536
Item nr.


Gerard Mini Giant U Radio Controller

Small radio to control big ones
Data for Gerard Mini Giant U
ProductionThe Netherlands, 2021.
Price was ca. €8.
BandsFM (87.5-108MHz), Bluetooth.
CabinetWood, inspired by Philips BX645U. Size 15.5x11.5x5.5cm.
PowerDC 5V.

The Design

In 2020, I constructed several small stereo sets from Bluetooth modules, and I built one into a tube radio. This unit has the same features, but can also play stand alone from the built in speaker. The energy efficiency of these little micro sets is impressive (and sound quality is very good, with adequate speakers of course). For home entertainment sets, is is quite normal to draw 10 to 30 Watts when in use, and 0.5 to 1W in standby mode. This unit plays from a USB phone charger, and draws just 0.2W in standby, 0.4W when playing from Bluetooth, 0.5W from AUX, and 0.9W when playing FM (all on easy listening volume).

So all-in all, this little "radio" can receive signals from four sources: Bluetooth, FM radio, MP3 files, and analogue AUX, and play them in three ways. First, the internal speaker can be switched on and the radio will play as a little radio. Second, the LINE OUT can be connected to a tube radio (pickup entry). Third, 4Ω speakers can be connected to enjoy full power stereo sound.

Last year I found one of the bigger ACDC sets, the Philips BX645U, and I decided to make the new box look like a miniature version of that radio.

Obtained3/2021 from Home made.
Condition8.
Value (est.)6,8€.

This Object

The wood box, with holes already punched in the back side, and some of the parts that must be built into it. Unfortunately, one part of my plan didn't work out: it was not possible to switch an AC outlet by a relay, bacause I couldn't find a 5V switched line. Internally, all chips work on 3.3V.

On the back are jacks for speakers, line, power, antenna, and a switch for the internal speaker. Inside it's just a spagetti bowl of wires.

Part of Gerard's Radio Corner.
Generated by SiteBuilder on 6/9/2025 by Gerard