[Seano]

I know I've been here before but I've done a little more research (I've realised being electronically clueless is no barrier to research in this topic!) since last I asked.....

I have acquired a brand spanking new Sony CD-rom drive from my local computer parts supplier for the princely sum of AU$29. I had one already but since it was still in a computer that worked I figured I'd better find one that wasn't. Alternatively, 2nd hand ones are available for AU$19. But since this is new research to me then why not start with something new.

Now, amongst other outputs, this CD-rom has analogue audio out (left and right channels) and a SPDIF digital out (as active and ground pins rather than the RCA jack).  So connectivity with the DAKSA won't be an issue. It'll plug straight in!!! Yay.

Power supply could be diverting though.  The CD drive needs a 5V @ 1amp supply and a 12V @ 1.5amp supply. This is relatively easy too as Meanwell 60W open frame dual ouput power supplies that suit these requirements are available from Computronics in West Oz (www.computronics.com.au/tools) for about AU$25 plus GST.

At this point the whole thing sounds too simple. And too cheap. Is it really that basic? Or is there something I've missed in terms of creating a budget CD transport to suit the DAKSA. What else could I possibly need (apart of course from wire, fuses, a switch and a box to put it all in)?

Alternatively, what if the DAKSA could also supply these power requirements? Or could I use the Meanwell PS to run the CD in one box and use the DAC in another.  Better still could it be integrated into one box.......or will the transport PS electronically interfere with the DAC PS?

Hugh? Tinker? Anyone?

[EchiDna]

you could always have got one of the creative CDRoms that come with a remote about S$35 or AU$28 brand new ...

http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?prodid=3562

[Seano]

Yeah I thought of those........only problem is that Creative don't offer them in Oz anymore - in fact they don't supply any optical drives.  Let's face it.  CD-rom is a dinosaur and will very soon take its last faltering steps. Creative just got in early.

There's a few dudes out there that have created control kits for CD-roms that include the board, LCD display and remote.  One even includes the PS for the drive.  But they are backyarders in Europe and Asia which doesn't give me much hope for local support and comeback if it all goes pear shaped.........

But these things aren't critical to getting music out......though they are nice in terms of convienience.

[Tinker]

Now, amongst other outputs, this CD-rom has analogue audio out (left and right channels) and a SPDIF digital out (as active and ground pins rather than the RCA jack). So connectivity with the DAKSA won't be an issue. It'll plug straight in!!! Yay.

This *should* be fine. The only potential issue is that a CD-ROM amy not produce a "phantom" SPDIF during idle. It may, but you'd have to check.  This means that some 3rd party DACs may not lock during stopped or paused parts. Also because this is probably an "internal" connection it may not have a proper driver on the output, easily remedied for about $3. You can look into this and let me know. As usual DISCLAIMER: I am making no assumptions, criticisms, claims or otherwise about the many fine products of other manufacturers.

I don't want to preempt Hugh, but I can answer this one: As for supplying power for CD peripherals, the DAKSA will provide no extra power rails as these could raise jitter levels. This is precisely why we are going for a "two box" approach.  We don't want current demands of other devices changing the clock or logic timing, so you will have to build a separate supply to drive the player.

T

[EchiDna]

Check it out:
http://www.8052.com/users/jsno/

diy cd rom based player...

[Seano]

Tinker
Thanks for the hope. Although what the heck are you talking about with regards to a $3 fix for a driver (that I may or may not need)? Please remember you are dealing with nearly 'electronically clueless' here!!!!

Echidna
I've seen this site recently myself during my little hunt for info.  In fact a couple of lads that frequent diyaudio have taken on this controller and built it themselves and are now offering it up for sale.  One is based in Romania the other Thailand.  Now I don't like to prejudge based on geographic location....but I can't help it .  There was also a commercial  mob in Taiwan who had a controller too but I'm told it has been discontinued.  

I'd try to build it myself from scratch but it requires a certain amount of programming of the chip that forms the heart of the controller plus a good deal of nouse at basic electronics (I've never even designed or printed a PCB) so we are talking about a significant stumbling block .  

Funny thing is though.  It looks like most of the cheap chinese DVD players are simply DVD-rom drives with seperate power supply and controller PCBs.  In other words they are home made players in a fancy looking box......so if one wants to make a custom CD transport it appears you could do a lot worse than start with an 80 buck DVD player.  Might be easier starting with one of those than with a bare drive

[Tinker]

Tinker
Thanks for the hope. Although what the heck are you talking about with regards to a $3 fix for a driver (that I may or may not need)? Please remember you are dealing with nearly 'electronically clueless' here!!!!
...

I had a vague recollection that sincethey are designed to be hooked up inside a PC case some CD-ROMs don't have an output driver that would allow the signal to be sent along a long line, ie between boxes. Kinda like a preamp with no balls. This is probably not the case with the particular unit you have. If it is you can buy a "driver" chip for about $0.75 to beef it up (plus some perf board caps and resistors...=$3).

T.