Stereo Amplifier for MP3, Ipod, etc.

[bruce2000ltc]

I found this neat little stereo amplifier that runs on 12V bike supplied power. It has 5 watts per channel, low and high impedance inputs and is very small 3.5" x 2.25". Cost is less than $30.00.
I used this amp to cure the low volume problem when using the BMW car cord for the Aux port. With the amp installed between the audio source (XM radio in my case)and the Aux cable, I was able to turn the volume of the XM radio down and then adjust the amplifier volume to match the volume level of the radio. Works great and you'll have the same volume level when you switch between FM, CD and AUX.
This little amp would work great for any device where you need to boost it's volume. Much, much more powerfull than a Boosteroo and you don't need batteries. On a bike without a factory radio you can turn the volume down on your MP3, Walkman, Ipod, etc. (making their batteries last longer) and have clean undistorted sound to your headsets.
It's make by Canakit:
www.canakit.com
Click on power amplifiers, model UK154

Bruce Hodges

[messenger13]

Thanks for sharing! There's a lot of cool little devices (cheap!) on that site.

[dmatson]

Where did you mount it and how did you power it. I guess you have to buy another AUX cable?

[bruce2000ltc]

Where did you mount it and how did you power it. I guess you have to buy another AUX cable?
If you don't have central locking you can mount it under the oddments box latch. If you do, you can place it under the left side of the stingray. You'll need to waterproof the amp. I put some thin foam around it and placed it in a plastic bag - sealing the wires where they exit the bag. Since you have an 05 you can use the Aux power cord for the GPS or any switched power. You'll need the BMW car cord part # 82 11 0 149 389.

Bruce Hodges

[miren]

Bruce I send a private message to you yesterday. Could you let me know if you got it? Thanks, Mike

[BsquareWI]

How are the wires attached exactly? Did you have to splice a 2.5mm mini aux line and solder them onto the board or does the board have an mini jack that isn't apparent in the photo?

Seems very similar to the Logjam Line level amplifier here (but less expensive): http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/soundavm2.html

[bruce2000ltc]

How are the wires attached exactly? Did you have to splice a 2.5mm mini aux line and solder them onto the board or does the board have an mini jack that isn't apparent in the photo?

Seems very similar to the Logjam Line level amplifier here (but less expensive): http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/soundavm2.html
Yes you have to solder the line in, line out and the power leads on. The circuit board has pins that are clearly marked to wrap the wires onto and solder them. The BMW car Aux cord has a female 3.5mm inline plug and so do most audio devices (XM, MP3, etc.). I used a 3.5mm male patch cord for my input (to my XM) and another 3.5mm male patch cord for the output (to the BMW car Aux cord). I set the volume level on my XM to 4 (range is 0-10) and then adjusted the volume on the amplifier to match the volume level of the FM radio. Now when I switch between AUX, CD and FM the volume remains the same.

Bruce Hodges

[dmatson]

I ordered one. When you put the amp in the plastic bag there are no issues with heat?

[bruce2000ltc]

I ordered one. When you put the amp in the plastic bag there are no issues with heat?
No, it just doesn't produce that much heat. If you have any questions after you get it, let me know, I'd be glad to help.

Bruce Hodges

[dmatson]

Just got my amp. It is a circuit board and a bag of all the parts to make it up, is this how yours came? I either have to remember my basic electronics class from college and go get a good soldering iron or get someone to do this for me. I would be interested to know if this is how yours came or someone packed it wrong.

[bruce2000ltc]

Just got my amp. It is a circuit board and a bag of all the parts to make it up, is this how yours came? I either have to remember my basic electronics class from college and go get a good soldering iron or get someone to do this for me. I would be interested to know if this is how yours came or someone packed it wrong.
You ordered the "kit" version instead of the assembled Amp. Difference in cost is about $6.
Send it back and get the assembled one.

Bruce Hodges

[dmatson]

I went back and order the assembled version and will keep the kit. When the other one comes I will build this one and use it on another bike. Now I have a good excuse to git a nice soldering gun.