COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut

Simple Hydrophone Design

Material List and Fabrication Instructions

Version 4.2 (7/7/2016)
by Kevin Joy, John Hamilton, Matthew Jewell & Ivar Babb

Table of Contents:

Page
2. Basic Material List
3. Overview & Component Description
6. Fabrication Steps

Appendix 1: History of the Activity & References

Appendix 2: Quick Steps
Appendix 3: Hydrophone V4 Construction Schematic
Appendix 4: Material and Price List
Appendix 5: Connection Diagram for Hydrophone Testing

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 COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut
Simple Hydrophone Design - Basic Material List

Hydrophone Components
Description Vendor Part Number
Piezo Ceramic Microphone Element SparkFun SEN-10293
Stereo Cord with 3.5mm Connectors (25’) McMaster-Carr 8317T15
2-Part Epoxy Adhesive in a Syringe McMaster-Carr 7670A22
Adhesive-Backed Round Foam Bumper (100pk) McMaster-Carr 8213K2
PVC Pipe Hex Reducing Bushing McMaster-Carr 4880K826
Nylon Liquid-Tight Cord Grip (.08”- .24”) McMaster-Carr 69915K62
Amplifier Components (not shown above)
Mini Audio Amplifier (not shown) Radio Shack 277-1008
9Volt Battery for Audio Amplifier Miscellaneous

Note:
SparkFun is an online reseller of electronics & electrical supplies (see www.sparkfun.com).
McMaster-Carr is an online reseller of industrial supplies (see www.mcmaster.com).
See Appendix 4 for the complete material list and alternative options.

2
 COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut
Simple Hydrophone Design – Overview & Component Description

The COSEE-TEK Simple Hydrophone Design, Version 4.2 project has been
developed to offer a simple, functional, and affordable hydrophone that
minimizes the need for electrical and/or mechanical expertise while providing a
hands-on approach to introduce the science of underwater sound to students of
all ages. This document and activity provides a complete material list (Appendix
4), fabrication instructions, and detailed schematics (Appendix 3) to enable the
construction of a turnkey hydrophone system for completion within a single
laboratory or classroom session. A connection schematic (Appendix 5) is also
included to outline the recommended approach to connecting the completed
hydrophone system to a personal computer or mobile device for subsequent
testing, and/or visual display, capture and analysis of underwater sounds.

This project owes credit to numerous hydrophone designs and DIY (do-it-
yourself) projects that were used to form the basis for this activity and
considerations for the design provided herein. See Appendix 1 for a complete list
of references used in the consideration of this document as well as useful links to
other acoustic resources, activities and additional information.

Hydrophone Components:

The hydrophone design presented through this activity demonstrates the use of
simple and affordable components for the construction of a useful and functional
scientific tool for acoustic research and education. The complete hydrophone
system has been designed to offer a turnkey solution through the inclusion of
three major system components; 1) hydrophone container; 2) hydrophone cable;
and 3) amplifier/speaker.

The hydrophone container is the underwater

component of the system designed to provide a
termination enclosure in which to house the
piezoelectric microphone element as well as all
associated electrical connections. This container is
fabricated from a simple PVC pipe fitting and Nylon
liquid tight cord grip. The PVC fitting provides a suitable enclosure for the
piezoelectric microphone element and electrical components, while the cord grip
with strain-relief secures the hydrophone cable as it enters the hydrophone
container and provides strain relief for the cable at this point of entry. 2-part
epoxy adhesive is used to secure, insolate, and seal all electrical components
and connections within this hydrophone container.

3
 The hydrophone cable is the component of the
system designed to carry the electrical signal,
originating from the hydrophone container, to the audio
amplifier or other surface equipment. The black PVC
jacket of the hydrophone cable provides a watertight
layer surrounding the individual conductors of the
hydrophone cable, while the 3.5mm male stereo plug provides an ideal means of
connecting the hydrophone to the surface-mounted audio amplifier.

