Raspberry Pi I2S to SPDIF Hat

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by Michael Kelly, Apr 30, 2016.

  1. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    This is as good as a 1000 words!
    but it also seems that the regular 502 has no 5v input presoldered if I read the faq and this table. I hope that is not right. Because that is why people with thick fingers will buy a 502 instead of a digi+pro, no soldering involved!
     
  2. Innosint

    Innosint New

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    Hello, new to the whole adventure.

    Has been reading about how it the system work, how volumio is set up, how RPi works, etc.

    The campaign page went into detail about the performance of the HAT unit and its design, but it's not entirely friendly and hard to attract newbies.

    I think there are some things to consider, do you aim to only sell this to people with both Audio & Rpi background? or to the general public.

    the former will probably less the amount of headache for future tech support, but if it's the later, then I think a bit of extra info is needed on the page.

    Such as, what connection and set up procedure is required to work?

    The fact that it run based off Rpi may scare people off, even though the set up isn't difficult.

    (there are plenty of write up on those and can be found without digging too deep, but it's easier to attract newbies if there are links to examples either on the campaign or your web site linked by the campaign.)

    A quick video/pictures demonstrating how it's connected, and what they can be connected to will also provide a visual presentation of how to operate this device.

    Also, you may want to clarify whether a RPi 2/3 kit is needed or not. the pricing and description doesn't include it, but the sample image on campaign shows it. so it's probably best to state it on the campaign.
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2017
  3. hifiandrun

    hifiandrun Almost "Made"

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    I would think this is not a real concern for most people. First, most people who end up looking into Michael's 502DAC instead of other Pi DACs are looking for the best sounding performance. Many of them have tried the USB route of streaming and frustrated. For those who know enough about USB playback, to install a free and ready-to-use Raspberry Pi software image would not be an real issue. I am using the piCoreplayer, I've seen others have been using dietpi, volumio, runeaudio, max2play, etc. Setting up those with 502DAC need minimum knowledge of linux and there are may instructions on line. Here is a great guide at SBAF: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...-based-streamer-a-guide-for-the-nervous.3969/.
     
  4. Innosint

    Innosint New

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    I would agree that installing the software is not difficult, there is a minute and half video on youtube showing how to load volumio

    Kattefjaes's guide is indeed very useful, in fact, that's one of the very first thing I got when searching for this topic on the forum.

    How ever, the way Michael decide to advertise (if there will be any) will probably determine the crowd he attracts.but at the same time, you can't deny the fact hat a good number of the audiophile crowd isn't the most tech savvy, and will probably turn away from a good solution just due to the initial DIY factor shock.

    But anyway, We are straying a bit off topic now. I"ll continue my due diligent research and will probably pick up a board once the campaign launch.
     
  5. Em84

    Em84 New

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    @Michael Kelly After having the 502DAC in my system for a week and having my brain burn into the new sound, I switched for my HiFiBerry Digi+ Pro, just for shits and giggles. After 60 seconds I switched back to the 502DAC which will now be my permanent source. No more testing between the 2 boards required for me.

    The Digi+ Pro is being sold. Not that this is a bad board, it's actually very very good but I don't need both of them - the 502DAC is my preferred board permanently now.
     
  6. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    Do you use the 502 dac as your dac or do you use it as digital transport to an outboard dac?
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2017
  7. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    @Michael Kelly :
    Just went over the kickstarter text again. Much better as the first draft for sure! I did notice that you changed dac3 to pro everwhere but not in the boxes with the perks and prices.

    And is the 502 backordered? Or has it been sent out but without tracking?
    I can`t really find any info on delivery on the website so that`s why I ask here.
    I`m not complaining by the way, just anxious to play with my new toy and I still have to get a nice 75ohm BNC cable as well. (Any advice on what to get? Preferably something available in Europe and affordable if possible,)

    thanks!
     
  8. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    We shipped a bunch of units today. I took him to the post office, but I didn't look at them individually nor did I pack them. But I am pretty sure yours was in the shipment because according to my shipper we had no open orders after that. In any case you should've gotten an email with a tracking number.

    Cheers,
    Michael

    PS. We just use a standard 3 ft. (-1meter) composite video cable with BNC to RCA adapters. It works extremely well.
     
  9. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    Yeay! Got the shipmentnotification but it was send to my spambucket for some reason. You have been whitelisted :) .

    So you say there is no real need to really sweat the cable specs?
    Today is a good news-day.
     
  10. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    I'll post some digital plots over the weekend with the off the shelf composite video cable and the cheap, plastic toslink cable. They will show you that you can transport the full 16-bit or 24-bits with zero loss. Originally we were going to test with more expensive cables once we finished our initial testing. But I think it's more valuable to show your that you don't need to spend lot's of money on digital cables. Analog is whole different story and top quality RCA cables (not too ridiculous though) will always be a good investment.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  11. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    It maybe just me but I really like datasheets. That might be something to consider before the kickstarter. Just 1 or 2 a4`s with clear pictures front and back showing and explaining key/all compononts and a summary of all the technical details you want to share. You didnt need it to sell me one but others may be swayed this way. If I am correct I remember seeing a complete manual to the 502 somewhere. Why isn`t that on the product pages/kickstarter? For me sweating the details is often a reason not to buy or at least hold of buying. The more doubt you can eliminate the more you will sell. A good manual really helps. Or make sure Scott Kramer drops your product name here and there, that is what got me eyeballing you.
     
  12. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Digital test results for BNC via RCA adapter cable, Toslink and 1/4" via XLR adapter and cable. Note they are virtually identical and 0 THD!

    Cheers,
    Michael


    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Data sheets are on the web at:

    http://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/visio-502dac_datasheet_p4.pdf
    http://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/visio-502dac_pro_datasheet_p2.pdf

    And manuals:
    http://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/502dac_hw_ref_manual_p4_2.pdf
    http://www.pi2design.com/uploads/4/8/5/3/48531975/502dac_pro_hw_ref_manual_p2_2.pdf

    Let me know what you think.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  14. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Quick question for you Michael. My version of the 502dac has a headphone out where the current version has a power input for bare wire connections. The acrylic box has a cut out for the power connection and won't go on properly. Can I simply remove the headphone connector? Snip or unsolder? I will be covering up unused openings anyway with sugru, instamorph or a homebrew sugru so I am not worried about the opening. Would this present any problems to the board? Need jumpers, maybe?
     
  15. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    You can just remove the Jack. And don't worry, if you break the board we will send you another one.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  16. HumanFly

    HumanFly Acquaintance

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    Awesome...I am now mildly moist with anticipation! So they have to be good datasheets/manuals. Just make sure they are really easy to find when you launch the kickstarter.
     
  17. bilboda

    bilboda Florida boomer

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    Cut off wheel for the jack did the trick. Solder braid, 2 solder suckers did not.
     
  18. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    The campaign is live! Please go and add comments and ask questions. The link is:

    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/digital-analog-audio-shields-for-the-raspberry-pi/x/17113346#/

    For those who are interested in the 502DAC Pro, the early birds are a great price and we plan to build them before the campaign is over. Though, sadly we can't ship until it's done. But you'll be first in line!

    Thanks again to all of you for the great comments and feedback! It really made a big difference.

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  19. Michael Kelly

    Michael Kelly MOT: Pi 2 Design

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    Eeeew!

    But thanks for the positive comment!

    Cheers,
    Michael
     
  20. bigbear1997

    bigbear1997 Acquaintance

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    Approx. when the pro will be shipped? Thx.
     

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