Viewing the other video of the android tablet inside a boombox gave me a crazy idea.

How's about a boombox with a Raspberry Pi built in?

You could have it hidden away internally if there is enough space.

Have it hooked up to a usb soundcard, then to the boxes inputs (via a relay)

Wireless dongle built in

usb, hdmi, network socket on the outside.

You could stream music to it.

Run internet radio stations.  I think there are smartphone controllers for andriod and iphone.

You could access the pi's desktop via vnc when not connected to a monitor.

Or even have it doing other things.  Boombox web server, bitorrent box??

Might be a bit "fun" to tap a power supply for the pi though

Just a crazy thought.....If a techy fancies the wiring we could hack my old hitachi superwoofer.

what do you think of this? just got it done yesterday..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gXvSpYsVxA

Very nice mightyrepairer...There's an old thread discussing the possibilities of a DIY boombox running off the Raspberry Pi, which inspired me to create this concept.

Hi Si.  The Pi uses a USB cable for a power supply, so it's a 5V DC.  Looking at how small they make phone chargers these days it should be hideable inside a boombox.  That's why I was thinking my superwoofer as they are quite big and hopefully a lot of empty space in there.

Anyway Si I've got a Pi model B on order to have a play with.  If you fancy hacking my superwoofer let me know.

Yeah it looks awesome. My idea is to have the Pi hidden inside the boombox, with just a few ports (ethernet, hdmi, USB) visible.  So the box will still play tapes and radio as normal, but will also be internet enabled......just a crazy thought.  I can do the computery side of things, I just need someone who's good at the electrics side of things.

I received my pi on Wednesday. I must say it's a tiny little thing! 

The plan is to have the Hitachi running as it was from the factory - so tape deck, radio and line ins work normally.  However on the inside have a Pi and a USB hub.

On the Hitachi's case have an ethernet, USB and possibly a HDMI connected to the Pi.

On the inside have a powered USB hub which is connected to the Pi's second USB port.

A wireless dongle and USB soundcard will be connected to the USB hub.

The output from the soundcard will be spliced into the line ins of the Hitachi.

The Pi and USB require a 5VDC power feed.  I think the Pi only needs 1A, I think the hub is similar.

It might be a good idea to have a toggle switch for power to the Pi and hub.  Also a toggle to switch the Pi->line in connection on and off? 

The ethernet would solely be used for initial setup, I'd hopefully be able to control the pi through wifi thereafter.  The USB port on the outside could be used to connect USB storage, or a keyboard.  The HDMI would rarely be needed, (quake 3 on a boombox anyone??) perhaps for troubleshooting?

I've got my Pi set up on top of the Hitachi at the moment and I can play MP3's through xmms2 and MPD.  All remote controlled over wifi!

So the questions to ask are:

1. is there a way I could tap 5V from the Hitachi, or would a second transformer need to be spliced in?

2.  Is the Hitachi easy to take apart?

3.  Do I have to worry about interference from the Pi and hub?

Very geeky I know!  There's a hackspace in Manchester, I'll pop along to their open evening on Wednesday and have a chat.

Hi @schneil - I know this thread is a bit old now but just curious how far you got with this?

I'm planning to do the same and mostly using this:  http://www.pimusicbox.com/ which is an awesome way to use your pi.

Let me know how you got along with combining the power sources as well please!

What a fantastic idea.. would love to see the results!

Talking of nice fellas, ello Si ! Good to see you on mate

Hi technics choy - nice vid ... but ... not sure where the Raspberry Pi was referenced? Did I miss something?