View source for DIY 464 External Audio Socket

== Description ==

The connection diagram below will allow you to connect an external CD Player or other audio device / PC soundcard to a CPC464 which will then act as a tape input.

The connector CD001 is the flylead connecting the datacorder circuit to the main PCB.


[[Image:464_Audio_CD_Port.png|600px|centre]]



If you're getting errors while trying to load or save files, you can find the error code descriptions here: [[Read_error_codes|Read Error Codes]]

'''Alternative:'''

According to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cacZqQf4Go&t=1257s Noels Retro lab Youtube video], it can be better to connect the signal to C317 instead of R307. 

[[Image:AudioInModC317.jpg|300px|centre]]



== Second method ==

In my case, I don't know why but the first method described above didn't work. Maybe because my Amstrad CPC464 is from the second revision, although the cassette drive seems to be the same. What I did is just connect the new "audio in" 3.5 mm mono jack socket directly to the cassette tape head, as shown in the picture below. Very important: be careful with the polarity. Don't forget to connect the chassis to ground/black cable and the main contact to signal/red cable. 

Then, drill a 6 mm hole on the case to hold the new socket.

If everything is OK, now you can load CPC games from an Android mobile using an app called [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.kica.tapdancer TapDancer Virtual Datasette] and don't need to convert .cdt files to MP3 anymore.


Things that you may need for this DIY:

* 3.5 mm mono jack socket
 
* 2 cables (red and black)
 
* 6 mm drill bit for metal and drill

* Soldering iron and tin

* Continuity tester



[[Image:Cpc_464_audio_in_socket.jpg|600px|centre]]


[[Category:DIY]][[Category:DATA Storage]]