Make your own Simple & Cheap Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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Part list (affiliate links):
Aliexpress:
2x Li-Ion Battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dY2...
1x Bluetooth board: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTO...
1x SPDT Switch: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZR...
1x TP4056 board: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWS...
1x Micro USB Breakout: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTN...
1x MT3608 Boost Converter: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d75...
1x RGB LED: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTv...
Ebay:
2x Li-Ion Battery: -
1x Bluetooth board: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
1x SPDT Switch: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
1x TP4056 board: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
1x Micro USB Breakout: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
1x MT3608 Boost Converter: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
1x RGB LED: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
Amazon.de:
2x Li-Ion Battery: amzn.to/2eUzhDP
1x Bluetooth board: amzn.to/2eUto9y
1x SPDT Switch: amzn.to/2eUxqyK
1x TP4056 board: amzn.to/2eUvMNO
1x Micro USB Breakout: amzn.to/2eUtzSu
1x MT3608 Boost Converter: amzn.to/2eUzFCh
1x RGB LED: amzn.to/2eUB5gb
In this project I will show you how to build a simple portable bluetooth speaker that can play its tunes up to 30 hours continuously. Most of the used components can be found for only 22$ in total which makes this a pretty low budget project.
Music:
2011 Lookalike by Bartlebeats
Killing Time, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

[@zeusfury123]

i wish you could make a tutorial on reprograming such a (or similar) bluetooth module, so there would not be a voice when the module is turned on

[@nicoom]

any news?

[@____Andrew____]

@@nicoom it's been 5 years since this guy commented

[@nicoom]

@@____Andrew____ that's why he should

[@mondo356]

Agree. that sound is very irritating

[@Tenchi707]

Or a piano note to indicate it's connected

[@MrFastFox666]

Has an X-Carve CNC machine, which is precise and automatic Uses a saw, paper templates and files to cut everything

[@greatscottlab]

Correct and if you think a bit further you might realize why I did it like that.

[@KrugerVideos]

Because you want to show that everybody can make it ;)

[@IagoPereira]

because the point is to teach that it can be done by anyone without expensive stuff? hence the "simple and cheap" title

[@MrHD71]

thug life greattscott

[@mrjohhhnnnyyy5797]

On top of that, he spent less time doing it manually :D

[@maskedpotatoes]

A couple tips: first, you could put insulating foam on the inside of the box to get a better sound quality; second, you could've used the blue part of the rgb led to signaling that the speaker is on, using a diode between the common anode and the BT board led anode to ensure that it doesn't get current when it souldn't.

[@theinfluence33]

Could you help me create my own speaker please?

[@xmine08]

I really like the videos you're doing nowadays - But as I'm just starting out with projects of my own, seeing your simpler times, showing the exact methods on how to do everything by hand, is really a breath of fresh air and does motivate me more :)

[@daftbence]

I love when you say "with", it sounds like woof!

[@Retroweld]

Nice job! Excellent job editing!! Very well done.

[@greatscottlab]

Thanks

[@xragexxx]

GreatScott! add a passive radiator to it, and you will gain a lot more bass

[@xragexxx]

Taunter Atwill i did hear it, but i am not saying that is lacks bass it was a suggetstion

[@jeffsmithfpv]

Hey to attach my two lithium batteries together, can I just solder a piece of wire to connect them or should I find a thin sheet of metal like in the video?

[@jeffsmithfpv]

And why did you attach the positive to positive? And neg to neg?

[@JeremyDismukes225]

Dude, I really really like all of your videos. I am an electrical engineer and this helps visualize lectures so well with practical examples.

[@sixdsix5028]

As usual, I'm completely lost on most of the technical stuff; It's still cool to watch. Great video!

[@rawrzbarz]

this Channel is dope. glad this was on my recommend list

[@des-Troy-ed]

this video was sick dude, I love these simple projects.

[@lalarolala]

I love how I always end up learning something appart from the project with your vídeos... I missed that part a little bit this time. Cool project anyway.! Thanks!

[@boboso83]

This is EXACTLY WHAT I was looking for. Great video. Loved the outcome. Great job my dude!!

[@PrinceWesterburg]

These are not acoustic suspension drivers so a bass port would help. Also try damping the box and use hollow fibre from an old duvet for extended bass! :)

[@TheWhiteWolves]

A tip that might be useful for you in future, when sticking the patterns to the wood, put a layer of masking tape on first, then glue the pattern to the masking tape, that allows you to easily peal of the tape at the end instead of having to deal with the glue.

