Echo Dot 4th Generation Bolt Fixing Adapter

Having bought both an Amazon Echo 4th Gen with a screw fixing in the base and an Echo Dot 4th Gen, I was surprised that the Dot didn't use a similar screw mount fitting. I wasn't impressed with the available mounts for the Dot which either relied on gravity with the Dot usually sat in a ring or some sort of clamps which destroyed the smooth look of the Dot.

So, the solution was to add my own screw mount. The Echo uses an M6 1.5mm thread, which are almost as rare as hen's teeth. So, my first decision was what thread to use? I used an M6 1mm thread, which are common as shark's teeth (if you are a shark, that is). You can obviously choose what ever thread you want (camera mount?).

OK, here we go- let's take that Dot apart!

Supplies

ITEMS:

M6 1mm thread nut

1" penny washer

Insulating tape

Solder (or epoxy if not soldering)

Contact glue

TOOLS:

Guitar plectrum

No. 6 Torx screwdriver

Soldering iron or gas torch if soldering

Step 1: Removing the Rubber Base Ring

In order to separate the two halves of the Dot, you must first remove the rubber antislip base ring which covers the screw holes. This is simply held on with double-sided tape. I used a guitar plectrum to lever it up without causing damage. Once it is up enough to get hold off then you can simply peel it off.

Place it aside sticky side up! You will be able to refit it at the end without needing any more tape.

Step 2: Separating the Two Halves

The two halves are held together by four No. 6 Torx screws, revealed once the anti-slip rubber ring has been removed. Once these are unscrewed, the two halves simply pulled apart without needing any force.

Place the top half aside somewhere safe. This is not modified in any way.

Step 3: Creating the Mount Nut Holder

Because the base is flat and I wanted the base to remain flat, I decided against using an M6 T nut as the threaded nut part would have ended up sticking out below the bottom, although I could have glued it upside down. I also didn't have an M6 Tee nut. The solution was to take a nut and a washer and solder the nut to the washer.

To do this I simply bolted the nut temporarily to the washer . I then used a blowtorch to heat up the washer and nut and then applied solder all around the nut. If you don't want to solder you could of course use a suitable Epoxy glue.

This join doesn't need to be hyper strong. Its use is simply to stop the nut spinning when fitting the bolt to fit the Dot, whilst the washer helps to spread the load. The nut to washer joint itself isn't carrying any of the load of the mounted Dot.

Step 4: Fitting the Mount Nut Into the Base

Firstly, before fitting the nut-washer, how did I know it wouldn't contact or damage the main circuit board when the two halves were put back together? From observation, it looked like it was clear but to test it I put it inside where it would go, gently put the top in place and found it rattled and slid, so there was obviously plenty of clearance. Still worth checking though if you do it.

To fit the mount nut-washer into the base, firstly drill a 6mm holes in the middle of the base. The mount nut is then fixed over this hole by using some suitable contact glue on the washer. Again, this isn't taking any of the load of the Dot but is simply fixing the nut-washer in place and stopping it spinning when using a mounting bolt. To keep it temporarily in place whilst setting, I then screwed a bolt with a washer through from the outside.

I finally placed a couple of layers of insulating tape over the washer, just in case it comes loose for any reason so it won't cause any shorts on the main board.

Step 5: Putting It All Back Together

With the nut in place, simply reverse to put the two back together:

1) Fit the two halves back together (there are two spigots which line them up)

2) Replace the Torx screws

3) Replace the rubber ant-slip ring. This has to match up with the holes. The correct orientation is easy to spot as there is a square hole, so placing that one first means it will simply flit into place. The original double sided tape will be fine.

Finally, you wouldn't want to go putting too long a bolt in it so measure beforehand and write on the bottom the maximum length of bolt that should go into the nut. Just push a cocktail stick or straightened paper clip in to the hole until it touches the insulating tape, mark it and measure the depth. In my case it was 15mm so that's easy enough to remember but, I still wrote it on the base in indelible ink.

Step 6: So, What Did I Want It For?

I don't have a bedside table but I wanted this Dot to be in my bedroom as a smart clock radio. I decided I wanted to mount it on my steel bed-frame somehow. So, my solution was to use a chromed bar which I drilled a hole in the end for the mounting bolt. The cable runs down the back but unfortunately the cable ends up coming out of the top and looping over. I could have spun it so the cable went down and put a hidden channel in to cover the cable and plug but then the speakers in the Dot would be pointing in the wrong way. I can live with the cable sticking up for now, but if it does irritate me I have a possible solution which I might eventually add, which is a chrome adapter I have which is shaped like a propeller spinner to just sit on it pointing up. It's currently held on with black cable ties to see how I get on with it, but they will eventually be replaced with silver metal cable ties so it blends in.

Step 7: What Can You Use It For?

Here's some other ideas depending on what you want to try or use it for:

Upcycle

Any unusual stand could be used, depending on what your interests are. For example, an old brass candle stick, a camera tripod, an angle poise lamp, a Bunsen burner, a weighted bottle, a microphone stand, a mirror stand without the mirror, even a brick or a lump of driftwood depending on what look you want.For items which require fixing inside tube .e.g a bottle, use a plastic hard cork or make a wooden plug, drill a centre hole and bolt through that before re-inserting intothe tube.

Ceiling Mount

You could just use a long enough bolt into the ceiling cavity, using either a plasterboard plug or fixing in the attic if possible. Or use a standard cheap ceiling rose light fitting as a base as shown and run the cable into the roof cavity. Alternatively, it could be hung down like a light bulb, using the bolt fixing to tie to a picture wire suspension or by using an extended length of threaded rod.

Invisible Wall Mount

Just use something like a metal picture hanger bolted on to the base and then hooked over a screw in the wall.

The Clown, Doll , Robot or Teddy Bear Dot

I really like how the Dot smiles when viewed from the right angle. This could be used as the basis of more unusual Dot, as shown in the other concept visuals where you would attach the Dot to a post which then was fixed into a teddy bear, etc. for either a child, a teenager or just your inner child. You could even go arty/bizarre by using an Action Man, Barbie or toy baby body. Or a Dali lobster even with a Dot as a head.

Craft It Into Something Else

Make a sunflower type leaf back or cauliflower type leaves surround and mount into those for a kitchen or conservatory.

If you do this, let me know how you used it!