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The motivation behind this project was simple. I wanted to design and build a self contained 12 volt powered stereo system that can be transported on a bicycle trailer, pedicab (my specific use) or cargo bike. This speaker system can really be used anywhere it can be transported such as on a boat, camping, etc.
From the onset, I focused on three things. Battery life, portability/weight and sound quality.
I researched more than a few existing products on the market and while some of them looked promising, they missed the mark with one of two things. Either the battery life was short or the sound quality was sub-par.
From the onset, I focused on three things. Battery life, portability/weight and sound quality.
I researched more than a few existing products on the market and while some of them looked promising, they missed the mark with one of two things. Either the battery life was short or the sound quality was sub-par.
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While battery technology has come a long way, I decided to forgo newer technologies like Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer. These technologies are more expensive and I wanted to keep this system as affordable as possible.
I decided on a sealed lead acid battery (SLA). SLA batteries, when used properly, can provide years of service. They are sealed and maintenance free. They are very popular in many low tech applications such as motorized scooters, wheelchairs, uninterruptable power supplies, etc .
Choosing an SLA battery is as simple as picking one based on the amp hour rating. The amp hour rating is generally expressed as nnAH where nn is a number designating hours. In my case I used a 20AH battery. What this means is that the battery, under ideal conditions, would be able to provide 12 volts for 20 hours, to a device drawing one amp of current. I'm not an electrician, so I may not be wording this technically correct.
Choosing a lower amp hour battery would reduce battery size and weight, at the expense of run time.
I chose a Battery Tender Junior battery charger which both charges and maintains the battery when not in use. SLA batteries should be stored fully charged and if possible attached to a charger that can maintain the charge.
I decided on a sealed lead acid battery (SLA). SLA batteries, when used properly, can provide years of service. They are sealed and maintenance free. They are very popular in many low tech applications such as motorized scooters, wheelchairs, uninterruptable power supplies, etc .
Choosing an SLA battery is as simple as picking one based on the amp hour rating. The amp hour rating is generally expressed as nnAH where nn is a number designating hours. In my case I used a 20AH battery. What this means is that the battery, under ideal conditions, would be able to provide 12 volts for 20 hours, to a device drawing one amp of current. I'm not an electrician, so I may not be wording this technically correct.
Choosing a lower amp hour battery would reduce battery size and weight, at the expense of run time.
I chose a Battery Tender Junior battery charger which both charges and maintains the battery when not in use. SLA batteries should be stored fully charged and if possible attached to a charger that can maintain the charge.
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I'm in Uk I am confused by which Type of Amp to get, Can you guide me to the right one please, AND also Speakers? do I have to get powered one some links to examples would be great Please...
Thank you
Alan
Thank you
My own experience is that they will fill a living room with sound for several hours on just AA batteries. So, if you have a solar charger with a 12 volt battery and an iPOD and a t-amp based stereo, you're good to go for after the apocalypse.
I like your project and intend to make something similar for use outside and room-to-room. Yours is like a poor man's (or thrifty man's) Podzuma (google it).
Brian