[@greatscottlab]

Good idea

[@murdakah]

Also, Pritt is water soluble, so you should soften the glue with water. I don't know it acetone will dissolve it.

[@djk8541]

Am I missing something? Why not just use pencil instead of going to all that trouble? Or even just cut the pattern out directly on the wood leaving the line cut by the xacto knife as the guide

[@michaelw7540]

I was thinking alike. I usually just use a fine tip auto pencil when being precise. A pen light standard pen even works using light strokes since sanding is required for that smooth elegant look. Although if measured and outlined correctly and precisely then the lines should be just barely cut away anyways.

[@2001herne]

@@michaelw7540 if he had access to an - admittedly expensive - laser cutter, things would have been really accurate.

[@deanvarian9275]

I love your videos..i watch them over and over til i memorize them by heart..and lookup the components on each ready-made circuits so that whenever I go scavanging components, I keep them and make your projects to save money..keep it up!

[@RelateGREAT]

Just what I was looking for-I couldn’t figure out the battery and electronic components for my speaker project. This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@strangemeursault9120]

Hi, love your videos. I'm just wondering if you've considered adding passive radiators to the speakers? It's a really cheap way to improve your audio quality significantly. And also, what about matching speaker wattage with amp wattage? I know it's a disputed subject, but perhaps that would be material for a future video to settle it once and for all...

[@oliverdoelling319]

could you make a device which can be plugged into an audio port an then controls an led strip, so if you are listening to musik the led strip flickers to the beat?

[@jotapeoutdoors]

This is the best thing I've seen today. I will save some cash to make one. Thank you, Sir Scott

[@PhilippeFrancais85]

The "Stay creative" catchphrase at the end of the video get's more and more enthusiastic with every video :P Great videos, keep it up!

[@yeshecan7]

hi Great....wait...wait...give me the explanation for those 2 resistors...where did you install and the exact value of them + why you need them? thanks GREAT.

[@just5444]

Great, Scott! 😀

[@genericgreensquid6669]

Now this is useful! Thank you Scott! You should make a video about making a standalone CD player from a computer CD player!

[@aremdvnasophia]

I ordered this board from eBay after watching your video. I pulled speakers from a Sony TV that has same speaker connector so no soldering. Can't wait to try it.

[@Tangylives]

Would it not have been easier to just have the papered side of the wood be on the inside of the case?

[@edism]

Probably sound slightly better too, the more absorbent the inner walls the fewer internal reflections. Though wool would be even better.

[@aadhithyaks2057]

So you're new huh?

[@OggyGTA]

Big time

[@HairyTheCandyMan]

Welcome to the internet! 'Round these hur purts weh don't do things thuh... easy wayuh.

[@td4906]

@@edism 88 iui 88ijj

[@Doile911]

GreatScott! I've did everything like you, but when i tried to set the voltage for the boost converters, they simply didn't change the voltage, at all, i tried 5 of them, so i must be doing something wrong, could you help me please? Much Thanks in advance, SD

[@bgreeneredsox9369]

ALWAYS interesting, informative, and entertaining. Keep up the great work!

[@MrFrakyfriday]

Thank You Scott for making such great videos with passion!

[@gd.ritter]

Wait? Is that why the channel is Great Scott? I didn't know his name! lolol

[@daemiax]

LOL!!! that exact same " Za blutus divais is rid to pear " plays when i turn on an actual BT speaker (definately chinese ) I guess it's a template

[@user-sb7tu2ve8h]

Lol mine plays it too xD

[@NoNo-nz7iq]

perfect engrish

[@GigaPlaya]

The module says: The bluetooth driver is ready to pair. No Chinese or German needed |-)

[@user-sb7tu2ve8h]

+VideoDaze Its "the bluetooth device"

[@manojdvs3489]

VideoDaze why he didn't used the first module , it looks very easy , but instead he made on his own . what is the difference ?

[@kevindelima4829]

can u make a guitar effect pedal . thanx, great vid

[@vishennaidoo4344]

Adding holes to the back of the speaker improves quality because it prevents the pressure waves created by the inside of the speaker cone from echoing inside the speaker and interfering with the cones motion. This is basically what a passive speaker does ( I remember you mentioning them in a previous video)

[@felixboian-togyik3346]

Love the outcome of the project! Very neat!

