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Mr Carlson's Lab
Mr Carlson's Lab

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Installing A Bluetooth Module Into A Radio Receiver! "It's Easy!"

Get great sound from your old radio by connecting it to your computer, phone, ETC. Play all your favorite songs, old time radio broadcasts and more! Its super easy to connect, and use, here's how!

Link to the Bluetooth modules I use: https://www.amazon.ca/Aideepen-Receiver-Amplifier-Decoder-Speaker/dp/B09YNZJ18F?th=1

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Here is a link to the list of video's here on Patreon, NEW LIST of Videos: https://www.patreon.com/posts/8239565

Installing A Bluetooth Module Into A Radio Receiver! "It's Easy!"

Comments

I sometimes watch an instructional video on iPhone, so when you compared the him levels grounding the filament supply on the center or either side of the filament winding, and compared the very low him levels, I was wishing that the voltmeter right at the edge of the picture was hooked to the audio output, so we could directly see which had the lowest him level. Great video, and I hope to add Bluetooth to most restored am receivers, because there is not much good AM content any more in my area.

Jim Skelton

Sorry if this has already been covered, but regarding the audio out from the Bluetooth board: You put a .047 uF capacitor on the left and the right channel, which will then be joined together to sum the signals. You said (either in this video or a related one, I forget which) that the resistors are optional, since it works fine without them. Yet almost every other source I've seen, on YouTube and elsewhere, says to use two resistors there, and don't even mention capacitors. I don't doubt that you're doing it right, but for my understanding, could you explain why so many people say to use resistors for this purpose, whereas you use capacitors? Maybe it has to do with the additional circuit board you use? Thanks! (Sorry if I seem to be posting this multiple times. I keep hitting Enter, intending it as a line break, forgetting that Enter causes the post to be posted.)

Mark Johnson

I came back to hear where you get your music and the 50’s music. Now I know thanks again.

Billy Sharp

I'm sure that could work as well.

Mr Carlson's Lab

That would require quite a heave regulation circuit to regulate all the filaments.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Hi Glenn, yes the heaters are still on, this way, when you switch back to the radio, there isn't a dead time while the tube warms up.

Mr Carlson's Lab

By lifting the cathode, wouldn't the heaters still be on ? Would it be better to lift one leg of the heater so theb tube simply stopped conducting?

Glenn Hooper

I like the idea of a tuner actuated switch. The Bluetooth modules I have used have changeable BT names, which are changed with a programming tool. Tinysine and Wondom is where I had bought them. You can usually change other characteristics such as beeps, boops and broken English announcements as well.

Keri Rautenkranz

Hello Mr. Carlson. I would prefer an AM Bluetooth transmitter on a fixed frequency that I can set on the receiver. For example an AMT-MW207 on a Bluetooth module. I have tried various solutions, but the sound quality was not satisfactory. I had to experience that measuring transmitters do not deliver a satisfactory sound. Somehow I lose something when I switch my tube radios to amplifier only. I want to receive a simulated radio station. I want to show how good old radios sound, which people today, spoiled by modern electronics, turn away from because all they can hear is crackling and, at best, static.

Martin Siebert

Great Video Mr. C. I just started working with Bluetooth circuitry and design. I am experimenting with bluetooth actuated tuning of my Magnetic Loop Antenna to omit the Cat5 cable that runs between the antenna and the control box. Basically the same principal except duplex communication. It's still in the design stages, but looks promising. The hardest part for me, will be the programming. Take care and happy Holidays to you and yours.

James Roberts

Ihave aways wondered wh use ac for the filients. Regulating the 6 volt supply then ou oly need a dro resiste fo theblueooh device! True?

Pajr Raupp

Great idea to switch the Bluetooth module by moving the dial to one end. I'm going to use this idea for my implementation as well. Maybe you could consider to use a non-latching Hall sensor (for example TLE4905L, just tested...) in your layout as an alternative to a mechanical switch. A switch always needs some mechanical pressure to operate. A Hall sensor would make the mechanical work in the radio even easier because some glue would do the job.

