Is there any way to request that Sansa carry a line-out cable, or would it even be worth the trouble? It would apply to the e-series as well, (wouldn’t it?) so it seems like a large hole in the product line.
@sansafix wrote:
That would work, but its not in our GUI spec. One problem is users might forget about the setting and when they connected their headphones they would hear no sound and would think the device is broken and call tech support.
Another trick would be to “hack” the view cable and put a pull up on the dock detect pin.
I wish this option with the GUI would still be done -it would be an awesome selling feature. The fact that the Fuze can do line out at all even with a dock is the only reason I just ordered it.
I don’t understand what you mean by “put a pull up on the dock detect pin”. Can you describe exactly how you’d envision this hack working?
@sansafix wrote:
That would work, but its not in our GUI spec. One problem is users might forget about the setting and when they connected their headphones they would hear no sound and would think the device is broken and call tech support.
Another trick would be to “hack” the view cable and put a pull up on the dock detect pin.
Is it possible to have the line-out and headphones enabled at the same time? Could you have a setting that enabled line-out but didn’t disable hadphones?
No. They are mutually exclusive.
@sansafix wrote:
No. They are mutually exclusive.
Per my previous question, can you clarify your suggestion to hack an AV cable?
You would need to wire 3.3V to Pin 7 of the cable / connector which is not very practical. AnythingbutIpod.com Sansa View forum had instructions on how to make your own cable.
Griffin Power dock (with line out) for Fuze is $39.99 and is sold here:
@sansafix wrote:
Griffin Power dock (with line out) for Fuze is $39.99 and is sold here:
Thanks, but I already have a power dock and my new fuze is on it’s way to replace my Sansa e280. I was hoping for a more convenient way to get line out on the go.
I hope at some point in the future Sandisk would update the firmware to allow line out via the view cable as an option. If it were an option in the menu that would be manually changed to use line out - I can’t see people really forgetting that they changed that setting and calling in for warranty repair.
This improvement could be a selling point for Sandisk. Forums like dapreview keep lists of players with line out - to which I’ve added the Fuze (with dock requirement). However, Sandisk would also see an increase in cable sales.
Message Edited by PolloLoco on 08-21-2008 09:49 PM
Enabling the View cable would just result in trouble calls because the Video out “isn’t working”. What’s needed is an audio cable for the e-series & Fuze.
PolloLoco wrote:
I hope at some point in the future Sandisk would update the firmware to allow line out via the view cable as an option. If it were an option in the menu that would be manually changed to use line out - I can’t see people really forgetting that they changed that setting and calling in for warranty repair.
I agree. Plus, there could be some kind of indicator in the UI as to which mode you are in (like a little icon at the top where the Shuffle icon appears).
@bdb wrote:
Enabling the View cable would just result in trouble calls because the Video out “isn’t working”. What’s needed is an audio cable for the e-series & Fuze.
I don’t disagree, but presumably the implementation in the Fuze would be the same in either case and could be done now without a new cable. Obviously an audio-only cable would be ideal. I would imagine 3rd parties would make a cable if the Fuze had the capability. As far as I can tell from the official Sansa site, Sandisk doesn’t even offer the View cable, it’s only available from 3rd parties. Speaking if which, the offical Sansa flash site has to be one of the slowest, most annoying, least informative product sites ever. I really wish they would go back to plain HTML and actually provide detailed information about specs and features, but I digress.
Message Edited by Skinjob on 08-22-2008 11:05 AM
@sansafix wrote:
That would work, but its not in our GUI spec. One problem is users might forget about the setting and when they connected their headphones they would hear no sound and would think the device is broken and call tech support.
Another trick would be to “hack” the view cable and put a pull up on the dock detect pin.
Maybe if there would be an indication on screen if the line-out is on?
Message Edited by szat on 09-01-2008 08:34 AM
Okay, explain it to me like a little kid with simple words, as I’m a newbie and kind of clueless. If I want to play my Sansa fuze through my plain old fashion home stereo, I need to run it through a dock or is there a cable adapter than can do it directly?
The easiest way is with an adapter cable. If your home stereo has standard RCA jacks for AUX-In, all you need is a 1/8" stereo mini plug to twin RCA plug cable. If your home stereo has a different AUX input connection, you will need a cable to match that connection. Connect to the headphone jack on the Fuze set the player at full volume and the EQ at Normal. You can use other EQ modes or Custom EQ, but it might distort the sound. Connect the RCA plugs to your home stereo. The volume will be little low, so be careful when switching your home stereo out of AUX mode to another mode.
You can access the Fuze’s Lineout Mode, but it will require a powered dock and cable or a custom self-built cable. It will provide slightly more input level volume (depending on your home stereo’s input impedance) and a slight improvement in sound quality. The Lineout Mode is probably not worth the bother for most users, as it does not improve sound quality much. This is due to the fact that the Fuze already has excellent sound quality out of the headphone jack.
A newbie followup question. How do you get the fuze to play on lineout mode? Everytime mine is pluged into a usb port it seems to turn into a slave. Does it matter what USB mode is beying used?
Second newbie question. Which docks do you know of allow lineout mode? I’ve heard of the Griffin, but can’t seem to get straight info on whether you can Lineout mode with it or if audio has to be run through earphone jack.
The only way to get line out right now is with a dock. The Sandisk or Griffin docks will provide this. You can make your own cable if you have a soldering gun and feel a bit daring (search this forum).
lineout feature work automatically once its hooked up to the dock? Does it matter what USB mode you’re using?
Yes its automatic and No it doesnt matter.
I have an battery powered FM transmitter that transmits on 4 low end FM frequencies. If you have a powered indoor antenae connected to your receiver and the transmitter is in line with it, say within 10 to 15 feet (depends on the transmitter) is works pretty good. The FM Transmitter connects to the headphone jack of the fuze, set to a dead frequencey on the receiver and that’s it. If 88.5, 88.7, 88.9 etc are all full of active stations…it won’t work. I use it in my vehicle as well. Sorry I don’t have the transmitter brand, but there are a number of battery powered ones out there and they are pretty compact.
It’s probably already in this thread but the best car stereo methods, in very rapidly descending order, are:
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Direct USB connection if the stereo supports it. You might have to switch USB mode (probaby to MSC) or move the album folders into the root directory (the driveletter for Sansa Fuze).
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Direct headphone-out AUX-in connection (by 3.5mm male-to-male miniplug cord) if the stereo has an AUX-in.
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Cassette adapter (headphone jack out to fake cassette) if you’ve got an old-school cassette player car stereo.
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FM transmitter. I have a well-recommended Belkin that lets you pick the output frequency–essential in any city with a crowded radio dial–and at best it’s not very good. It drifts off the frequency, and even when it’s perfectly tuned the sound is staticky and scrunched. I’d never use it with a home stereo, which is bound to have an AUX connection somewhere.
The FM transmitters cost $25 and up. A new car stereo with an AUX-in plug can be found on special for $100-$150. That seems like a big difference, but if you’re going to be driving and listening to music a lot, boy is it worth it.
Fuse works on denon RCD M37 via usb
Sansa fuse settings usb mode MSC works fine will not read from expansion port though
You will need Line out dock jack cost about 12 pounds ebay or if you know what your doing make one up youself
Will then read from expansion + normal drive
Hope that helps