Cable Selection and Length Considerations:

A 25’ stereo audio cable, with 3.5mm (1/8”) male stereo connectors, has been
specified within the material list for this activity in order to provide one option of
cable having suitable length and design to enable hydrophone deployment to
depths of up to 20’, while providing direct compatibility with the audio amplifier
identified for surface connections. Alternative cables of this design are also
available in lengths from 1-1/2’ to 50’ from the identified supplier, while these and
longer cables are available from alternative material suppliers as well.

As only one 3.5mm male connector is required for the construction of a single
hydrophone, any similar audio cable, having a 3.5mm male connector at one
end, can be used for this activity. Therefore, in selecting the source cable for this
activity, consider the length necessary to meet the needs of the application as
well as the potential for dividing the cable into two segments, should multiple
hydrophones be required. Ultimately, in determining the required length for any
hydrophone cable, be sure to consider both the depth to which the hydrophone is
to be deployed as well as the length of cable required to reach the audio amplifier
and/or other surface equipment.

Note, audio cables are often produced in one of two different configurations; A
Type 1 cable has three individually insulated wires. This is known as a three
conductor cable and was the cable used in documenting/illustrating these
instructions. Type 2 has two individually insulated wires and an un-insulated
shield wire. This is known as a twisted shielded pair (TSP) cable. If using the
Type 2 cable, the shield wire should be used in place of the ground, or
common wire described within this document.

Because the source audio cable is often found in one of many configurations, it is
important to verify and document the specific cable configuration and relationship
between connector pins and wire color or type before making any electrical
connections. A partially completed relationship table is provided within these
instructions to assist you in documenting the particular configuration of cable you
are using for this activity.

4
The Audio Amplifier/Speaker offers an off-the-shelf
solution to providing much needed amplification to the
source audio signal, while offering a simple means to
produce an audible signal of the underwater sounds via a
built-in speaker. Additionally, this component of the
hydrophone system offers a 3.5mm output jack, enabling
simple connection of the amplified audio signal to a
personal computer and mobile device for visual display
and/or recording.

5
 COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut
Simple Hydrophone Design – Fabrication Steps

Recommended Tools:

1. Ruler or tape measure

2. Wire strippers (#26AWG to #14AWG)
3. Ohmmeter or multimeter
4. Adjustable or open-ended wrenches
5. Small Phillips head screwdriver
6. Scissors
7. Tape (electrical or masking)
8. Rubber gloves

Preparations of Primary Components:

See Appendix 3 for a complete assembly schematic

The following steps outline the preparation of the three primary hydrophone
components described in the previous section of this document (Hydrophone
Container; Hydrophone Cable; Audio Amplifier/Speaker). The initial preparation
of these components is necessary to complete the final steps involving electrical
connections and potting of the hydrophone container. The order in which these
primary components are completed is not important as long as all three are
completed before moving on with the rest of the hydrophone build.

Preparation of the Hydrophone Container:

The hydrophone container incorporates simple nylon and PVC components that
utilize threaded compression fittings to connect to one another. Although
compression fittings are often used to form a watertight seal between two
surfaces, it should be noted that for this activity, the hydrophone unit will be filled

6
with 2-part epoxy adhesive as a means of potting all electrical components and
thus sealing out water incursion.

The nylon liquid-tight cord grip provides a flexible means of terminating and
securing the hydrophone cable into the body of the hydrophone container and
sealing the container for inclusion of the 2-part liquid epoxy adhesive.

1) If the liquid-tight cord grip came assembled with the backing nut threaded
to the nylon body, remove the backing nut and set it aside. The backing
nut and O-ring are not required for this activity and may be discarded or
repurposed.

2) Thread the 3/8” NPT (National Pipe Thread)

male threads of the nylon liquid-tight cord grip
into the PVC pipe bushing approximately 2 turns
past finger tight. When completing this step, be
sure to only tighten the nylon body of the cord
grip against the PVC pipe bushing. Do not
tighten the nylon compression nut with strain relief against the nylon
body of the cord grip at this time. Doing so will make it difficult to insert
the hydrophone cable into the housing in subsequent steps of this activity.

