ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Goodbye BeoSound 2300 and welcome to Home Automation and Google Chromecast Audio Multiroom. The BeoSound 2300 has served me well for approx. 20 years... but now it's time to say goodbye.
The BeoSound 2300 is replaced with a wall mounted Lenovo TAB 4 10". It is displaying the Home Automation (hass.io) front end and the favorite musicstreaming app. The color theme is black/grey/red ... inspired by many of Bang and Olufsens classic systems.
Kitchen:
Lenovo TAB 4 10"
... and Beovox CX50 powered by Lepai amp and source is Chromecast Audio.
Living room:
Beolab 3 and Cambridge Minx 201 subwoofer. Design of the Cambridge Minx is very similar to the BL3's. I've removed the white Cambridge text on the front to make them blend better in. Audio source is Chromecast Audio.
Bravia 55" with BL4000 and 8 inch subwoofer. Audio source is the headphone out on the TV. Controlled with BEO4 via Lintronic.
The frame around the Bravia is home made. Hard wood with black paint. Clean look.
Hall:
BL4000. Audio source is Chromecast Audio.
The BV7-40 MK2.
Kodi on Raspberry controlled via datalink from Scart. HD picture via DVI.
Raspberry is hidden in the stripped HDD recorder cabinet.
Uhhh... forgot the Beosound 1... Chromecast Audio speaker in the bathroom....
Ravsted, looking good, what are you running on the Lenovo 10" ? the Bang & Olufsen app or?
Does it turn on automatic when you get close, or do you have to do it yourself?
Find me on YouTube : Bang & Olufsen Teknisk Forum : https://www.youtube.com/c/BangOlufsenTekniskForum
Hi,
I am running two apps.
One is the Home Assistant frond end. You can read more here: hass.io. With Home Assistent you can customize the front end and control many of your ethernet devices and iOT's.
It is a webpage running on a local server. It runs full screen as you can see below.
The second app is the favorite music streaming app.
With Android you can select a productivity interface - which makes it easy to switch between apps you've opened. It gives you a Windows-like task bar. You can see that in the buttom of the screen.
The power supply cable is "inside the wall" - so no visible cables. The tablet is on 24/7.
Wall mount is 3D printed by the way....
Ser godt ud, nu kan jeg jo se du er dansker :)
I have looked into Hass.io, and maybe I should give it som more time, I tried to run it as a Virtual Machine on my server, but i didnt finished it.
B&O HD recorder:
Well... is wasn't 'cosmetic surgery' but rather 'effective surgery'. I used a metal grinder to make a big hole in the back and rive nuts were drilled away. You will find a photo below. As you'll see I currently have a set top box in there as well. HD picture via HDMI to Component.
The Raspberry is generation 3 with build in Wifi. Approx 10 meters and one stone wall away from the WiFi router. Not facing any issues. But put it as close to the opening in the back as possible.
Raspberry / Datalink
I took a scart connector apart and Raspberry GPIO is connected to SCART pin 8 (data) and shield. Sound and communication via SCART and picture via HDMI/DVI. The raspberry has "learned" the signals coming from B&O via LIRC. But you don't need to struggle with that. You can have my config files if you'd like.
PIN 21 from scart goes to PIN 6 (ground) on the Rasberry Pi (model B)
PIN 8 from scart goes to PIN 12 (GPIO 18) on the RPi
Actually another method is to connect a B&O link eye to the Raspberry. It also transfers datalink.
Chrome Cast Audio
I have 4 CCA's and I've made the "logical groups" in Google Home App. Like "Kitchen & Living Room", "All Speakers" etc.
I used to have an iPhone but CCA is very badly implemented on IOS. That is the main reason for choosing a Lenovo running Android... and scrapping the iPhone in favour of OnePlus 6T.
It is quite smooth on Android.
Hass.io
The main goal by introducing hass.io was to have a no-nonsense interface. As simple as the good old FM radio. The "home page" has a default radio channel selected. The default speaker group. The default audio level. All you need to do in the morning is touch "play".
But hass.io opens for a number of other opportunities. Macro programmming. Event based actions.... Like, when you phone becomes present on your wifi network you can program it to start playing your favorite radio on your favorite speakers, turn on the coffee machine and lights in the living room..... I am not there yet... But I will be.
CCA and BV7
I had the idea but never made it happen. However it should be pretty easy to accomplish with:
2 channel audio mixer (pepperdecks)
1 Powerlink to mini jack (from TV to pepperdecks)
1 Powerlink to mini jack with USB trigger from AV-Connection (from pepperdecks to Beolab)
The Beolab will be on all the time and just mix the sound coming from CCA with whatever is coming from BV7.