[@harisb.7620]

Das würde ich mal ausnahmsweise nach bauen. Mach mal bitte mehr so Projekte die man auch gebrauchen kann.

[@uNabL3]

You should definitely add a carry handle on top of the case so that it would be truly "portable" :) BTW, is it really that good (volume/distortions-wise) as-is w/o any amplification circuits? P.S Oh, and, of course, add some VU meters :D

[@AKSnowLeopard]

what I love most about this is that it can be endlessly modified! great vid.

[@HairyTheCandyMan]

Yeah! I modified mine and put a live duck in there. I blasted a bunch of Primus and when I let the duck out I discovered it had died. I was disappointed, but then it's bloated corpse exploded and in it's stomach was a can of Pork Soda and I was feeling just fine.

[@nicoom]

@@HairyTheCandyMan nice my little brother survived

[@greg1268]

great tutorial! I just saw where somebody converted drive in speakers to bluetooth and went straight to youtube! thank you!

[@simondaniels4176]

Awesome .... where is the fun in just ordering a Sony what’s-it-called from Amazon!!

[@zanpekosak2383]

why not use your xcarve?

[@xesior]

Quote by Greatscott: Because it is supposed to be a simple project that other can remake. Using a CNC would only scare off viewers.

[@master2u769]

I don't get how people don't like this. this is amazing.

[@basztarek]

Yet another AWESOME project!

[@elykadia]

How did you start making electronics?

[@k1ngjulien_]

I think he once said that he is an engineering student.

[@elykadia]

K1ngjulien_ That explains it.

[@RizLazey]

ElyK he is electro engineer, thats his job from age of 18

[@Valtra103]

Is there a way to silence that anoying loud talking? I have this module and that talking makes it unusable.

[@pepijn_m]

me2 it's anoying when you try to play quite music

[@sebzos1110]

If you mean background noise then you could use an Isolating Converter! Just search it up and you'll get an idea what I mean.

[@francescovalle8678]

wow an amazing Bluetooth speaker! well done!💪👍

[@Flyingwigs]

i love your videos, quick and in depth, and nicely put together :)

[@k1ngjulien_]

Some suggestions: Add a handle on top for easier carrying Add some holes on the back so that the Speakers have more air to move arround also: If I wanted to add some volume controll, what would I have to do? I'm a big fan of your channel and might consider building this one, Grüße aus Österreich.

[@greatscottlab]

If you want a volume knob, you need to add a potentiometer between the audio output of the bluetooth IC and the audio input of the PAM8403. Not that easy to do. It is much easier to control the volume on your phone.

[@k1ngjulien_]

OK thanks

[@xtremetrap3539]

K1ngjulien_ it's a tweeter... Doesn't need porting, or does it?

[@tunahankaratay1523]

Actually not that hard, you just bend the pin on one of the ICs and solder the pot in between the ground, the bent pin and the solder pad.

[@peterzingler6221]

Das sind volltöner da ist nen port kontraproduktiv

[@baukjehakkers810]

Can you make a smart mirror tutorial

[@techchemie6772]

Really nice project. I put this Setup into a Bose sundlink mini, and it is working very well.

[@yavoryavorov9277]

Very good project!!Congrats from Bulgaria

[@TotalmenteNoob]

"The Bluetooth device is connected successfully" how can i change this sound?

[@rbaleksandar]

It's probably flashed onto the controller itself. Unless you find out what firmware is on that thing I'd say there is not direct way to do that. Then again workarounds are possible. The board should provide some other digital way for signaling that the connection has been established. You can then use your own board to work with that signal and output different audio, light up a LED or something else.

[@DaGoose]

Lookup the datasheet for the main IC on the Bluetooth board and see if it offers a program to reprogram the module via SPI or other interface.

[@MrGizmo-il7qw]

use Arduino or Rasberrypi

[@greattech881]

what the resistor value of the rgb led

[@lucianocappellano8300]

in all honesty, i dont think it matters. i think hes just trying to prevent a short circuit, but idk I honestly have no idea what im talking about.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

Jesus Christ, i could have guessed that had i known what the fuck an led even was lol. or... if i wasnt drunk off my ass... nah man i make shit like this as a hobby but ive never even dealt with leds because... well why would I? Leds dont make my speakers sound better now do they.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

AY SHIT WHILE IM HERE I GOT A QUESTION okay so electricity flows from anode, to cathode, right? well then, how the hell do vacuum tubes work?