Preparation of the Hydrophone Cable:

3) This phase of the construction process involves the preparation of one or

two hydrophone cables from the source audio cable. The ultimate goal of
this procedure is to end up with a cable of sufficient length for the required
application, having one end terminated with 3.5mm male connector and
the other end cut to expose the individual wire leads. This cable will be
referred to as the hydrophone cable throughout the following instructions.
Keep in mind, that if this project is being undertaken as a group activity,
the source cable may have been provided with the intent of forming two
hydrophone cables of equal length for two different hydrophone builds.

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 As an example, if the cable specified within the material list is utilized for
the construction of two hydrophones, measure and cut the audio cable at
it’s center point, leaving two equal length cables, each having it’s own
3.5mm male connector (see diagram below).

Dual hydrophone cables from 25’ stereo audio cable with 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male
connectors.

Similarly, if the cable specified within the material list is utilized for the
construction of a single hydrophone, cut off one of the 3.5mm male
connectors as close to one end of the cable as possible. This will provide
you with a single hydrophone cable of the maximum length having one
3.5mm male connector at one end and flying leads at the other.

Single hydrophone cable from 25’ stereo audio cable with 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male
connectors.

4) Working from the cut end of the hydrophone cable, strip back and remove
approximately 3/4” of the outer cable jacket, exposing the individual wire
leads within. Note, the #12 or #14 AWG wire stripper works well for this
task. Be careful not to penetrate the insulation of the wires inside.

8
5) Using the #26 AWG wire stripper, strip approximately 1/4” of insulation
from the ends of all insulated wires. If your cable is of the TSP type (e.g.
Type 2), having one un-insulated shield wire, gently separate all strands of
this conductor from the two insulated wires and twist the individual un-
insulated wire strands together forming one conductor.

6) Using the ohmmeter (or multimeter) and referencing the diagram below,
identify and document the wire colors (or wire type) associated with the
tip, ring and sleeve of the 3.5mm male stereo plug (i.e. connector)
attached to your hydrophone cable. Complete the empty cells of Table 1.
below (shaded in blue) to assist you in documenting the relationship
between connector pins and wire colors or wire type (e.g. shield wire) for
your specific cable.

Table 1.
3.5mm Male Hydrophone Cable Piezo Microphone
Connector Wire Color/Type Element Wire Color
Tip (signal) Red
Ring (unused)
Sleeve (common) Black

To accomplish this step, you must first set your ohmmeter (or multimeter)
to measure resistance in ohms, or to the continuity beeper (audible tone)
setting. Holding one probe of the meter in contact with one of the pins on
the 3.5mm male connector, use the second meter probe to make contact
with each of the exposed wire leads until you identify the conductor (e.g.
wire) that is connected to the pin you are probing. See the diagram on the
following page for additional guidance. With the meter set to ohms, you
should see a low resistance (e.g. less than 10 Ohms) when you make a
connection across a common conductor, or you will hear an audible tone if
your meter is set as such. Once you identify the particular wire that shows
continuity to the pin you are probing, document the wire color or wire type
(e.g. shield wire) in Table 1. and repeat the process for each of the
remaining pins of the connector until you have completed the relationship
table. Note, even after you have identified a particular wire associated
with the pin you are probing, it is a good idea to probe all remaining wires
to ensure you see no continuity to other wires of your cable.

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Preparation of the Audio Amplifier/Speaker:

7) Using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the battery cover on the

RadioShack audio amplifier and insert the 9Volt battery into this unit.
Replace and secure the battery cover with the original screw.

10
Termination and Electrical Connections of the Hydrophone Cable:

8) Working with the components prepared in the

previous steps, feed the cut end of the
hydrophone cable through the cord grip end of the
hydrophone container, and out the opening of the
PVC pipe bushing. Be sure to feed a sufficient
length of cable through the opening to provide
plenty of slack to work with. Note, it may be
necessary to loosen or temporarily remove the
nylon compression nut with strain-relief from the
body of the cord grip to feed the cable through the
hydrophone container.