Peter Kostov

Loved this series of videos. I have fitted Bluetooth to some of my radios but I have used the phono input. But I do like the way it’s been done here, especially as some old radios do not have a phono input. Please continue the videos I love them and the ideas they generate. Thanks for a great channel and the way in which you explain everything, it makes things seem so much more achievable and more importantly, understandable 👍

Gary Herbert

I was first thinking this was both a receiver and a transmitter device and that it might be transmitting audio out over the radio as well. But loved the video regardless!

Jonas

As I restore on average 1 AA5 a week and always add Bluetooth, a problem with those little BT modules quickly became apparent; they all have the same device name! Your computer (or iPad/phone) keeps all of them in your device list, so you are either selecting one after another to find the desired radio BT, or do what I have to do, go in and select "Forget this Device" before turning on the new radio Only way around this so far is to not using the BT models hardwired, but bringing a RST jack out on a dongle and just plug in the little battery BT receivers on the desired radio. It still requires the dual L/R signal to mono isolation transformer setup before connecting to the pot.

RJ Dial

Quick follow-up: the 215 volt B+ only went up to 225. All good, in my case.

Rob Schertler

Looking forward to the AA5 ideas, as I restore about 1 a week for resale and everyone wants BT input. Right now I'm using inexpensive AliExpress 120vac:5vdc PS modules and dual mini audio xfmrs to tie to the high side of the pot. I was using a mini SPDT toggle to cut out the RF, but have dropped that as there is almost always a dead spot near the top of the band. These sets are for average folks looking for tube sound and the machine age styling.

RJ Dial

I wondered how these conversions were done, so thank-you. Question: for changing the audio source from receiver's RF/IF chain to Bluetooth why not cut the cathode heater filament power to the tubes up-path from where your inserting the audio from the bluetooth? This would extend the life of those tubes a little bit rather than having them heated up and sitting idle.

Donald Shears

Push-Pull, please, for the upcoming amplifier design project!

John Puma

Back in the 70’s KOMA out of Oklahoma was an awesome clear channel Rock Station. Great for all night drives to ski slopes in Montana and Colorado. Nothing like that now. Fort Collins was the last just a few years ago. Have to settle for talk radio. Spotify does fill the void. My Magnavox Console will benefit from this episode.

Steve Foudray

I think it would be neat to add one of these to say.....line input 8 on my mixer. Bluetooth mixing board...nice.

45Kilo - Channel

The real star of the show was that receiver. What a beautiful restoration!

ctho admin

Wouldn't it be easier just to have a small switch mounted on the rear of the receiver where no one can see it, and switch the BT board in and IF out that way? That way you don't have to mess with microswitches, or detune the receiver.

ctho admin

Yes, it's genius!

ctho admin

I really like how you shut down the IF stage by lifting the cathode ... so simple but totally effective! I can't wait for the AA5 board!!!

Pat Welch

Very useful way to do this! Does reducing the ripple of the 5v supply help the longevity or quality of the BT module or just an added benefit of using the regulator? PS not bean counting myself :)

Jason Doerr

This is very informative video. Many thanks

Rachmiel Ben Berel

I wonder if you could make a Tube bluetooth adaptor :) Seriously though, I like this idea. Some don't but I feel as we move forward, AM broadcasts, at least in my part of the world, are becoming less and the content is deteriorating, and this type of modification extends the usable life of these old receivers.

Brendan White

I use a pair of 100 ohm resistors as standard practice. Depending on the internal resistance, the opposing channel will load the opposite channel. I have noticed distortion without the resistors.

Steve Foudray

Pretty ingenius switching. How about a high quality AM transmitter so more than one radio can play the same audio?

SuperSparky

This looks like a really fun project with a few nice lessons added in for a bonus! Thank you!

Rick Williams

Hi Brent. Load resistors can be used, and probably will in the final design. I have used 33 Ohm resistors on each channel (right at the board) in the past, and will probably use resistors somewhere around 100 Ohms in the final design just to keep current draw low. They are not needed in all cases (as you see here) but it gives any DC spikes through the caps to the board side "of the coupling (mixing) capacitors" a path to ground other than the IC. The output section of this IC is very sensitive, if you tap the coupling caps to any elevated B+ point, the IC is finished.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Great video, as always! I just have one question. On almost every other “Install A Bluetooth Module” tutorial, or video, they use two summing resistors on the audio output. Why not use them here? Is it because they aren’t really needed in any of the installations, as the volume potentiometer has enough resistance to keep the small amp on the BT unit loaded?

