---
excerpt: Radios are known for their bendability
title: MP3 / FM Radio
type: Audio device
found: Beginning of September 2024
where: Interaction Station Trash
description: This is a description
image: "./assets/devices/mp3_front.jpeg"
---

The MP3/FM Radio player was found in the trash bin at the Interaction Station. This device seems more modern than the reel to reel recorder, and I suspect it will contain some SMD components. Radio's are known for their bend-ability [^handmade-electronics]

[^handmade-electronics]: Radio's contain loads of audio related circuitry, such as oscillators, ring modulators, filters,  that are great to mess around with, and contain the parts we'd love to salvage (Collins, 2009)

During the dismantling process, I've discovered loads of design features discouraging repair. The pockets for the screws are so deep it’s nearly impossible to get a screwdriver in, and there are at least 4 messages mentioning shock hazards.
Surprisingly, it turned out to be pretty simple to open, as there were only 8 screws.

The PCB has SMD components. Taking these off went much faster than expected, but I'm afraid I've melted a bunch in the process. (And lost a few in transportation).

On the back side of the PCB, there are some regular-sized components. I wonder why this was done this way.
