Designing a Bluetooth BoomBox

[boombox]

Hey Guys,

I am relatively new to the DIY audio world. I am looking to design and build a portable Boombox with Bluetooth capabilities. I want it to sound good, be relatively cheap, and also be a great learning experience for DIY audio so I can design a more efficient, cleaner sounding, second prototype. I love music and I love building things, so I thought this was the perfect way to combine the two.

What I would like from you guys is a place to start. What should I research? What are some good electrical schematics to review? Are there any good projects out there that you know of that are well documented? I am expecting this project to take a few months, but I want to make it a few months well spent.

 

[slipperybidness]

Do you have any previous DIY experience? And, do you have previous electronics experience?

What you are suggesting is definitely not for a noob.

If I personally wanted to build something like this, I would start with a bookshelf speaker kit and build that into my boom box. How about the amp? Build it or buy it?

Poke around on http://www.parts-express.com/ it is one of the best DIY electronics suppliers out there.

Perhaps start with the Overnight Sensation Speakers (but they may not have the output capability for a boom box?) http://www.parts-express.com/overnight-sensations-mt-speaker-kit-pair--300-706

For the amp, either build a chip amp, or get a PE module:
http://chipamp.com/
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/audio-amplifier-boards-modules/3464

Bluethooth module is probably the easy part
http://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-bt-1a-bluetooth-receiver-module-for-wireless-reception-of-bluetooth-audio-sig--320-353

If you are interested, this thread shows my recent project work
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/new-chipamp-project-thread.92513/

A different route would be to purchase a car or even better a marine head unit with a bluetooth reciever, a large toolbox, and car or marine speakers, and build that into a boombox. I have seen these done before. It's an easier approach.

Finally, if you're building a boombox, put in a mic so you can freestyle over the beat on the streets

 

[boombox]

Thanks for the reply! I am thinking I am going to start out with the kit, just to get my bearings for DIY audio and build my own amp as well. Other than this forum, where are some good places to learn about the physics behind good cabinetry? I want this to look good, but I don't want to sacrifice sound.

 

[ARES24]

The cabinetry will depend on the drivers you chose. Bookshelf speaker designs are particular concerning cabinet design. I would likely try to make a unit that you can detach the speakers (simplifies front baffle correction if you are at all interested) and allows for more options later!. The overnight sensation design is quite good but I don't know what kind of output they have, how much boom are you looking for

After you have an idea of what finish you are looking for ask the all mighty google how to do it

 

[KEW]

Portable, or AC?

 

[slipperybidness]

Thanks for the reply! I am thinking I am going to start out with the kit, just to get my bearings for DIY audio and build my own amp as well. Other than this forum, where are some good places to learn about the physics behind good cabinetry? I want this to look good, but I don't want to sacrifice sound.

Check out the forums on Parts Express---Parts Express Tech Talk (PETT)

 

[SurvivalDad]

That sounds like fun. That's on my someday list now.

 

[slipperybidness]

Audioholics posted a boombox from a DIY user over on their Facebook page a couple days ago. Go search for that on FB.

I asked in the FB comments for them to also post it on this forum, but so far that doesn't seem to have happened.