Which parts are you referring to?
The A98 is an I2S master, according to the Evaluation Module reference guide: https://www.parts-express.com/pedocs/specs/321-121-Linkplay-A98-PCM5121-reference.pdf. I assume the A97 is similar. The clock should be generated on the module itself, not externally. But I'm hoping to find out for sure in a couple of days 🙂
I refer to the picture of the PCB of WiiM Mini where I see 2 XO's close to eachother. Just the eyes sir and no assumptions what their use is but ....
Yes, master. I2S master, that is. Clocks are running. The WiiM app thinks it is a "A98SmartAudio 913E". It's the A98 module purchased from Parts Express.
More to come, but I will post on Audiodevelopers.com since the next steps will be OT for this thread.
And, yes, that NGFF67 connector is difficult to solder, and it melts if you use a hot air station 🙁
More to come, but I will post on Audiodevelopers.com since the next steps will be OT for this thread.
And, yes, that NGFF67 connector is difficult to solder, and it melts if you use a hot air station 🙁
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@jean-paul
here on A98 we can see similar parts (L1, L2, L3).. hmm doesn't seem as a clocks. Dose it?
here on A98 we can see similar parts (L1, L2, L3).. hmm doesn't seem as a clocks. Dose it?
There are actually three of those, and I assume they are inductors. See the close-up below and compare to the TDK part at this URL.
I think those are inductors due to the close proximity to the SOT23 5 pin chips. And for the fact that they have soldered Wi-Fi chip and Bluetooth chip to the main board so the different voltages needed 3.3v, 1.8v
The clocks come from the main chip A113X.
And the AMlogic chip needs a oscillator to operated and that is on the top side
Already convinced. I tried to find the 6 pin ICs but did not find them. Ran into XOs some time ago that looked similar and were of similar if not identical size.
The other board has names like L1 and that makes it easier.
Still interested to know if the Pro has a possibility for external USB. Otherwise it makes no sense to try one out (for me).
The other board has names like L1 and that makes it easier.
Still interested to know if the Pro has a possibility for external USB. Otherwise it makes no sense to try one out (for me).
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Thanks! Disappointing but no surprise as features are cherished over quality both by customers and by manufacturers. "It does not matter how it performs as long as people can connect it to anything" 🙂
No pictures of the PCB AFAIK?!
No pictures of the PCB AFAIK?!
The A98 evaluation board has a Type A USB connector with a switch to select between USB Host and OTG modes. The Host mode is for USB disk; OTG is for software updates. There is a separate microUSB connector for power. So, the flash disk playback is supported by the Linkplay A98 module. An unanswered question is whether the USB C connector on the Wiim boxes is just for power or whether it can be used for playing a USB disk, and if so, how to switch between Host and OTG modes (and how to provide power, of course).
Since the EV board has USB disk playback, it's likely that some other A98-based product will include that feature. That feature was on some boxes that used the older A31 modules: for example, on the Dayton WBA31 there was an SD card slot for local playback. But it's not on the Wiim roadmap, so apparently it is not a commonly requested feature.
There is a connector for USB audio on the Cloudecho CL-98--you could buy one of those and provide your own packaging.
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Hi, I have tried and still try enough streamers in a few price categories. The effort to make this one do what I want is too much. It is about features and connectivity for smart phone orientated people. My focus is solely on audio quality and user friendliness (it seems to excel in the latter) and I want local file playback not dependence on content providers or any forced dependence on online stuff. A new device should be able to compete with existing devices certainly with regards to sound quality otherwise it makes no sense to put time and money in it.
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Jean-Paul - If it is local file playback and doing that via Wi-Fi is acceptable, it can be done with the WiiM (I have two Minis). On an Android tablet i use the Hi-Fi Cast app (the free version so far) to which i have ported the iTunes library from my desktop Mac (including Playlists) to an SD card, and it works quite well casting directly to the WiiM Minis. In fact, if I open the WiiM app while Hi-Fi Cast is playing, it does not quite recognize that the WiiM Mini is engaged.
I can provide more info in a few hours if you desire.
Correction: the app name is Hi-Fi Cast. Sorry.
I can provide more info in a few hours if you desire.
Correction: the app name is Hi-Fi Cast. Sorry.
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Just out of curiosity Jean, have you tried raspberry pi based streams, I am using one with a HifiBerry DAC + ADC pro, based on PCM5122. I do not remember the ADC chip and I do not use it.
Though I am trying to build my own amp with a Wi-Fi module built in as one of the other inputs. One major hang up is no straight forward way to see what song is played.