Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
After Hours

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

By Mark W. Kaelin August 24, 2007, 4:58 AM PDT

Image
1
of 17

124_ittusb_cracking.jpg
124_ittusb_cracking.jpg
Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

ntAs promised, we cracked open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable to see what makes this gadget work. The review we published in the TechRepublic Practical Gadgetry blog and the original First Look Gallery are still going strong. Apparently, music and music recording inspire passion in much of our membership.

n

ntnn

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Before

Before

Here is the iTTUSB in all its glory before I start the cracking open process.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Shipped state

Shipped state

If you look back at the First Look Gallery you’ll see that this is what the turntable looks like when you take it out of the box.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Platter

Platter

This is the flip side of the platter where the vinyl records sit. The drive belt has been removed from the center spindle.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Small parts

Small parts

The three small, but very important parts of the iTTUSB Turntable include the belt, the weight for the arm, and the stylus where the sound originates.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Input / Output

Input / Output

Power goes in and sound comes out.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Off with the feet

Off with the feet

The big rubber feet on the bottom of the iTTUSB turntable keep it steady during playback.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Next the screws

Next the screws

Once the feet are off, the screws are the only thing left between us and the insides.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Circuit boards and wires

Circuit boards and wires

Here is the inside of the Ion iTTUSB Turntable. When you think about it — there is really not much to it.

The big green circuit boards in the bottom corners are the start / stop switches that control the spinning of the turntable.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Regulate power

Regulate power

As with any sensitive electronic equipment, power regulation and control is paramount.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

More circuitry

More circuitry

This board sits right in the center of everything. It is passing power wires to the speed controlling board in the corner.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Speed control

Speed control

This board controls the turntable RPMs — 33 or 45.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Identification

Identification

Here is a look at the serial number. Manufactured in April 2007, no too bad considering it came to the U.S. on a boat from Asia.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Arm base

Arm base

This the stylus arm housing.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

Arm base lit up

Arm base lit up

This image shows the stylus arm housing with a flash. Note the thin wires — I wasn’t willing to risk Breaking something in there.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

On / off

On / off

Your basic on / off switch. Notice that it is held together with glue and not solder.

Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

A little closer

A little closer

This is a little closer look at those chips.

  • After Hours
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable

    Your email has been sent

Share: Cracking open the Ion iTTUSB Turntable
Image of Mark W. Kaelin
By Mark W. Kaelin
Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.
  • Account Information

    Contact Mark W. Kaelin

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Mark W.'s content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×