9) Referencing Table 1. above, snip off and discard

the conductor (i.e. wire) from your hydrophone
cable that is associated with the ring of the 3.5mm
male stereo plug. This wire is not required for the
fabrication of your hydrophone as only two wires are used to carry the
signal from the source Piezo microphone element. Note, images within
these instructions show this unused wire as being a red wire. This
may be different for your particular hydrophone cable so be sure to
remove the correct wire based on your specific cable configuration.

10) Working with the piezoelectric microphone element and hydrophone

cable, and referencing Table 1. above, match the red microphone wire to
the wire from the hydrophone cable associated with the tip of the 3.5mm
male stereo plug. Twist the exposed leads of these two wires securely
together. You will find that by holding both wires so they slightly cross one
another, with their insulation ends aligned, you can twist the smaller wire

11
 of the microphone element tightly around the wire from the hydrophone
cable forming a strong electrical and mechanical bond. Once complete,
test the integrity of the connection by gently pulling on the wires. If they
separate from one another, repeat the process to ensure that a suitable
mechanical connection is made.

11) Following the technique utilized in the previous step and referencing Table
1., match the black microphone wire to the wire from the hydrophone
cable associated with the sleeve of the 3.5mm male stereo plug and twist
the exposed leads securely together. Test this connection in a similar
fashion and repair if necessary.

12) Cut two strips of tape to approximately 3/8” in

length and fold over the ends of each wire pair
to insulate the exposed wires from making
contact with one another. As most generic tape
is approximately ¾” in width, the end product will
resemble two flat 3/8” squares covering the exposed wire leads.

13) Peel the foam bumper from it’s backing paper

and stick the bumper over the ceramic (white)
side of the piezoelectric microphone element
ensuring that the bumper is centered on the disc.
This bumper ultimately provides an air space in
the final potted assembly in which the
piezoelectric microphone element can vibrate.

14) With all connections made, and with the foam bumper in place, gently pull
the hydrophone cable back through the nylon cord grip until the taped
connections touch the bottom of the PVC bushing.

15) Holding the PVC bushing in one hand, tighten the compression nut with
strain relief against the nylon body of the liquid tight cord grip until little to
no space is visible between the two components of the cord grip and the
hydrophone cable is held securely in place.

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Testing Prior to Epoxy Fill:

16) Plug the 3.5mm” male connector of the hydrophone cable into the input
jack of the audio amplifier and turn the amplifier on to full power. If the
electrical connections have been made appropriately, tapping the
piezoelectric microphone element will emit an audible sound from the
audio amplifier. This simple test will ensure that the microphone element
is wired properly and is operational prior to potting the components within
the 2-part epoxy adhesive.

Potting the Hydrophone Components:

It is necessary to support the hydrophone container upright and level when filling
this component with the 2-part epoxy adhesive as outlined in the following steps.
It is recommended to use a bench vise or other suitable tool, if available, to
support the hydrophone container. If no such tool is available, a simple
alternative utilizing a cardboard box is provided in the following step (#17).

17) Using scissors, cut a slit inwards from one side of a cardboard box,
followed by a small hole about the diameter of the nylon cord grip used in
constructing the hydrophone assembly. This will provide the means to
securely hold the hydrophone container in an upright position, allowing for
the epoxy adhesive to be injected directly into the PVC bushing and nylon
cord grip of this container.

13
18) Put on the rubber gloves to protect your hands prior to working with the 2-
part epoxy adhesive.

19) Using scissors, cut away the tape securing the two mixing tips to the
syringe body and set the tips aside for future use.

20) Pry the epoxy cap from between the plunger handles and set it aside for
future use.

21) Holding the epoxy syringe in one hand, twist and break off the syringe
cover to expose the opening of the two-chambers containing the epoxy
resin and epoxy hardener. Avoid applying pressure to the plunger handle
as this will cause the epoxy to be ejected from the syringe chambers.

22) Install one of the mixing tips onto the open end of the syringe body by
pushing the rectangular end of the syringe tip inwards until it bottoms out
against the syringe body, twisting it to lock it securely in place.

