How to connect 2 inputs to my TAPE in?

**ToeRag** · 04-28-2004, 07:29 PM

I'm just starting to get into a PC in my car (PT Cruiser) I;ve got a system working pretty well, and plan on going all the way soon. However until I get some better touch screen software for my XMPRC I;m sticking with my Roady for now.

So here's my problem...

I've got my stock CD/FM Tape Stereo in my PT supplying the AMP and control for my speakers. The input through a TAPE adapter in the cassette drive. Not the best but until I get the $$ it's going to get me by.

So I have a 'Y' 1/8' mini stereo plug adapter that I use connect to the TAPE adapter, one to my PC lineout, the other to my XM Roady. When I want to listen to XM I plug in the mini and leave my PC off. and Vice-Versa. Can I Put some diodes in-between to block the direction of output to only go to the TAPE adapter? so I don't have to keep un-plugging the 1/8" plug?

What I want to do is leave them all plugged in all the time without worrying about a feedback, or damage to any component. I thought of a switch, but it's NOT a good solution right now. I will eventually switch to using my XMPCR through my PC but I have a though time waiting for my PC to BOOT befoe I get any audio... spoiled!

can anyone help?

**falconey** · 04-29-2004, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by ToeRag

I thought of a switch, but it's NOT a good solution right now.

Seems you've ruled out the best solution. Radio shack has source selectors. They cost $$, but they are the best solution for this issue. You put all your inputs to the source selector and use the selector to switch between the different sources.

**ToeRag** · 04-30-2004, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by falconey

Seems you've ruled out the best solution. Radio shack has source selectors. They cost $$, but they are the best solution for this issue. You put all your inputs to the source selector and use the selector to switch between the different sources.

I haven't ruled it out... I didn't know they had anything... are they small? do they accept 1/8" mini plugs?

**archimense** · 04-30-2004, 02:08 PM

Have a look at auxillary input convertors here: http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxchry.html

**Jackso** · 04-30-2004, 02:13 PM

Or, since everything is line level, you can just run them both.

You're not going to hurt anything by leaving them connected. You could in fact play both the XM and the computer audio at the same time, and still not hurt anything, it would basically mix the signals.

Another option is to use the line input of the computer to run the XM into, and use the line output to run to the cassette adapter. You would most likely then have to have the computer on all the time for the XM to work, but it's possible that some MOBO manufactures couple them some how, not too sure about that. But I do know that you won't hurt anything connecting 2 line level outputs to one another.