usb_pc_link

Complete the connection protocol with Philips USB HiFi on Linux and MacOS

It works with Philips MC-M530. I guess it will work with any other USB PC Link Hifi but I can not test.

Compile

Dependency:

libusb-dev

On MacOS:

brew install libusb libusb-compat

Compile:

gcc -Wall usb_pc_link.c -o usb_pc_link -lusb

Use

Switch on and plug the HiFi. This needs to be run every time after plugging in.

Run as root ./usb_pc_link

Linux: Choose Set [Philips Audio Set] as sound card (alsa or pulseaudio)

Linux Debian 12 (pipewire):

• Three output devices appear after plugging in:
  • Digital Output (S/PDIF) - Philips Audio Set: does not work
  • Analog Output - No Bass Boost - Philips Audio Set: works
  • Analog Output - Bass Boost - Philips Audio Set: works
• The play, pause, forward and backward buttons from the Philips to control Debian work
• Cannot use the volume from Debian to control volume on the Philips (but volume on the Philips works)

MacOS: Choose Philips Audio Set as Output Device

Working

The snd-usb-audio Linux module lacks something that the Widows driver do. Appearently, the Windows driver 'switches on' the USB device on the Micro-System. I find two usb packet that seems to do it.

40 04 00 00 a4 ef 01 00 01
|  |  |     |     |     |
|  |  value index |     data
|  request        length
requesttype


40 04 00 00 a4 f0 01 00 ff
|  |  |     |     |     |
|  |  value index |     data
|  request        length
requesttype

usb_pc_link uses VendorID and ProductID to select the USB device. If these IDs are not 0471:0111 (see output lsusb), you may change the lines :

#define VENDOR_ID  0x0471
#define PRODUCT_ID 0x0111