1978 Sony FX-300 Transformed with ESP32 & Bluetooth

Upcycling old technology is an art that blends nostalgia with modern innovation. For retro tech enthusiasts, restoring vintage devices while integrating contemporary features is the perfect balance between preserving history and embracing progress. One such project is The Jackal Rebuild, an ambitious modernization of the 1978 Sony FX-300, originally a portable cassette player, FM radio, and black-and-white TV.

Watch Ian talk about the The Jackal, a 1978 Sony Fx300 Upcycle in this episode of The Electromaker Show

Created by Tom Granger, this project breathes new life into a once-cutting-edge device by upgrading its internals while keeping its rugged vintage design intact. Featuring a Teensy microcontroller, ESP32-based Bluetooth connectivity, and a modern IPS display, the updated Jackal is now a fully functional audio system that merges classic hardware with modern technology.

Upgrading the Jackal – A Blend of Old and New

The Sony FX-300, released in 1978, was an impressive piece of technology for its time, combining a cassette player, FM radio, and black-and-white CRT television in a single ruggedized unit. While its design was durable, its technology became outdated. Rather than letting it fade into obscurity, Tom Granger decided to rebuild it from the inside out.

To preserve the radio’s vintage charm, he retained as many of the original buttons, dials, and switches as possible. This approach ensured that the device still felt and operated like the original, despite the modern upgrades inside. The cathode-ray screen was one of the most iconic elements, but given its limitations, it was replaced with a more practical IPS display that fit almost perfectly in the same space.

Additionally, while Granger initially attempted to use the radio’s original speaker, time had taken its toll on the hardware. As a result, he replaced it with a similarly sized modern speaker that could deliver significantly improved sound quality while still maintaining the radio’s retro aesthetics.

By carefully balancing restoration with modernization, The Jackal Rebuild pays homage to the past while making it a fully functional device for today’s world.

The Technology Behind the Jackal Rebuild

At the heart of The Jackal Rebuild is a combination of modern microcontrollers and audio processing components that bring the 1978 Sony FX-300 into the digital age. Tom Granger integrated a Teensy microcontroller alongside an ESP32 to handle system functions, ensuring a balance between performance and low power consumption.

The addition of an FM receiver module keeps the original radio functionality intact, but with a unique twist—bit-crushing effects that simulate the warm, vintage sound of older broadcasts. The improved audio processing is powered by a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), allowing high-quality playback while retaining a classic sound profile.

For modern convenience, Granger added Bluetooth streaming, enabling users to wirelessly play music through the upgraded system. Unlike the original unit, which relied solely on analogue audio sources, the new design supports both wired and wireless audio playback.

Inside the device, the original circuit board layout was redesigned to accommodate the new components. Silicone jumper wires were used for durability, preventing damage from heat during soldering while making future modifications easier. These meticulous design choices ensure that the Jackal Rebuild is not just a quick modification but a well-engineered fusion of old and new technology.

New Features and the Evolution of the Project

While the original 1978 Sony FX-300 was already a versatile device for its time, The Jackal Rebuild takes its functionality to an entirely new level. One of the most unique additions to the project is NFC tag integration, allowing users to place objects with NFC chips on the radio to trigger specific audio files. This feature is similar to Tonies and Amiibos, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with the device.

Beyond playback enhancements, the rebuild includes a dedicated recording function. The built-in microphone allows users to capture audio clips, which can then be played back with an optional bit-crushing effect to mimic old radio transmissions. This gives recordings a vintage, sci-fi-inspired aesthetic—perfect for those who appreciate retro-futuristic sound design.

Additionally, the project now features an improved IPS display, replacing the previous TFT screen for better visibility and contrast. The new screen enhances the visual experience while maintaining a retro-styled graphical user interface (GUI) inspired by classic sci-fi design elements.

Thanks to its modular design, The Jackal Rebuild can be expanded even further. Future upgrades could include Internet radio streaming, advanced sound processing effects, and additional connectivity options. With its blend of classic styling and modern functionality, this project proves that vintage hardware can find new life in today’s digital world.

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