[Nick] came across an awesome Bluetooth speaker online, only, there was a problem. It didn’t really exist—it was just a render of a device that would be nice to have. Of course, there was an obvious solution—[Nick] just had to build the device for real!
The key to the aesthetic of the build is the external case. [Nick] was able to recreate the rough design of the rendered device in SolidWorks, before having the components produced on a resin 3D printer which provided excellent surface finish. Internally, the Bluetooth audio receiver was cribbed from an old pair of wireless headphones. However, a little more oomph was needed to make the speaker really usable, so [Nick] hooked the audio output up to a small MAX98306 amplifier board and a pair of 3 W speakers. The tiny tactile buttons from the headphone PCB wouldn’t do, either. For a nicer feel, [Nick] hacked in a set of four hall effect keyboard switches to control the basic functions.
The result is a Bluetooth speaker that looks as rad as the rendered unit, only you can actually take it outside and bump some tunes! It recalls us of some fine up-cycling work we’ve seen done to vintage 80s radios in a similar vibe.
If it ain’t BT 5.0 it is garbage, it;s got a 45 degree angle too.
Way to support the Maker community!!
Maybe I missed it, what Bluetooth module is he using? I’m looking for one that doesn’t have those annoying voice connection announcements or loud beeps, or has programmable firmware so I can limit the volume and sound to confirm a connection. Any suggestions?
Maybe not what you are looking for, but the Audioengine B1 Bluetooth receiver does this. No beeps, no connections sounds etc.
Thanks, I’ll have a look. Is the firmware programmable? Like to send a pleasant low volume bell to confirm connection?
Too expensive for what I need. I don’t want the complete box, only a pcb I can power from 12V. There’s plenty different types for around 5–8€ but there’s no way of knowing if they have that loud voice announcement.
It’s possible cheap modules use external spi flash to store the annoying voice prompts so you might be able to remove the flash to disable them. I have no idea what sounds it would default to though, possibly a generic beep.
I am pretty sure if one is to remove the flash it will ignore BT and resort to reading Mao’s Little Red Book non-stop instead :]
Looks like this is the original design:
https://webflow.com/made-in-webflow/website/loop-music
“take it outside and bump some tunes! ” ….. yeah and be “that guy” (or gal) who annoys everyone around you ! …. reminds me of the scene in ST-The Voyage Home, with the street car and the low life blaring his music to the annoyance of everyone around him…. until our hero Spock gives him the Vulcan nerve pinch – to applause.
“Well, double dumb-ass on you!”