FM radio solution for Ghettoblasters from Japanese market

[yammi99]

I don’t know, if such a solution already was posted.


I think, a lot of people which have imported boomboxes directly from Japan, are annoyed that they cannot receive FM radio stations outside of Japan.

Many early boomboxes (end of 70ies, start of 80ies), that were produced for Japanes market, have a FM frequency band from 76…90MHz. This is for devices with analog as with digital tuner.


Also some later produced bb’s with digital tuner, that could receive TV sound (that was between 88…108MHz), could only receive 3 fixed frequencies (TV channels) in the range from 88…108MHz.

Surfing on ebay, I found so called “FM Band Converters”, that are intended to use the built-in radio in cars that were imported from Japan.

For example:
FM Converter

Those small devices will be connected between antenna and antenna connection on PC board. Depending on the version they are “moving down” the received frequency for 14, 16, 18 or 20MHz.

I ordered such a device and built it into my Japanese SHARP QT-88CD. And it really works. With the 16MHz version I can now receive the range from 92…106MHz. This is enough to get all my needed FM stations.


Here a short video:

Mainly such a converter contains a quartz chip, which is shifting the frequency for the specified value.

 

[docs]

Not a bad plug and play solution, thanks for sharing.

 

[hopey]

I'm impressed

 

[Gabehcuod]

I realise this is an old thread but I have an Accuphase T-106 tuner from Japan and I've purchased one of these FM converters.
Would a standard 12V 1A wall wart work after splicing the 12V car end?

 

[yammi99]

Such a converter does not need much power. So, 12V 1A would be more than enough.