Cypheros A100 modding
Although the Popcorn Hour A100 is an excellent device, I am still determined to some small improvements. In addition to a somewhat more attractive cover, some features have been added, which I always found missing.
New feature:
- Multi card Reader for
SD cards, CF cards, etc.
- 4 times USB hub with it's own power
supply
- Power switch
- Optical S/PDIF output
- SATA interface for larger and cheaper
SATA harddisks
(up to two)
- Silent and cheap 2,5"
SATA HDD
Figure 1: Cypheros
A100 mod, front view Figure 2:
Cypheros
A100, mod back view
The case originates from a Pioneer DV-350 DVD player. At the
front where the DVD loader was before, is now a
multi-card
reader and 2 USB ports with 500mA current, enough to power
an
external 2.5 "hard drive without additional power supply.
Left on the back side is the new optical S / PDIF output (TOS Link).
Now you can either use TOS-link or cinch but optical is
preferable because of the galvanic isolation. The more devices you
connect together, the greater the risk of ground loops.
Figure 3: Cypheros A100 mod, internals
On the
right side you can see the PSU of the A100, by a power switch
(front right) it can be switched off completely. Without such a
switch the A100 still uses about 5-10 watts even in standby
or off.
WARNING: Danger of fatal electric shock! Don't do anyting if you don't know exactly what you are doing!