23) Start a timer to monitor your progress as you will have approximately five
minutes from the initial injection of epoxy until the resin begins to harden.

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24) Point the syringe into the bottom of the hydrophone container, centering it
over the opening to the liquid-tight cord grip. Apply even pressure to the
plunger handle to begin injecting the two-part epoxy into the bottom of the
hydrophone container, filling all voids as you continue upwards.
Maintaining consistent pressure with a slight rotational motion will ensure
that minimal air bubbles are formed as the epoxy is injected into your
hydrophone container. Fill the hydrophone container to approximately
1/16” from the top of the PVC bushing.

25) Gently bend the wires of the microphone element over and position the
element bumper side down against the surface of the epoxy until it is
parallel with the top of the PVC bushing. Depending on the speed with
which you injected the epoxy, you should have a few minutes to maneuver
and position the element with the paper clip to ensure it is centered and
level with the surface of the PVC bushing.

26) Once you feel the epoxy beginning to set up,

and can no longer move the microphone
element with ease, continue adding a second
layer of epoxy over the surface of the element,
working in a circular motion from center to the
outer edge of the hydrophone container.
Working with care, you should be able to add a
thin layer extending slightly above, and across
the entire surface of the hydrophone container. Remove and discard the
mixing tip from the epoxy syringe and seal the epoxy with the cap
provided.

27) Allow the epoxy to cure for an additional 15 minutes before deploying in
water for further testing.

Congratulations! You have just completed the fabrication and wiring of your
hydrophone assembly and are now ready to experience underwater sounds.

Refer to the connection diagram in Appendix 5 for visual instructions on

cabling and connecting the hydrophone assembly to a personal computer or
other mobile device. This diagram also depicts the connection of a simple
speaker (i.e. computer speaker) to a source computer for the creation of
underwater sounds in a laboratory or classroom environment.

15
 COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut
Simple Hydrophone Design – Appendix 1: History of the Activity & References

History of the “How to Build A Hydrophone” Activity:

Kevin Hardy of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UCSD introduced a “Build

A Hydrophone” project in 2000 within which he provided a material list, assembly
schematics, glossary of terms and other valuable resources forming the
foundation of this activity. This work has appeared as the basis for many
subsequent hydrophone build activities and offered one of, if not the first activity
of this nature.

In 2002, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) team, at the University of
Rhode Island, added significant value to this project by utilizing the Hardy design
as the basis for developing their own comprehensive step-by-step guide on “How
to Build a Hydrophone”.

Nearly ten years later, this activity was picked up and reevaluated by a team from
the Center for Ocean Sciences Education for Excellence, Technology and
Engineering for Knowledge (COSEE-TEK), at the University of Connecticut, and
a new design was introduced offering a new and improved hydrophone housing
and simplified wiring plan. This activity is still valid and offers a simple,
functional, and affordable design for a DIY hydrophone, utilizing an electret
microphone element. See http://www.coseetek.net/resources/

The activity offered in this document builds upon this previous work and design
concepts gained through alternative sources (see references below) to provide a
vastly simplified hydrophone design based upon the use of a piezoelectric
microphone element. The primary advantage to utilizing this element over an
electret microphone element is that the piezoelectric element requires no power
to operate, thereby reducing the number of components and fabrication effort
required to complete the activity.

References:

Web References:
 Discovery of Sound in the Sea, University of Rhode Island, Office of
Marine Programs, http://www.dosits.org/
 Raven: Interactive Sound Analysis Software, The Cornell Lab of
Ornithology, Bioacoustics Research Program
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/RavenOverview.html

References:
 Hardy, K. 2000. Build A Hydrophone. Scripps Institute of
Oceanography/UCSD

16
  E. R. Vivas and B. L. Lopez (2011, March 12). Construction, calibration,
and field test of a home-made, low-cost hydrophone system for cetacean
acoustic research. Acoustical Society of America; Proceedings of
Meetings on Acoustics, Cancun Mexico, 15-19 November 2010

Personal Communication Reference:

 Peter Stephanishen, personal communication; University of Rhode Island,
OCE 311 "Coastal Measurements and Applications", Laboratory exercise,
2006.

