Dongle

Discussion in 'Computer Corner' started by Freddy, Feb 17, 2018.

  1. Freddy

    Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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    Hiya, not sure if this is in the right section, so please feel free to move.
    I have a relatively old Marantz that has a USB socket, whereby I can plug in a USB stick loaded with music and play it. I was wondering if there’s a Bluetooth dongle that I could plug in and use my iPad as a source, Spotify etc?
     
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      Gail_68 Guest

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      • martin-f

        martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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        • misterQ

          misterQ Super Gardener

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          I'm a bit skeptical about the two solutions given so far.

          As far as I understand it, the Marantz is some kind of HiFi, amp or car stereo unit. I assume that it can read audio files stored on a usb pendrive, powered external hard drive and ipod/iphones connected via a usb cable. When connected, the Marantz unit may even support playback control from the ipod/iphone.

          So, I'm speculating that the client bluetooth dongle must mimic the usb cable and present the paired host (ie the ipad) to the Marantz unit as an attached drive device - which I don't think the dongle can do.

          An alternative solution would be to use a bluetooth receiver/audio decoder dongle connected to the AUX input on the Marantz (if there is one).
           
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          • martin-f

            martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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            Maybe ive read it wrong, i thought Freddy wanted to play music from a usb drive on his Ipad ?.
             
          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            Yes, the Marantz is a receiver (amp/radio) that also has a usb input at the front. Into this a usb memory stick (containing mp3’s and other file types) can be inserted, to enable playback. As the iPad is equipped with Bluetooth, I was hopeful that there might be some way to connect the two, possibly via a dongle inserted into the usb socket on the Marantz. Seems like a non-starter.
            Thanks for the replies folks :thumbsup:
             
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            • martin-f

              martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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              I see Freddy,
              Presuming you Marantz is a compatible model you can connect via airplay on your network.
               
            • misterQ

              misterQ Super Gardener

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              This is similar to the solution I suggested earlier but is not proprietary and it already exists as an addon device to buy.

              It is essentially a pair of bluetooth headphones with the speakers cut off and the wires soldered to a 3.5mm TRS aux plug.
               
            • Freddy

              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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              Thanks for looking that up :thumbsup:
              Unfortunately, mine is the older model.
               
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              • Freddy

                Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                I just re-read this bit...

                Yes, there’s an AUX input. Could you look that up for me? Not sure what you mean :rolleyespink: :biggrin:
                 
              • martin-f

                martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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                • Freddy

                  Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                  Thanks for that, looks like what’s needed :thumbsup:
                  Here’s what I have...


                  1D4C54EE-2081-4FCA-9686-0B17656AFB06.png
                   
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                  • misterQ

                    misterQ Super Gardener

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                    Yes, I would have chosen something like that myself.

                    Since it has a built-in rechargeable battery, it would be wise to fully charge it using a quality DC 5V charger with a micro USB plug (eg a smartphone charger, or using the supplied USB cable connected to your PC or Marantz unit) before the first use.

                    Then, every few weeks or so be sure to power cycle the battery (use the device until it automatically powers down then fully recharge it again). This will condition the battery and make it last longer. This addresses some of the reviews complaining about worn out batteries.

                    Leaving the device permanently on charge while in use means that heat will be generated - this is what quickly kills the battery.
                     
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                    • Freddy

                      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                      Thanks for those replies. It looks like a goer, although as yet I don’t have any speakers (thinking about Bose because of the small footprint). This would be mainly for the wife, who likes to listen to the radio, the Marantz has DAB - lots of choice, and Spotify for the times I want to use it.
                       
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                      • martin-f

                        martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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                        I use a echo dot for internet radio Freddy, 1000s of free stations the echo dot is small and the speaker is good,

                        You can also listen online on your ipad BBC Radio Bristol live stream, i find the dot handy for the garden but you need power and moving from room to room.
                         
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