Build a Pair of Custom Speakers

Hi all,

Here's an Instructable on how to make a pair of custom speakers. These speakers use a pair of Dayton Audio Sound Exciters that can turn virtually any surface into a speaker.

I did this because I still have 2 weeks to go before I return to college. I thought this would be a good idea to kill some time and do something productive, and I must say the results are pretty good. This will be my first Instructable so comments for improvement are welcome!

Here are the materials you'll need for ONE of these speakers (x2 if you want a pair):

   Two 1/2" square rods(11 1/2" long)
   One 1/2" square rod (9" long)
   One wood board/block (2 1/2" x 1/2" x 10")
   One Acrylic Sheet (0.080" thick, 8" x 10"
   One Dayton Audio Sound Exciter
   Four Bumpers
   Two nails
   Two wood screws
   Elastic string (a lot)
   Aluminum Tape
   Wood Glue


Here's a list of tools that may/will come in handy:

  Scissors
  **Dremel (with mini-saw attachment)
  **Hand Saw
  Power Drill
  Hand-Powered Drill
  Drill bits (1/16",  3/32" and 5/32")
  Screwdriver bit
  Hammer
  Pencil
  Permanent Marker
  Triangle/Right angle tool
  Lighter

**-tools used for cutting the wood pieces to the right size.

Note: There are a number of items on this list that aren't absolutely necessary, especially the tools. The ones listed here are the ones that I used when making this particular pair of speakers.

Step 1 Before we begin

Dayton Audio Exciters (also called audio transducers) are namely used for applications where you don't want the actual speakers to be visible or in plain sight. You can purchase these here:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-375

There's a product video on there that demonstrates a guy using them on his jet ski.

As you may have already guessed, the performance of audio transducers can vary significantly, depending on what type of surface they're vibrating. You will really want to test out different surfaces with the transducer before jumping in and using acrylic as I have. These transducers are meant to be permanently affixed to whatever surface you apply them on, so do some testing and choose wisely.

Personally, I've tried using them on my desk (wooden), but  you have to crank up the volume on the amplifier significantly (because of the sheer mass it has to vibrate). I've also put them on my wall, and at max volume, you can hear it on the other side pretty clearly. Foam project boards also work pretty well too.

The main reason I chose acrylic is because of looks, but the choice is yours.

Note: The best way to test these is to use double sided tape on top of the adhesive protectors, that way when you remove it, you'll still have the adhesive protector on the transducers.

Comments

[svr]

Where I can find plans to build exciter motor?

[vishalapr]

High-five man Well done really cool job!!!

[mightym]

The " Buzzing" you refer to is probably the voice coil, the speaker surround glue you used isn't suitable for the purpose. I'd suggest trying some superglue ( the thickened type ), or some double sided carpet tape, with polyurethane adhesive ( get it at Wal-Mart,used to glue outdoor carpet down with).

The material selected for the panel will make a large difference in sound output. I would suggest picking up some foamboard while your at Wal-Mart and experimenting with it instead of the clear plastic sheet, it's too heavy for the motor in the exciter. You can also remove the plastic from the exciter and get better results too.

Nice job on the Ible.