(I'm not sure if this is the right place to put this)
So, basically, I'm trying to modify this little recorder toy thing (cause why not?). You hold down a record button, it records, you press play, it plays it back. Pretty simple. What I want to do is to modify it so that it plays through earbuds instead of the built in speak. When I opened it up I found two blue wires leading to the speaker. I assume this means I need an adapter sort of like this but it only needs to be mono. Then I'm assuming I can just solder it to the wires leading to the speaker, but, this leads me to my next question. I would guess that a speaker probably takes much more power than a pair of earbuds and, because of this will it just break my headphones? If so, how do I get around this?
Thanks!
TimTheEnchanter:
I would guess that a speaker probably takes much more power than a pair of earbuds and, because of this will it just break my headphones? If so, how do I get around this?
I imagine you could break out an oscilloscope to measure the voltage and current when playing music to the speaker. I think it would be much easier, though, to find the datasheet for the speaker and/or the music player. Could you provide a link to the "little recorder toy thing"?
I assume this means I need an adapter sort of like this but it only needs to be mono. Then I'm assuming I can just solder it to the wires leading to the speaker
That would work. You can also buy solder-type [u]panel mount[/u] or [u]in-line[/u] 3.5mm jacks. Or, you can cut one end off of a 3.5mm headphone extension.
I assume this means I need an adapter sort of like this but it only needs to be mono.
Actually, it needs to be stereo so you can get sound out of the left & right earbuds. Just connect the left & right connections together.
but, this leads me to my next question. I would guess that a speaker probably takes much more power than a pair of earbuds and, because of this will it just break my headphones? If so, how do I get around this?
No, it won't damage your headphones/earbuds. You might damage your headphones if you connect them to a 50W amplifier, but not from a toy. The headphones have higher impedance than speakers, so less current flows (and therefore less power).
But, it may be too loud. If the headphones are too loud try a resistor in series. Maybe start with a 100 Ohm resistor... If it's still too loud, use a higher value resistor and if 100 Ohms knocks the volume down too much try a smaller resistor. (Or, use a potentiometer as a volume control.)
Then I'm assuming I can just solder it to the wires leading to the speaker, but, this leads me to my next question.
There's no soldering with that adafruit adapter, it has the jack on one end and screw terminals on the other.
I would guess that a speaker probably takes much more power than a pair of earbuds and, because of this will it just break my headphones?
Why worry? Try with a pair of 'headphones' you don't value so much.
Power_Broker:
I imagine you could break out an oscilloscope to measure the voltage and current when playing music to the speaker.
Good idea. I'm thinking a bit slow today 
Power_Broker:
Could you provide a link to the "little recorder toy thing"?
I found it rummaging through a drawer today. It doesn't have a model or brand anywhere and the speaker rating has been worn off. To be honest I probably just bought it at a souvenir shop.
DVDdoug:
Actually, it needs to be stereo so you can get sound out of the left & right earbuds. Just connect the left & right connections together.
No, it won't damage your headphones/earbuds. You might damage your headphones if you connect them to a 50W amplifier, but not from a toy. The headphones have higher impedance than speakers, so less current flows (and therefore less power).
- Good point
- I guess I'll just do some more rummaging in till I find an old pair anyway. (It's good to know I won't burn anything out though)
- I like the potentiometer idea
Thanks everyone!
Years ago I tried what you are attempting to do. Cut the plug off the end of the earbud cord, stripped the insulation and found a couple of dozen extremely thin enamel coated wires, some without enamel and the rest with either red or green enamel. Getting that enamel off those thin wires without breaking or cutting them so that solder would adhere became frustratingly time consuming. I did get it done but swore the next time I'll just get a jack it will plug into and connect the device there.
Due_unto:
Years ago I tried what you are attempting to do........
Good advice. I guess we have all tried that once, and once only. +1