17
 COSEE TEK ~ University of Connecticut
Simple Hydrophone Design – Appendix 2: Quick-Steps

See Appendix 3 for a complete assembly schematic

Simplified Instructions for Hydrophone Fabrication:

1. Assemble the hydrophone container by attaching the body of the liquid-tight

cord grip to the outside of the PVC Pipe bushing.
2. Cut the stereo cord in half or at one end depending on the number of
hydrophones required for assembly.
3. Strip and remove ¾” of outer jacket from the end of the hydrophone cable.
4. Strip and remove 1/4” of insulation from the ends of the wires of the
hydrophone cable.
5. Test for continuity between the pins of the 3.5mm male stereo connector and
wires of the hydrophone cable and document this relationship in Table 1.
6. Insert the 9V battery into the audio amplifier/speaker.
7. Insert the cut end of the hydrophone cable through the cord-grip end of the
hydrophone container.
8. Snip off the hydrophone cable wire associated with the ring of the 3.5mm
connector
9. Twist and connect the exposed leads of the red microphone wire to the
hydrophone cable wire associated with the tip of the 3.5mm connector.
10. Repeat step 9 to connect the black microphone wire to the hydrophone cable
wire associated with the sleeve of the 3.5mm connector.
11. Cover and insulate the exposed wire connections with two small pieces of
electrical tape (approximately 3/8” square).
12. Install the self-adhesive foam bumper centered over the ceramic side of the
piezoelectric microphone element.
13. Pull the hydrophone cable back through the liquid-tight cord grip until the
taped connections touch the bottom of the PVC bushing.
14. Fully tighten the compression nut to the body of the liquid-tight cord grip.
15. Plug the hydrophone cable into the amplifier/speaker and test the system to
ensure proper wiring.
16. Secure the hydrophone container upright and level with a bench vise or other
suitable tool. See detailed step 17 for a simple alternative option.
17. Wearing rubber gloves, remove all detachable components (i.e. mixing tips &
epoxy cap) from the packaging of the 2-part epoxy syringe.
18. Break off the syringe cover and install one of the mixing tips over the exposed
end of the syringe.
19. Fill the hydrophone container with epoxy to approximately 1/16” from the top
of the PVC bushing, ensuring minimal air bubbles are formed in the process.
20. Position the microphone element, centered within the PVC bushing, and
bumper-side down, parallel with, against the surface of the epoxy adhesive.

18
21. Inject the remaining epoxy adhesive, covering the microphone element to the
outer edge of the PVC bushing.
22. Allow epoxy to cure fully for an additional 15 minutes before use.

19
 Appendix 3 Connector Sleeve ~ Ground/Common
Hydrophone Cable w/ 3.5mm
Male Stereo Connector Connector Ring ~ Unused

Connector Tip ~ Signal

Hydrophone Container
Hydrophone Cable
Hydrophone Cable (Expanded Section View ~ 2X) Hydrophone Cable
(Unused Wire) (Signal Wire)

Hydrophone Cable
(Ground/Common Wire)

Electrical Tape (*2)

Piezoelectric Element
Liquid-Tight Cord Grip (Red Wire ~ Signal)
(Nylon Compression Nut
w/ Strain Relief) Foam Bumper

Liquid-Tight Cord Grip Epoxy Adhesive Piezoelectric Element

(Neoprene Bushing)
(Ceramic Disc)

Liquid-Tight Cord Grip Piezoelectric Element Piezoelectric Element

(Nylon Body) (Black Wire ~ Ground/Common) (Brass Backing Disc)

PVC Pipe Bushing

Northeast Undersea Research Technology &

Education Center at the University of Connecticut
1080 Shennecossett Road * Groton, CT * 06340 * TEL: 860-405-9121
Hydrophone Container
(Section View) COSEE TEK Simple Hydrophone Design Schematic (v.4.2)

