PCB 3D Model
Interactive 3D model of the PCB. Click and drag to rotate, scroll to zoom.
How It Works
The Nova's factory 8-track player reads audio from a magnetic head pressed against the moving tape. This adapter replaces a real tape cartridge — instead of tape, a custom PCB sits inside a 3D printed cartridge shell.
An M18 Bluetooth module receives audio from a phone. A NE5532 op-amp mixes the stereo left and right channels into mono and buffers the signal down to the millivolt level the player expects. That signal feeds into a magnetic head mounted on the shell face, exactly where the original tape would run.
The player's own spring mechanism presses against the head just like it would press against tape — no modifications to the car required. A LiPo battery and TP4056 charging module provide power, with a USB-C port on the shell for charging.
PCB Specifications
Board
| Dimensions | 70mm × 45mm |
| Layers | 2 (F.Cu signal + B.Cu GND plane) |
| Designed In | KiCad 10 |
| Manufacturer | JLCPCB |
| Min Track Width | 0.25mm signal / 0.5mm power |
Audio Circuit
| Op-Amp | NE5532P (DIP-8) |
| L+R Mix Resistors | 10kΩ × 2 |
| Feedback Resistor | 10kΩ |
| Output Resistor | 1kΩ (to head) |
| Coupling Cap | 100µF 35V electrolytic |
| Bypass Cap | 0.1µF ceramic |
Power System
| Bluetooth Module | M18 (15.86mm × 23.54mm) |
| Charge Module | TP4056 with 5V boost |
| Battery | 3.7V LiPo (JST-PH 2mm) |
| Charging Port | USB-C pigtail, panel mount |
| Power Switch | MTS-101 mini toggle (pigtail) |
Magnetic Head
| Head Element | 8.29mm W × 7.13mm D × 6.08mm H |
| Mount Base Width | 24mm total (T-shaped) |
| Center Section | 7mm W × 11.17mm D |
| Wing Depth | 6mm (screw holes in wings) |
| Base Height | 0.49mm |
| Base Offset | Front of base 3.71mm back from head front |
| Orientation | Head element sits ON TOP of base |
Shell Cutout Specs
For the 3D designer — required openings in the cartridge shell
USB-C Charging Port
- Hole diameter: 11mm round
- Anti-rotation tab: 2.05mm W × 0.46mm H
- Tab position: Bottom of hole
- Connector type: Round panel mount pigtail
Power Switch
- Hole diameter: 6mm round
- Switch type: MTS-101 mini toggle
- Mounting: Threaded bushing + nut
- Clearance behind panel: ~15mm
Magnetic Head Opening
- Opening width: ≥ 8.29mm
- Opening height: ≥ 6.08mm
- Mount base: T-shaped, 24mm wide
Build Status
✅ Completed
- ✓ Circuit designed and tested on breadboard
- ✓ Schematic completed in KiCad 10
- ✓ PCB layout routed (0 DRC errors)
- ✓ Gerbers exported and ordered from JLCPCB
- ✓ STEP/GLB 3D model exported
- ✓ Head placement validated in test cassette
⏳ Remaining
- ○ Receive PCB from JLCPCB
- ○ 3D printed shell designed and printed
- ○ Solder all components
- ○ Final assembly and testing in Nova