Brent Horn

Oops, I didn't think of that one. Thanks, Paul.

Rob Schertler

Hi Carlos. It's Manjaro

Mr Carlson's Lab

Hi Sascha. If you want to make that even better, replace those 200 Ohm resistors with a 500 Ohm potentiometer and balance the hum away. Chances are the balance point is off center. A single ended filament supply works in most cases, but in a guitar amp with many sensitive amplification stages, a DC or balanced system is best. Also, I find many "overlooked" or maybe even "bean counter" issues in many of these designs. I think many of the devices out there are streamlined for production runs, so small things, often get ignored. Smaller companies that hand build their products do not have these issues.... If they know what they are doing.... Thats a whole other story.

Mr Carlson's Lab

No voice announcement in these, I would throw them in the trash if that happened. The pop is even present with the old factory "phono-radio" switch in many radios, so just remember to turn the volume down before switching over. Not a big deal. Designing a delay circuit is fine, but the issue lies in added build complexity. If there is enough interest, I may add that to this circuit build.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Hi Rob. That would work.... But just to be safe, make sure the B+ doesn't soar high with the load missing from those tubes. The tubes that remain on may be getting excessive B+.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Perfect timing, almost. I just completed a jukebox mod for BT. This definitely improves my method!

Allen Hefner

"Mend it Mark" designed something to delay those modules, but that was to skip the voice annoucement in a version of it. that could serve this purpose too :)

hadi

Instead of lifting the cathode off ground, I simply disconnect the filaments of the mixer, 1st I.F. and the detector tubes (via switch). Obviously, this extends the life of the three tubes, and the transformer really likes the reduced load. Background noise is mostly gone. BTW, the switch mounted on the tuning gang capacitor is just sheer genius. Also, that was a great voltage regulator lesson. Thank you so much.

Rob Schertler

Got 5 of these recently, dirt cheap from China. Will try to get them working in older receivers... I have got a bunch of old gear and since they'll shut down FM next year in Switzerland, this may be the only point of keeping those. I am also looking for feasible diy DAB+ solutions to lengthen the life of old stereo gear.

Daniel Steinmann

Awesome project, Paul 👍 I had a couple of these and I'm quite happy with the quality and the easiness! I'm a big fan of leaf switches from old cassette players mechs 🙂 that could be an option for even lesser force needed.

hadi

Hi Paul, I have added BT to a few of my old radios in the past and in most case I have been able to use the Gram or tape switch to switch the power to the BT unit. I confess I have added BT without being able to switch the supply off and just tuned the radio dial to a very quiet spot to listen to the BT source. Using the tuning dial stops with a microswitch and relays is a novel and brilliant solution. Looking forward to seeing this in practice. Also I have had issues not being able to eliminate hum. Probably ground loops and had to use a DC : DC converter after the regulator to eliminate them. I am of the opinion that BT is a worthwhile, easily reversed addition to extend the life of these radios, as so many stations are getting shut down across the AM bands.

David Moule

Absolutely love this video. Can not wait for the next one

Gloria Jill Sydor

actually I took your word it was at 5.3 volts. No big deal LOL

Gloria Jill Sydor

This module uses version 5.0. As time goes on and versions progress, future smartphones may or may not be compatible with this. I bought a module VERY similar to this last year, just to play around with it. Upon start-up, it throws out an annoying electrical spike into the radio. One would have to make an audio delay circuit. An AUX IN, with the bluetooth connected to that, would be more feasible.

Rob Schertler

Paul, I enjoyed this presentation. I have a few old radios that I'd like add this to. I've been experimenting with a couple of AM braodcast oscilators, but the sound quality is not very good. This seems to be a better solution. I have a problem with watching your presentations on this particular website and would like to talk to you about it, maybe not right here in public. How can I do that? Thanks for all your work.

Mike

I understand Manuel, but I thought I would mention it, as there are several ways to put bluetooth into a radio receiver. Thanks to you both for your great channels.

Rocco Rizzo

looking forward to the board part, I remember seeing a youtuber called Menditmark having a board that does exactly what you are describing. Great video, this will make an excellent over the holiday project.

