Quote:
Originally Posted by Electronic M
Most off the shelf stuff is the same size (~1"X4"x3").
Only way I can think of to go smaller is to pull the shielded RF modulator module out of a VCR or sat box, google the data sheet and rig it to accept A/V and power inputs....I don't know your skill level, but this can vary from easy (I've got one out of an 80's cable box or VCR that has 4 input pins A,V,B+,Gnd), to complex (I have a REALLY tiny UHF agile multi-standard modulator out of a sat box that needs I^2C protocol from a micro-controller to set the channel, broadcast standard etc.*).
*That one I had to write code for an Arduino Uno board to control.
Personally (unless a set is rather beat up/undesirable, and the owner is motivated) I'm not a fan of modifying/hacking things up. If the mod becomes undesirable and is not easy to completely reverse, then the set takes on a crappy feel in any application after the mod falls out of use.
One thing that might be worth your consideration is not to modify the TV but find space elsewhere for a modulator and the chromecast. If the set is being used where you can't locate the modulator close and don't want to run cable, a good solution is to get a Blonder Tongue AM60, BAVMz or AM40 series modulator...While bigger than consumer offerings they (when working properly*) will provide superior picture and sound performance, and have enough RF power that with a good TX and RX antenna you can transmit wirelessly for a good block radius.
If you just want the chromecast/HDMI converter hidden for a classic look, perhaps you could hide those inside an old VCR (the VCR will have an RF modulator built in).
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I totally understand the sentiment of not wanting to modify a perfectly good set. This unit is rather tired, of the "sat in the garage and had stuff on top of it" variety. That said, I'm not going to be doing any irreversible mods. At most I would tap into the AC input for the converters/chromecast, and the antenna input for the output of the RF modulator. Possibly hot snot a couple of microswitches if for some reason I wanted the adapters inside to turn off when the TV is off. I'm not going to be cutting or chopping anything physical if I can possibly avoid it.
As for an agile modulator, that is something I considered, but I really like the idea of a pick up and go set, and I tend to take my old TVs (and their corresponding adapter chains) with me to friends' houses or work, so the idea of just having an all-in-one machine that can play or stream content is very appealing. I'll be eventually getting a Blonder Tongue for my other sets. This one is more experimental for me, as it's not a size or type of TV I normally collect.
I'm not really up to making a whole Arduino board to control a modulator. Preferably looking for near plug n play devices, though obviously minor soldering won't be a big bother. I'll definitely take a look at those accessory modulators. That sounds like a perfect setup to me, as they have normal RCA jacks making it easier to set things up.