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outletcover.jpg
amp.jpg
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Wiring.jpg
I have been (without luck) looking for a beach-proof boombox with an iPod dock.
Aside from a jobsite radio; like a Bosch or Milwaukee, there’s nothing I would kick around the sand. But, these tend to be on the hefty side.So, I decided to build my own. This project went thru several versions. The image attached to this project shows only the two speaker interation. I eventually decided to add a woofer; this iteration is shown in the video link.

Design Goals:
1. Portable
2. Battery Powered and Rechargable
3. Beach/Sand/Waterproof – PVC provides that. And I’m no wizard with building wood boxes.
4. Bawls – Wanted something that could pump out the jams. 25 Watts seems like plenty with the 4″ speakers.

Tools / Materials / Parts & Pieces:
2′ length of 4″ PVC pipe
2 x 4″ PVC 90 degree elbows.
3/4 Plywood board
3 x 4″ drain grates
4″ PVC Tee

Weatherproof Electrical Outlet Cover – Makes a great dock for iPod Nano, Mini and Classic. iPod Touch’s are a little too long for this.

Sure 2x25w Class-D Amplifier - Has enough oomph for this project and is small.

DC 5V 9V 12V Portable Rechargeable CCTV Li-ion battery - Found on eBay. Has 5V USB output for recharging devices AND 12V 2.1mm output for powering the amp.

Audio/Sync Cable for iPhone/iPod (Apple Dock Connector to USB / 3.5mm Audio) – Allows for input into the amplifier and will also charge the iPod off the battery.

2 x Dayton Audio RS100-4 4″ Reference Full-Range Driver 4 Ohm - These sound great paired with the amp above.

1 x Dayton Audio ND105-4 4″ Aluminum Cone Midbass Driver

2 x Passive Crossovers - Found on eBay.

Video of Completed Project !

Ultimately this turned out to be a little too heavy and I opted to put all the guts into a 16" toolbox. This is shown in the attached images.
TenTwelve says: Feb 1, 2012. 8:51 AM
Could give more details on that battery and how you charge it. I have iPhone/iPod dock project in mind and I've been hard pressed to find a battery that fits my needs. Thanks!
mwheeler3 (author) in reply to TenTwelveFeb 1, 2012. 9:09 AM
I took the battery apart from it's housing and wired it to an external charging port.

In the later Toolbox version, I used a sealed-lead acid battery. I just open the box when I want to charge it.
TenTwelve in reply to mwheeler3Feb 1, 2012. 11:28 AM
Oh cool.... I was hoping it came out of it's housing relatively easy. Do you know off hand if you can somehow wire it so you can both power an amp and charge simultaneously? I did find the battery on eBay and I noticed the 12v port is for both input and output. Thanks for your insight.
mwheeler3 (author) in reply to TenTwelveFeb 1, 2012. 12:40 PM
I don't believe you can charge and power at the same time.
ogmosic says: Aug 5, 2011. 7:52 PM
Great Job! I was just starting this build for a on-job site radio that can take some bumping around and also puts out some great LOUD sound.

Concerning your speakers, is your mid-bass airspace separate from your full range or do all three share the same space?

Can we see a video of your final version?
mwheeler3 (author) in reply to ogmosicAug 10, 2011. 8:57 AM
All three speakers share the same airspace. I didn't vent or create a separation of the "chambers."
ogmosic in reply to mwheeler3Sep 1, 2011. 11:35 AM
How did you wire all three speakers to the 2 channel amp?
mwheeler3 (author) in reply to ogmosicSep 1, 2011. 12:18 PM
The AMP has a + and - for the two channels.
The red/black wires come from the AMP and plug into the Passive Crossovers. The speakers attach to the outputs of the Crossovers.

In this build, one crossover is connected to the mid and bass speaker.
The other crossover is just connected to the second mid.
mwheeler3 (author) in reply to mwheeler3Sep 1, 2011. 12:30 PM
Three new internal photos posted.
Electronics Man says: Jul 14, 2011. 8:46 AM
Hey this is a good idea!!!
vishalapr says: Jul 13, 2011. 6:49 AM
This is useful!Well done!Very inspiring!
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