavidLSI]

You are very welcome, David.  Enjoy it and let me know how it works out for you. I would imagine you gave it a test run...everything seem to work as expected?

Walker:  The unit I made up is really quite simple and does not have the sophistication of switching output preferences, although I had thought about doing that.  My main concern was to keep it simple, reliable, without needing a power source and inexpensive to build (got everything at Radio Shack).  I used it for quite a long time mixing the voice directions from my GPS and my iPod or XM.  My Etymotics only require moderate volume, even at highway speeds, so I set the GPS just a smidge louder than the audio source.  The voice came through very clearly over the music (without switching it off) and nothing was garbled in all the time I used it.  Same thing listening to comedy or sports...the GPS directions were very clear, so I declared victory and, as I said, used it for a good long time.

No testing yet, I will give it a try today...

[cyclopathic]

here some info @ http://www.all-electric.com/schematic/simp_mix.htm

I have to wire 2 different sources (BT), so not sure if I'd get away with passive mixer..