DIY Portable Boombox (from SCRATCH! | Fully-illustrated)

Today I will show you how to make a boombox that sounds like a genuine audiophile speaker. It's made from 100% scratch. I added an iPod docking feature, it also works with any kind of MP3 player with an auxiliary output, it also has a 2 channel RCA output. I even added an USB/SD card audio player with a remote control for the Boombox!  The Total cost was $46.16 (Converted Price from "Philippine Peso")

I made this guide as specific and as step by step as I can, the only thing that dragged me down from finishing my boombox early, was the documentation for instructables that I did for this project. I hope you enjoy it!

My version was so efficient that it even had the capability to beat or match-up the sound of the Monster™ Beatbox (by Dr. Dre), Zeppeline™ Air, Altec Lancing™ IMT800 and IM7. My boombox has the capability to release a clean, deep and low bass, with the perfect midrange level and has a spectacular treble that seems to sooth the ear. It has a two way speaker system which will definitely reduce the amount of distortion given off by the speakers thus improving your audio experience. 

Specs:
Frequency response: 45Hz-20kHz
Max Amplifier Wattage: 2x30W Stereo
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.1%THD 
Max Speaker Wattage: 150W-200W RMS
Speaker Size: Woofer (5.25"), Fullrange (1.75")
Enclosure's Dimensions: H= 5.75", L= 19", D=6"
Other Feature's: iPod Dock, USB Media Reader, IR Remote, Bass Trebble Equalizer and etc.
Audio Input Type: RCA, Auxiliary (3.5 Stereo) and 30 pin iPod Dock.

This project is ideal for: Picnics, Parties, Car Road Trips, Home Use and etc.


If you don't have time reading the long texts, there are summaries written in bright red text below each step.

"It takes pure craftsmanship and experience to build a highly efficient boombox from scraps and pieces. "
 

Step 1: Tools And Materials

Click on the item to see where to buy it.

Tools:
- Electric Drill
- Electric Jigsaw
- Electric Sander
- Glue Gun
- Soldering Iron
- Desoldering Pump
- Caliper
- Ruler
- Compas
- Marker

Materials:
- Woofer Speakers (2pcs.)
- Fullrange Speakers (2pcs.)
- High Quality Amplifier (with 2 knob equalizer)
- RCA Jack
- Auxiliary 3.5 Stereo Jack
- 4700uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor (2pcs.)
- 47uF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor (2pcs.)
- 1K 1/4 Resistor 
- LED Light Blue
- Power Switch
- iPod dock to auxiliary cable
- Metal Potentiometer Knobs
- USB/SD Card Reader Module
- Round Plastic Containers (2pcs.)
- Black Quick Drying Enamel Paint
- Paint Thinner
- Paint Roller With Tray

Comments

[tutdude98]

one of best portable boombox on instructables

[ASCAS]

Thanks!

[vroom...vroom...]

I like it, it's cool that you used wood in that application.

[ASCAS]

There's another type of material, you can use MDF. Those kinds of woods are specially designed for speakers, it's not actually wood since it's man made.

[GarageGuru]

Nicely done!

[ASCAS]

Thanks!

[bobzjr]

I was just looking through some of your work - including this boombox project. I must say you do a beautiful job of presenting the material. Pictures are excellent. Wow - if you still have a lot of school to go - you have a HUGE headstart on your peers! Thanks for sharing your hard work.

[ASCAS]

Thanks!

[icekid]

Nice Job!

[jondneumann]

Wow! Great job and amazing work. This looks professional. You are very skilled. I look forward to seeing future projects.

[Shaji47]

Good job.... Keep it up..... :D

[ASCAS]

Thanks!

[ASCAS]

I promise, there will be more. Thanks for the comment ! :)))

[junglebrad]

This is so awesome, I'm ordering parts for it now. Do you know how to make this battery powered?

[ASCAS]

Yes! Simply connect the battery to your amp's power input.

[SDgeek]

Nice boombox! I love that people are getting into bringin' the boombox back. I wish you would've given more detail on your amp build tho.

[ASCAS]

Too bad I have a lot of p;ans this summer. No worries, I'l post it soon.

[IT-Jack]

Can i use this amp http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=320-330

Buy there is some outlines there isn't there ?

[DustySeven7]

advice, if you want even better audio quality use MDF. it has no crossing grains. makes it very good material for audio enclosures.

[ASCAS]

Great Idea!

I'm actually using MDF wood for my HiFi Bookshelf speakers. Its extremely ideal since it's completely dense resulting to lesser vibration and lesser distortion.