Thanks for your long explanation of what you accomplished. It seems all with the same intent I had. Particularly your HD recorder is really great and I may put mine back to action this way. I have a few follow-up question if you don't mind:
1) HD recorder - you have the advantage being able to own and handle a metal grinder. Shouldn't be too tough though, so let me look into this. I remember the HD recorder had a PSU of some form. It seem you removed this as well. Any specific caution applied and didn't this leave you with a hole in the back?
2) Do I read you correctly that both wifi and flirc (and also bluetooth?) are working from inside the HD recorder?
3) Are you using PUC to receive the flirc signal or directly from the BROne? Do you see advantages either way?
4) Are you saying you don't have "hand-over" issues when switching from one speaker group to a different one? Have you tried this with spotify as well? It's not working well for me and thought it was a chromecast issue, but you are implying that it may be an IOS issue?
5) Have you tried plex? It seems to deliver what you suggest with hass.io in terms of media (not lighting things though). It may have the benefit that it also allows you to stream video (what hass.io does not seem to support).
1. Yes, stripped it completely.
2./3. I only use WiFi. Not Bluetooth. As described it is connected with cable from GPIO to pin 8 and 21 in the scart socket in the TV. The socket is defined as V.MEM. The TV believe it is connected to a B&O video or HDD recorder and transmits the datalink codes via scart. So no need for PUC. The raspberry does not have to be within IR or BT reach.
4. I stop casting. Select new group and casting starts again. Haven't tried with Spotify. Can recommend to test on Android. For obvious reasons it works much better on (Google) Android.
5. I am very happy with Kodi media center. Have it on 4 B&O TV's (BV7 and BV5). Integrate smoothly as described above. Hass.io also integrates out of the box with Kodi.
steve1977: Particularly your HD recorder is really great and I may put mine back to action this way. I have a few follow-up question if you don't mind: 1) HD recorder - you have the advantage being able to own and handle a metal grinder.
Particularly your HD recorder is really great and I may put mine back to action this way. I have a few follow-up question if you don't mind:
1) HD recorder - you have the advantage being able to own and handle a metal grinder.
I am utilizing a functionally broken HDR2 for a similar project. I was tearing it down this weekend and when I opened it up was completely surprised to find a piece of steel spot welded into the middle of the case. Was hoping to put in a large power supply for my project, but might have to get another one instead or "unpacking" the the new PSU.
Sadly I do not have an angle grinder.
I will add that the hardware inside of the HDR2 was impressive. All fasteners were torx (no stripped heads in there) and the neat sub-compartment with the HDD inside mounted within its own mil-spec sub-frame. On top of all that there is isolation and noise control considerations throughout.
Beo4 'til I die!
I believe that both Ravsted and I have an HDR2 as well. Judging from the photo, it seems he has found a way to cut out the steel plate in the middle?
steve1977: I believe that both Ravsted and I have an HDR2 as well. Judging from the photo, it seems he has found a way to cut out the steel plate in the middle?
Correct, it has been removed in the above units. I just personally never expected that to be there when I opened the HDR2. I expected a box mostly full of air!
I removed the piece of steel which is spot welded into the middle of the case by a combination of
- drilling the spot welds
- hammer and chisel (between steel plate and chassis)
- rocking the piece of steel back and forth until it breaks.
I have a simple and cheap solution for playing music on your Beolab 7.1/2/4/6 while it is still connected to your TV.
I haven't used on on Beolab 7 myself, but I've done it on Beolab 4000 and the principle is the same.
There only one thing you need to accept. The Beolab 7 will be turned on all the same.
I did the following when I wanted to "share" a pair of Beolab 4000 between Beosound 2300 and Google Chrome Cast:
You need:
2 channel audio Pepperdecks mixer - approx. 30€
1 Powerlink to mini jack cable
1 Powerlink to mini jack with USB trigger from AV-Connection - approx. 25€ (google: "AV-advance Stereo MiniJack med USB trigger kabel til B&O Powerlink")
- USB charger
- Chromecast Audio
Connect Powerlink to mini jack cable between TV PL socket and Audio in on the Pepperdecks mixer
Connect Chromecast Audio with mini jack to mini jack to Audio in on the Pepperdecks mixer
Pepperdecks mixer does not require any additional power source
Connect the cable from AV connection to Audio out on Pepperdecks mixer to PL socket in Beolap 7 speaker
Connect USB charger to the USB cable of the cable from AV connection. This will turn the Beolap 7 speaker on.
As mentioned. I've done it with Beosound 2300, CCA and BL4000.