Patrick Pronovost

I do indeed, but mine is intended more for the radios I typically work on - German sets with dedicated phono selector. This one that Paul has is actually a lot simpler to implement on these types of radios, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing the AA5 solution, which quite frankly I haven’t really planned mine for. I also think Paul’s demonstration of the simplicity of added the device is far more enlightened thank mine 😊 Thank you Paul, for a great video. Manuel.

Manuel Caldeira

Hey Paul, There are some really nice tips in this video! Thanks for that!! Personally, I am not really confident about the non-balanced ac-heating... This might work, or even increase performance of a radio in certain cases - but I also experienced the opposide quite often. As an example, I own a Fender "Musicmaster Bass Amp" from 1979. With these later models, CBS obviously wanted to cut down costs, so they changed the heater wiring by connecting one side of all filaments to the chassis and only running one singe wire to the other filament tap. What a bad idea!! This turned this beautiful amplifier into a hum-generator!! After modding it back to twisted wires and virtually balancing the heater supply with two 100 ohms resistors to ground (as there is no center tap), the problem was 100% solved. What do you think about using an dc-dc converter chip, for providing an insulated supply voltage for the bluetooth-module, without the need to disengage the balancing of the ac-heater supply? There are such chips, that use an inaudible internal clock - and, of course, they can also be shut down, if the radio is switched to its broadcast setting... Cheers, Sascha

Tante Lilo

I have a keepsake "Partygram" transportable record player from the 1960s that my neighbor has cherished memories of since he bought the thing as a teenager! It's truly a wreck in fact from abuse etc but i am slowly restoring it for him albeit i have had some setbacks... There's an AM tuner in the thing but the rotary select for tuner or phono switch is two position & i dare not change to a 3 because it will make it too different. Your idea Paul to have it detect off the tuner/dial end is just perfect! Now i can't wait to add this BT mod!

Pete Bronlund

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9JGP-HeO8w Linux

Jeff Groves

At 27:08 Mr. Carlson introduces a stabilizing cap which he never explains its value. Again, this could be the regulation that he was talking about earlier? You later explained that this is for the purpose of keeping the regulator from breaking into oscillation. It still would be nice to see the difference on an oscilloscope with this cap and without it.

Jon Abbott

Great timing on this video as this has been a project I wanted to tackle for some time. I anxiously await your next installment. I just ordered some Bluetooth audio boards, so I’ll be ready when you are. Thanks!

Rob Deputy

I really enjoy the Christmas theme!

Kenny Fidler

Paul, great video, a couple of questions, 1) what linux distro is that? 2) can you design or give suggestions on existing circuits of a tube broadcast AM transmitter to send music to the old radios. I know there are many but my idea is to have audio quality and not range or simplicity. Thanks.

Carlos Pechiar

Hey I did this with my wife's 1937 philco restore. She wanted bluetooth so she could listen to downtown abbey

Stephen J Eskelson

Much like your " junk parts" tube power supply that you built, I've come to enjoy this style of no cuts straight ahead hear yourself talk out loud construction. It definitely piggybacks on the other videos you've done where everything is kept simple and no moves are wasted. And to hear your thought process out loud while you do this makes things easier for at least me to comprehend.

Marshall Lewis

The relay idea sounds good ,i have micro switches and maybe relays that could work. wait for that next video Paul.

richard ockman

22:26 You can clearly see its a 2200 uF cap. Any voltage between 25 and 35 volts is fine. It's not critical. I'm sure it will mounted on the circuit board, so it will be in the parts list. A 3 terminal linear regulator acts as a superfilter. AC powered devices, and also mobile radios have them to provide clean very filtered DC power supply for VCO circuits, and audio circuits so they are clean of noise. And no, the small capacitor on the output of the regulator helps to keep the regulator from breaking into oscillation. See the design specifications for any 3 terminal linear regulator such as the 7805 7812 etc.

James Colville

I am thinking about adding one of those to my tube amplifier.

James E Bowen

Or how about bluetooth to am transmitter. You can play all of your radios throughout the house!

George Cortez

As usual a very neat idea and tons of knowledge dropped along the way, cant wait to build the board and install this into my AA5. Thanks Mr C!

Chris

I like the way you showed the regulation fon the little Bluetooth board. However, when you took the measurements of the capacitors, namely, the capacitor that’s sitting at the output of the diode, you did not tell us the name of that value. I can only gather that the regulation would’ve been a little bit less if you had measured the output of the diode without the smaller capacitor.