[IT-Jack]

Hey, This looks like a great project, but what if I want to mount a radio in the Boombox. How do i do that?

[jmingin87]

Ascas I am interested in building something like this. I have a few questions;i hope you don't mind. I am new at this.
1. I plan to use buy an amp so am i correct in saying i will not need to purchase the RCA,stereo jack,power switch, and potentiometer knobs?
- the amp I would use is the one you suggested (LP-2020A+ Lepai Tripath Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier with Power Supply)

2. I see where the 47uf cap. goes(with full range speaker) but I am not sure where the 4700uf goes.

3. where does the 1k 1/4 resistor goes.

4. LED? is that just to be used as a power indicator?


Your project is AMAZING and looks clean like something that should be in the store. I hope you don't mind answering these questions. I have limited access to the internet so it is hard to look these questions up. I think that covers all of my questions. Thanks!

[jmingin87]

Ascas I am interested in building something like this. I have a few questions;i hope you don't mind. I am new at this.
1. I plan to use buy an amp so am i correct in saying i will not need to purchase the RCA,stereo jack,power switch, and potentiometer knobs?
- the amp I would use is the one you suggested (LP-2020A+ Lepai Tripath Class-T Hi-Fi Audio Mini Amplifier with Power Supply)

2. I see where the 47uf cap. goes(with full range speaker) but I am not sure where the 4700uf goes.

3. where does the 1k 1/4 resistor goes.

4. LED? is that just to be used as a power indicator?


Your project is AMAZING and looks clean like something that should be in the store. I hope you don't mind answering these questions. I have limited access to the internet so it is hard to look these questions up. I think that covers all of my questions. Thanks!

[ASAP rocket]

Hi I really like what you did and I also would like to make one but I would like to know little more detail on assembling the electronic parts. I don’t get how to connect the I pod adapter. If you could please explain to me how to wire up the speaker, amp switch box everything for a nub like me it would be great help thanks.

[Fozzibehr]

I really like your instructable, but i have a few questions. Being a newby, i got a tower speaker from a thrift store, the box said 150W, so i was wondering what kind of battery power should i be looking for.

[ASCAS]

It all depends on your amplifier's specifications. Message me if you find it.

[Fozzibehr]

i was planning on building one using this instructable http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Simple-Audio-Amplifier/

[amaru]

this one is great! ..aside that you are still young but really talented...all of your projects are inspiring ..!! can you please post the how you made the amplifier that you used in this DIY portable boombox that you made,,i'd really like to make and try this one,..Thanks,,waiting for your next project..

[ASCAS]

Here, I used the same amplifier circuit inside.
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Portable-HiFi-Amplifier-2x30w-Class-AB-/

[amaru]

Thanks,, By the way, can i also use this kind of amplifier of yours
(DIY HiFi Gainclone Power Amplifier (2x68w, Class AB-A, LM3886) as an amplifier in the DIY Portable boombox..? and w/c is better to use..thanks.

[ASCAS]

Yes! It actually has the same amplifier circuit inside it.

[pensataq]

Hi, This looks like a great project. Could you give me more details on the switchbox you used, thankyou.

[ASCAS]

Thanks!
Actually, I modified and replaced the old one with a rotary switch.
(The one used in voltage-selectable power supplies.)

[ryan2015]

how do you power it now? without battery and how to add battery and what kind? u can email me at [e-mail] plus- can you give exacts to costs and what cost what

[antoon]

what is the costprise for the amplifier becaus i don't have a lot of money
ps is there a possebilyty to make the amp myself
pps sorry for the bad english my language is not english

[tmos540]

It is possible to build your own amp, there should be instructions online, but there are pre-built amplifiers on Amazon for under $15 US Dollars. If you are experienced with building electronics components, then it would certainly be cheaper, but the complete amps are much quicker and easier.

[antoon]

thanks

[ASCAS]

The amplifier was a DIY kit, it costs for about P450.00 (Php) = $10 (USD).

Oh and don't worry with your english, it is not my language too. Feel free to ask :))))

[tmos540]

So, how would you go about adding a rechargeable battery to this setup? I am looking to do the same thing as this, but in an old army surplus ammo can. They are really tough, and I would use some soundproofing to prevent rattling. What I need to know is where you would splice in the battery (I am thinking about Lithium ion or Lithium Polymer to keep the weight down. However, aside from the 12V I have no idea what class/spec. of battery I should be looking at. Any ideas for powering this beast on the go?

[Enzomatico]

Nice instructable. Do you have a copy of the schematic that you used?