I do not know if the TV is "detecting" the BL7 and only sends the audio signal if a full PL cable is connected.
I can test it if you want. I still have the mixer and cable somewhere.
Ravsted:Hi, I removed the piece of steel which is spot welded into the middle of the case by a combination of - drilling the spot welds - hammer and chisel (between steel plate and chassis) - rocking the piece of steel back and forth until it breaks.
Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2 Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset
Nice upgrade Hiort!
I upgrade a little bit too (a bit more vintage though) - replaced the BeoLab 3500 in the kitchen with a BeoLink Active and a pair of steel grey BeoLab 4000s. Sounds better! And works well with BeoMaster 6500 through a converter.
Some images (also of the cables that gave a bit of frustration as I soldered them wrong (mirrored) first time:
Well done Johan! The BL4000 are real classic speakers and still look so contemporary.
Not B&O but definitely Jacob Jensen's Design (I had it for years without even knowing!)
matador43:Not B&O but definitely Jacob Jensen's Design (I had it for years without even knowing!)
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
The Jensens' website (https://jacobjensendesign.com/rosti-mepal) claims the Rosti job was assigned to Jacob, B&B's young employee.
Sure, Jacob Jensen did that for the B&B’s....who worked for Rosti.
We have one at home - and knew that all the time.
However, noone knows what really happened in the atudio back then, I guess.
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Millemissen: and knew that all the time.
Then your surprise wasn't as great as mine when i found that!
Millemissen: However, noone knows what really happened in the atudio back then, I guess.
trackbeo:The Jensens' website (https://jacobjensendesign.com/rosti-mepal) claims the Rosti job was assigned to Jacob, B&B's young employee.
Listening to new H6.Audience tributes page 3,Sun magazine.
Beogram 6500 MMC2,Beosound Ouverture,2xBeolab 8000,2xBelolab 4000,Beolab 2,Beolab 7.2,Beo4 navi, 2xBeocom2,Serene,Beosystem 3 mk3,H6 2nd gen,Earphones E8,A8,A9 keyring,Beoplay A1,Bottle opener,Beoplay A2 active(thanks Botty)Wine Set(thanks Botty),4Ktv Samsung 55'',Beolab 7.1 with 42''Panasonic plasma,,Oppo udp-203, LinTronic.
OldJack:Listening to new H6.Audience tributes page 3,Sun magazine. Beogram 6500 MMC2,Beosound Ouverture,2xBeolab 8000,2xBelolab 4000,Beolab 2,Beolab 7.2,Beo4 navi, 2xBeocom2,Serene,Beosystem 3 mk3,H6 2nd gen,Earphones A8,Keyring,Bottle opener,Wine Set,4Ktv Samsung 55'',Beolab 7.1 with 42''Panasonic plasma,Oppo udp-203, LinTronic.
I doubt that the A8 would help there 🙃
Millemissen: I doubt that the A8 would help there 🙃 MM
Noooooo....no piercing allowed
Beosystem 6500.
Ouverture,
Beosound 8.
I really loved my Sennheiser Pink Floyd edition.Aestethically and musically.Until my nephew saw it.Parted as his birthday present.
As a replacement,preferring everything wired,chosen H6,Missing some bass details and slightly brighter treble,but overall good choice.Looking good as well.
OldJack:I really loved my Sennheiser Pink Floyd edition.
Michael:Here’s a few photos with them and my H6’s from when they came out.
My livingroom setup with Horizon on wheelstand (love it) and beolab 2.
PK:My livingroom setup with Horizon on wheelstand (love it) and beolab 2.
Finally got the vinyl looking CD-Rs loaded with music...
Ralf
Living Room: Beosystem 4, Beolab 7-2 (Center), Beolab 9 (Fronts), Beolab 8000 (Rears), no Subwoofer. Screen: Sony KD-85XH9096Dining Room: Beosound Essence MK II with Beolab 4000 on stands, fed by Amazon Echo Show 8Home Cinema: Beosystem 4, Beolab 7-4 (Center), Beolab 1 (Fronts), Beolab 4000 (Rears). Projector: Sony VPL-HW55Home Office: Beosystem 3, Beolab 7-4, Beolab 5000, Screen: Sony KD-55XH9005 on Beovision 7-40 stand, ML to Beosound 9000 MK3 and Beosound 5/Beomaster 5 (1 TB SSD version)Bedroom: Sony KD-65XH9077, Beosound Essence MK II with Beolab 6002 and Beolab 11 (all white, wall-mounted)
In storage: Beolab 5000/Beomaster 5000 (1960s).
BL 7.4, 17, 18, 19