Audio Stream PC

Every year I seem to scramble putting together a makeshift audio streaming server. Because I only do it once a year, it’s not the easiest task, software has changed, config files have changed etc. I also hate tying up a computer that could be put to better use somewhere else.

Problems to be solved:

• Must be lightweight and portable
• Must be easy to use without the need of a local Linux nut or ssh for config changes
• Must be capable of running over wireless network for in-the-field usage
• Must locally store an archived copy of the broadcast
• Obviously must be able to connect to a server and auto recover should any network issue occur

Hardware

For a long time I have wanted to play with one of those mini itx motherboards so this is the perfect excuse. So to build this mini beast, I have decided to use the following.

Motherboard

Intel D945GCLF Little Falls Mainboard (comes with cpu & ram) - $80.00

Computer Case

Morex T-3310 Mini-ITX Case - Black - $80.00

This case is perfect for our use as an audio streaming device! With two front and back mic/headphone jacks and USB ports handy for a thumb drive.

The power supply is a brick style power cord, similar to what a laptop uses these days.

Hard Drive

I am planning on using flash based data storage, but because I had a 2.5″ disk laying around I threw it in. However, one of the advantages of using flash memory is that its much less prone hardware issues if the device is knocked over or banged up–last thing you want to find is a hard drive crash the big day of.

I am using a SATA 80gb drive, cost less than $80.00

Networking

With a spare router and two wireless bridges this unit can stream audio from practically anywhere. The limits are only in what you use for wireless antennas.

Conclusion

For less than $200.00 using a spare hard drive, you can create a very versatile portable pc.

But you don’t have to buy new hardware to build an audio streaming pc, it takes very little to get the job done, so pull out that old dusty computer and put it to some use.

I haven’t went into detail on the software side of things as this is a whole article in itself. I will eventually write a detailed how-to regarding the operating system, software, and usage soon.

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