Category: A/V

Back to the drawing board

The test of the audio matrix switcher prototype has failed on two fronts:

  1. the multiplexers refused to work
  2. the amplifier exploded

Of the two problems, the second is clearly the worst because it’s cost me a £50 amplifier. It may be repairable (sounded and smells like a capacitor exploding) but I’m not going to assume that it is. Since the multiplexer didn’t work as I had hoped, another approach to the audio routing needs to be sought. I’ve contemplated buying a commercial product, and a quick look on eBay finds some A/V switchers with RS232 support for £350-£500. Getting one of these would have the advantage of being able to route video signals too. Of course the disadvantage is that it will be significantly more expensive than I had planned on. Remember, on top of the cost of the switcher will be the cost of 4 stereo rack-mountable amplifiers at about £50 each.

So not a great end to an otherwise highly productive weekend. I have managed to get more of the rack cabinet finished (added the locks), tidied up a bit and got mvpmc working.

Audio Distribution System – Phase 1 – The prototype

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This project is intended to investigate the possibility of, and hopefully build if successful, a home-made externally-controllable matrix switcher with 8 inputs and 4 outputs using parts that cost a total of < £100 (excluding the external equipment such as amplifiers, speakers and cabling). The quality of the audio must be acceptable, but I'm not expecting it to be perfect - that's why the expensive matrix switchers exist. It just needs to serve the purposes of a small house. Continue reading “Audio Distribution System – Phase 1 – The prototype”