Introduction: Audio Via Built in Bluetooth for Any Speaker System
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About: I am a University of Edinburgh electronics engineering student.
One of the presents for Christmas I got was this amazing speaker system. It is not on batteries and needs power supply. It has an apple dock on top and a 3.5mm audio input. It also has a remote control. I liked it but it needed something more.
Firstly it has the old apple dock connector and won`t work with my new iPod. The only way to listen to music was through the 3.5mm audio cable but then .... you`re wired to the speaker and the remote control won`t work either.
And then I taught what if this speaker had Bluetooth. Very standard for the latest audio systems, but not for the older ones.
Firstly it has the old apple dock connector and won`t work with my new iPod. The only way to listen to music was through the 3.5mm audio cable but then .... you`re wired to the speaker and the remote control won`t work either.
And then I taught what if this speaker had Bluetooth. Very standard for the latest audio systems, but not for the older ones.
Step 1: Tools and Equipment
Tools needed:
Bluetooth device will play the music to the audio input port of the speaker system.
- Screwdriver
- Multimeter
- Knife
- Soldering iron
- Drill or a file
- A Bluetooth audio receiver (I used a Belkin model, but any decent one will work)
- 3.5 mm audio cable
Bluetooth device will play the music to the audio input port of the speaker system.
Step 2: Bluetooth Device
The Bluetooth device I used has two ports. One is 5VDC power supply and other is audio output
For the power supply you will have to find it in the speaker system and get it from there. In this way there are no extra power adapters needed.
For the power supply you will have to find it in the speaker system and get it from there. In this way there are no extra power adapters needed.
Step 3: Add Power Supply to the Bluetooth Device
I soldered the power connector for the Bluetooth device to the 5V that go to the dock. These 5V have enough power to run the Bluetooth module and there is no need for extra wires from the outside.
This way the installation is much neater as well.
This way the installation is much neater as well.
Step 4: Connect and Test
The idea is that the Bluetooth device receives the music and plays it to the audio input of the speaker system.
After connecting the power supply to the PCB and audio cables to the audio input, we can test and begin to close the speaker.
After connecting the power supply to the PCB and audio cables to the audio input, we can test and begin to close the speaker.
Step 5: Cable Goes Outside
The audio output from the Bluetooth will have to go outside the speaker to plug in the jack.
I used a file to make a small cut in the plastic.
One could also drill a hole in the plastic and run the cable through it.
I used a file to make a small cut in the plastic.
One could also drill a hole in the plastic and run the cable through it.
Step 6: Stuff It In
All that is left is to hide the Bluetooth receiver in the speaker.
The smaller the speaker the harder .... but one could also remove the Bluetooth plastic housing.
The smaller the speaker the harder .... but one could also remove the Bluetooth plastic housing.
Step 7: Assemble
When I assembled the speaker back no part was left out.
Step 8: ENJOY
Now play your favourite tunes from your phone, iPod, laptop or anything else .... and on top of all - wirelessly.
That can be used in any speaker system or for example in your car.
I hope you got inspired by this easy hack! If you like it, please vote for me in the contest entries. :)
That can be used in any speaker system or for example in your car.
I hope you got inspired by this easy hack! If you like it, please vote for me in the contest entries. :)
