Sony PSP audio docking station

Some time ago, I got a Sony PSP by chance. Actually, my parents won it as a prize at a town fete.

I am not fond of video games, but I like the PSP's capability as multimedia player (video, MP3 files and Wi-Fi Internet radio). Compared to most of the MP3 portable players, PSP is not pocketable but it has a large display and the handy control buttons make file browsing and playing very comfortable. When connected to a pair of amplified speakers, PSP is a convenient MP3 player for home use. Obviously, this basic setup (second picture) makes PSP owners jealous of iPod people, who have a large choice of stylish audio stations. Indeed, the Instructables community has produced a lot of home-made iPod stations. I was inspired by this project for its style and finishing: http://www.instructables.com/id/Good_quality_iPodiPhone_speaker/

On the other hand, the choice of PSP stations is poor and strongly oriented towards gamers. Most of them are very small and deliver a sound that needs a bit more amplification than the built-in mini-speakers (third picture) are capable of. That is why I decided to build an audio station capable of producing decent sound quality, by transforming a pair of amplified speakers in a small PSP audio docking station. Of course, the sound quality will strongly depend on the speakers employed in the project.

What you need:

Amplified computer speakers
MDF or plywood board (8 to 10 mm thick)
Wood glue and hot glue
Paint
Small drywall screws
Sand paper
Office drawing hardware: paper, set-square, ruler, pencil, and calculator
Electric hardware: soldering iron, electric wire, electric tape, connectors, stereo audio jack
Tools: electric jigsaw, minidrill ("Dremel") with some accessories, hand modelling saw, screwdrivers,

Let's go into the "making of"!

Step 1 Design

As I stated in my first Instructable, design is a mix of form and function.

The form:
I wanted to give the object a style that goes well with the PSP's rounded silhouette. Therefore I started with a rounded shape in my mind. Obviously, I wanted my station to be original, not similar to any other market products. As for my previous instructable ( http://www.instructables.com/id/Plywood-magazine-rack/ ), the overall structure was designed inclined backward. I like this features as it gives a sort of dynamic look.

The function:
The audio station should have a small footprint that can be placed anywhere. Moreover, a handle could be integrated, for ease of carrying. After some attempts and sketches, I arrived to the design below:

Comments

[keiou]

nice! good job. :)

[EppeRRR]

First I want to thank you for you're comment on my wooden mp3 soundbox :D Thanks to that I found this Instructable and I'm impressed. Very nice and strong construction, good work :D Greets

[zoltzerino]

"I started by screwing the docking stands." *ahem* ZZZZ

[Yerboogieman]

Please tell me you modded your PSP. It is way better than the normal firmware.

[isacco]

I know the huge capabilities of home brewed PSPs. When I got the PSP, I envisaged to install a home brewed firmware. However I have not modded my PSP yet, because this is not crucial for MP3 and MP4 playing.

[xACIDITYx]

I think it looks great! Good job, I might modify these instructions to make a foldable one.

[greiss122]

Nice! I want to make one! Although I will probably make a simpler version, cause I'm really busy.

[isacco]

You are right, this project took me many hours! Thanks for compliments

[greiss122]

I will try to post a pic when I'm done

[gmjhowe]

Great work! a nice simple design. Of course this can easilly be altered for use with any PMP. Well written, a few spelling mistakes, might be worth running it through a spell check, what makes this write up good, is a good selection of good pictures.

[isacco]

Hi gmjhowe, thanks for your appreciation and for checking English spelling. Could you please tell me in what step the mistakes occur? I will correct them shortly.

[Kiteman]

Done - check your Inbox.

[heihechi]

yeah! i hope there will be much more stuff for psp community. psp rules!!!

[jonesoda]

Man, this is such a nicely done psp stand it looks way better then the ones you buy, I have 2 pretty big speakers but i dont know how i would connect them to my psp and how to connt them to a battery. They were for a stereo but i took it apart.

[isacco]

Hi jonesoda. Probably you need an amplifier between the MP3 player and the speakers. If you do not have any to be recycled at home and you want to buy one, I suggest the Sonic impact T-amp. This small amplifier runs on batteries (but also DC) and delivers a very good sound quality at a reasonable price (about 50€ in Europe).

[berky93]

that looks great! I might have to make one of those for my ipod... I've been looking for something to do with those old computer speakers of mine too, so its like 2 birds, 1 speaker dock.