The forum and the internet are full of questions about the DIN8 connector on the back of the Beolab 3500 (BL3500) and how to use it, for example to connect Bluetooth, a streamer or a TV.
This is a follow-up to the thread "BL3500 and the MCL/PL connector" (https://forum.beoworld.org/forum/beolab/bl3500-and-the-mcl-pl-connector). I'm starting this separate thread to give the project more visibility and to explain in a straightforward way how to use the PL/MCL connector.
Of course, the easiest way to use either version is via Masterlink. If you don't own a Beomaster with ML, a Beolink Converter 1611 is enough, either on its own as an ML driver or as a Beomaster Audio/Aux to ML converter. But that is not the topic of these threads.
There are two versions of the BL3500 that look the same from the outside but work in completely different ways: the MK1 (MCL connector) and the MK2 (Powerlink connector, S/N > 19343452). Because of this, I'm splitting the topic into two threads, one for each version:
MK1 thread: [link to MK1 thread]
MK2 thread: [link to MK2 thread]
Please use the thread that matches your speaker.
The MK2 has a Powerlink connector, but it is not a normal Powerlink speaker. According to Madskp, the service manual states that the connector is only intended for the Beolink Wireless 1 (https://forum.beoworld.org/forum/beolab/bl3500-and-the-mcl-pl-connector#post-1654528).
How to use the BL3500 MK2 standalone
There is a known workaround: Menu + Menu + 0 + 4 + GO and a DIN-to-jack cable. We don't use it, because it has certain disadvantages, e.g. after a power loss you have to set it up again.
Instead, an ESP32 simulates the Beolink Wireless 1, and a Bluetooth receiver feeds in the sound.
Important: In this setup the BL3500 MK2 acts like a normal Powerlink speaker, e.g. a BeoLab 6000 or BeoLab 8000. There is no remote control, no volume control and no source selection on the BL3500. Everything is controlled at the source (PC, phone, ...).
Warning: Powerlink audio levels are much lower than a typical line-in level, and the MK2 cannot reduce the volume itself. Feeding a normal line-level signal directly can damage the speaker. Do not use an amplifier. Attenuate the signal first, with a voltage divider or a level control on the source.
How to use the BL3500 MK2 as a Powerlink speaker
The MK2 can also be connected directly to the Powerlink socket of a Beomaster or Beovision, e.g. as a center speaker for a TV. The audio comes from the Beomaster or Beovision, the ESP32 only feeds in the wake-up signal. Every time the source switches on, the ESP32 sends the signal and the BL3500 starts. Volume is controlled on the Beomaster or Beovision, just like with any other Powerlink speaker.
The Powerlink socket does not provide enough current for the ESP32, so an external 5 V power supply is needed.
Location: Villach, Austria
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