Jon Abbott

I really think the switch at the end of the dial is cool, however, I have been replacing the volume pots (which are usually pretty flaky anyways) with a volume pot with a pull switch to turn on the blue tooth. They even come with a DPDT switch so one side can turn the BT on and the other switches the input. Just my two cents worth. The switch is from digikey https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/bourns-inc/PDB183-GTR02-105A2/3780729

Werner

Hi Paul, Nice job. I really like the relay scheme. I hadn't thought about the cathode trick. Good idea. I am adding a BT module (same one) to an AA5. There isn't a good place to grab a 6VAC source so I'm adding a isolated 120VAC to 5VDC supply. It's $6. I think the only thing I have to watch out for is how the chassis is grounded. A polarized plug should be helpful but then I'm thinking an isolated supply should fix that, right? Hmm... I just thought about the switch mode supply I'm thinking of. A linear supply is probably better. Looking forward to your up and coming board and how you are going to address AA5 and AA6 issues. Cheers, Scott

James Massey

THIS IS GREAT! look forward to the board for it.

Marc Chavez

This is great. I can get started on this as soon as I've restored my receiver 🙄

DavidN

I am such a fuddy duddy. I use an sstran AM transmitter. But I love this on the fly mod. Very valuable and useful video. ME: Why would you do that to a beautiful antique. ME: Yeah but if you want to, now you can, and new information is good for your brain and soul!

Leonard Peters

what is the white braided looking tubing over the capacitor leads in the bottom of the radio? I've been looking for it online...

Stan Harwell

Nice little project. Manuel from Electronics Old and New has a slightly different solution here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FYKT6aLJuE Just wondering what a bug fart sounds like.

Rocco Rizzo

Hmm. Mine is an "all American five" type, no filament transformer, the chassis is live, and it has an amazing sort of "light bulb" iron filament in a Hydrogen atmosphere which on British 230 Volt mains regulates filement current to 150 mA.. Methinks I shall power my BT module off a little battery, and tap it into the volume control...

Beaky Twitch

Some Christmas fun. Thanks. I may try to get one installed in a restored radio I have for Christmas as well. Cool.

Sheldon Butler

Very cool. I like all the tips !

Robert Thresher

No problem :^)

Mr Carlson's Lab

these are valid reasons, thank you. @johnson - learn how to argue from a master.

Murat ERAYDIN

Hi Murat. There are so many reasons to go with this Bluetooth module. Here are just two: #1 Current consumption: (Average 20mA) #2 Size and form factor, #3 ease of connectivity, (most don't want to fool with making things link.) #4 Cost of the device...... Ok more than two.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Here in the states side is cheaper. https://a.co/d/5uWdgCL

Larry { N7LUF }

Thank you for your reply. Just a short addendum to my earlier comment. Your instruction method is so good. As you were picking which connections to use as power to the board you would use, showing the effect of the various connections on background noise made it so plain. Thank you again!

johnson .

I have a 1994 Jaguar XJ12 (until about 2008, the fastest production Jaguar made, and still the largest production Jaguar engine) and I have cogitated on how to make it friendly to my iPhone’s audio. Thanks for the idea on using this YouTube to solve that problem. Cheers!

johnson .

That doesn't mean it's good. I would read the second sentence instead.

Murat ERAYDIN

Hi Robert. This is a one way setup, so it receives audio from your modern device.

Mr Carlson's Lab

Last I checked, all modern devices come with Bluetooth.

Mr Carlson's Lab

You can add a 4.2 volt battery to the positive and negative terminal and it charges via USB on the ones I have.

Wade Ryun

I really don't understand people who use BT in those vintage equipment. If you want to make it up-to-date, at least install something that supports Spotify Connect, Tidal etc. not a BT receiver. Look at Arylic.

Murat ERAYDIN

Man, have I been waiting for this one. Same module I've used in two old cars!

Joe Wiesenfelder

Am transmitter next please ! 😏

Jamie rygiel

So this blue tooth module acts as a receiver from a Bluetooth equipped phone or computer (basically any phone or computer) or does it also allow the blue tooth module to send the radio’s reception to a phone or computer? Or both? I love your YouTubes! Cheers and Merry Christmas! Robert Booth

johnson .


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