Note: The color and type of wires for a given hydrophone cable will vary based on the configuration of the Size Rev.
source cable. The depiction of a three conductor cable having red, white and yellow insulated wires was used Drawing No. HydrophoneV4001
Letter B
in this document for representation only. The relationship between pins of male stereo connector and wires of
a the hydrophone cable must be determined prior to making connections to the Piezo microphone element. Date: July 8, 2016 Scale: 1 = 1 Sheet: 1 of 1
Appendix 4: Material & Price List for COSEE TEK Simple Hydrophone Design Version 4.2 ~ 7/8/2016

Item # Req Distributor Distributor Part# Price Quantity Per Unit Price Total Price
Piezo Ceramic Microphone Element 1 SparkFun SEN-10293 $1.50 1 $1.50 $1.50
Mini Audio Amplifier 1 Radio Shack 277-1008 $14.99 1 $14.99 $14.99
9 Volt Battery 1 Radio Shack ULA9V or similar $3.79 1 $3.79 $3.79
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 25' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T15 $8.25 1 $8.25 $8.25
2-Part Epoxy Adhesive in a Syringe 1 McMaster-Carr 7670A22 $9.00 1 $9.00 $9.00
Adhesive-Backed Round Foam Bumper 1 McMaster-Carr 8213K2 $7.66 100 $0.08 $0.08
PVC Pipe Hex Reducing Bushing 1 McMaster-Carr 4880K826 $0.99 1 $0.99 $0.99
Nylon Liquid-Tight Cord Grip, 3/8" NPT, .08"-.24" Cord Diameter 1 McMaster-Carr 69915K62 $3.24 1 $3.24 $3.24

Single Unit Price $49.42 Multi-Build Price $41.84

note: single unit pricing may be reduced by purchasing some
hardward in reduced quantities at a local hardward store.
Alternative Stereo Cord Options from McMaster-Carr
Item # Req Distributor Distributor Part# Price
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 1-1/2' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T11 2.88
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 3' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T12 3.55
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 6' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T13 4.3
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 12' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T14 5.55
Stereo Cord with 1/8" Connectors, Male to Male, 50' length 1 McMaster-Carr 8317T16 13.53

Distributor Contact Information:

RadioShack (http://www.radioshack.com for locations)
McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com or 609-689-3415)
SparkFun (www.sparkfun.com)
 Appendix 5
Component & Connection Diagram for Hydrophone &
Hydrophone Testing RadioShack Mini Reception Equipment
Amplifier/Speaker Connections
(1/23/2014 ~ Kevin Joy / UConn COSEE-TEK) (2771008)
Audio Source RadioShack Mini Input

Connections Amplifier/Speaker Hydrophone

(2771008) Cable Personal Computer
Input (w/ acoustics software)
1/8" male to 1/8" male “mono”
audio cable (i.e. RadioShack Output
model 42-2420)

Output

Output Cable

Headphone Jack w/
Personal Computer Microphone Input
(playing audio file)
Option 1 Audio Input
(direct connection) Jack

Hydrophone Alternate Device

Container Connection
Speaker
Option 2
(adapter connection)

Smart-phone
1/8" male to 1/8" male “mono” or Tablet
audio cable (i.e. RadioShack iPhone 1/8" microphone
model 42-2420) adapter (KVConnections KM-
IPHONE-MIC)
Audio Output
Jack

Note: Most current personal computers have audio input jacks that fall under one of two configurations described below. This document provides instructions for
computers having jacks of the 1/8" form-factor. Additional adapters will be required for equipment having alternative audio input configurations.

Option 1: Some personal computers have two audio jacks, providing separate input (microphone) and output (speaker/headphone) connections to the system. For
computers of this configuration, insert the 1/8" male plug of the output cable, from the Amplifier/Speaker, directly into the input (microphone) jack of the computer.
Option 2: Other personal computers have a single audio jack for both microphone input and speaker/headphone output. For computers of this configuration, insert the
1/8" male plug of the output cable, from the Amplifier/Speaker, into the jack of the iPhone 1/8" microphone adapter, and plug the adapter into the jack of the computer.
This configuration is also standard for most tablets and smart-phones.