I have an ipod running through my GE J 64(my wife bet me I couldn't do it without melting the ipod - I won as the ipod is still playing). Aside from an isolation transformer is there anything else anybody is doing to make sure nobody gets electrocuted from this set up and that is safe to use with modern electronics. Also, I am just using the right channel out of the ipod right now. Is there some way of combining the channels? Right now modern music that relies heavily on the stereo effect drops the part of the music playing through the left channel.
thanx

Dan L.

:I have an ipod running through my GE J 64(my wife bet me I couldn't do it without melting the ipod - I won as the ipod is still playing). Aside from an isolation transformer is there anything else anybody is doing to make sure nobody gets electrocuted from this set up and that is safe to use with modern electronics. Also, I am just using the right channel out of the ipod right now. Is there some way of combining the channels? Right now modern music that relies heavily on the stereo effect drops the part of the music playing through the left channel.
:thanx
:
:Dan L.

I can't comment on the safety of the setup, but there are standard headphone plug adapters available from Radio Shack and other sources that will combine the two sides of a stereo input into a single mono output.

Mike

Sometimes mixing the two channels doesn't work well with modern amplifiers, since there are no output transformers to isolate each set of output transistors. I have better luck mixing them through 10,000 or higher ohm resistors, or possibly .01 to .05 MFD capacitors, though the resistors tend to work better.

As far as isolation from the radio, you won't fry the Ipod, since it isn't connected to the AC line. If you want fair isolation, use a .05 MFD cap between the Ipod's 'ground' and the radio's 'ground.' You can still get a shock with this set-up, but it won't be a direct connection. A better method is to operate the radio from an isolation transformer. Personally I never worry about shocks, and I never use isolation transformers, because I simply refrain from touching grounded objects and the radio (and related connected items) at the same time. Standing on tile, hardwood, or carpet poses no risks. Concrete is a different story. I don't mind running my CD player into my AC/DC radio right next to the kitchen sink. The key to success is resisting the temptation of touching both the radio and the sink at the same time. Works wonders.

For good results, wire across the outermost terminals of the volume control. If difficulties arise from having the detector still connected, disconnect the wire that goes from the IF transformer to the 'high' end of the volume control (usually where the AVC is also tapped from).

T.

Dan,

Build yourself an AM transmitter. This provides the best isolation. I did this and added an audio mixer stage to combine the L & R channels. It is great! I can listen to CDs on all of my radios at once!.

Gary

:I have an ipod running through my GE J 64(my wife bet me I couldn't do it without melting the ipod - I won as the ipod is still playing). Aside from an isolation transformer is there anything else anybody is doing to make sure nobody gets electrocuted from this set up and that is safe to use with modern electronics. Also, I am just using the right channel out of the ipod right now. Is there some way of combining the channels? Right now modern music that relies heavily on the stereo effect drops the part of the music playing through the left channel.
:thanx
:
:Dan L.