[@tamarakoneska5620]

Did you got the answer? Because i need to know.

[@123samueldu]

I calculated it , must be 100 ohm resistor but i may be wrong so :p

[@Alex-dm1pz]

Your videos are simply awesome ! Thumbs up

[@kumantechnology181]

Like your making very much, excellent handwork!

[@danijel124]

You should use a better amplifier for those speakers because those are from logitech z5500 :)

[@Kirby_1810]

+spotify95 seems like you know something about this, what would happen when i connect 2x 8W speakers to this? ^^

[@Kirby_1810]

but nothing will be destroyed or something when i use 8W or even 10W Speakers? :)

[@Kirby_1810]

Okay, thank you very much!

[@MarekTheProducer]

I wouldn't recommend giving them over 10 watts though, unless you have a high pass filter and a bigger woofer with a low pass filter so that you don't blow the tang band speakers. Sources? I have some old z906 speakers.

[@lucianocappellano8300]

how can i find a cheap 800 watt amp?

[@aneeeessshhh]

Why did you not use xcrave?

[@IIGrayfoxII]

And a scroll saw is simple? I dont have any wood working machines. I only have a cheap bastard file and that is it.

[@Elokaynu]

The scroll saw is for precision cuts, you don't need one, but it would make it easier

[@lafeo0077]

I like the way, he has stuff like Microwave and Speakers lying around!

[@PrashantKumar-rx5rn]

great job GreatScott!.your videos are always usefull

[@sparkyman4155]

Your better whit electronics than whit wood😂

[@Ali107]

You need 1.21 gigawatts to power this speaker though...

[@marcusfred4480]

And a flux capacitor!!

[@RetroTalk]

I love this channel.

[@malikjeepk]

Really great on, I will try it, just a little problem its a little hard to find components here in Brazil, but thank you very much for sharing this video and all other information, thumbs up man

[@MrHD71]

any way of changing the Chinese to English?

[@thedankoona_5854]

i bought 2 days ago some ne5555

[@HobkinBoi]

You'd have to figure out how to modify the firmware, if that's possible.

[@BjorfRodriguez]

NE555 It doesn't "speak" Chinese. it just has an accent.

[@_DSch]

most likely not, because the datasheet isnt availiable :/ but what i found out about this ic is, that the ic has support for bluetooth, radio, usb and sd cards ;)

[@rafalg2113]

Maybe it's just me, but she sounds half german, half chinese ;)

[@muh1h1]

I feel like i have seen this already in the past, am i trippin?

[@ozfartface1914]

muh1h1 no

[@Howard2k79]

muh1h1 it's for sure not the first DIY Bluetooth speaker build from these components. In some vids they use another amp, or another Bluetooth receiver or whatever. So nothing completely new here but still a welcome add on and some new ideas. The case done with the scroll saw is very 👍 Danke für das wiedermacht tolle Video!

[@muh1h1]

Howard2k79 Yep, i just thought i had seen this exact video already, but i must be mistaking :)

[@DjGabuza]

Maybe you can see into the future and now you are just reliving that memory. Can you predict my future ? Will I ever unsubscribe from GreatScott! ?

[@Malaber]

DjGabuza noone will !

[@matejopresnik2667]

wow! 400.000 subscribers. Congratulations!!

[@cassandraguenther3918]

Always love your vids.

[@sinephase]

this isn't actually cheaper than manufactured bt speakers though

[@lv7603]

sinephase You are correct it's not exactly cheaper. Most DIY projects will rarely come out cheaper and that's with out taking into account the necessary tools the margins are not on our side. This is one of those project that we do just because we can.

[@neoasura]

I agree, it's fun to do so because we can. That being said..it's the clickbaity phrases in the titles that make it sound like it's easier and cheaper to do so yourself rather than buy one that I get pissed about.

[@123samueldu]

from geting the part aroud me i got this for like 7 box :)(but i agree that tools are expensive anyway)

[@kipter]

To be fair the battery life of the speaker he built is significantly longer than any Bluetooth speaker Ive ever bought for less

[@Quelas1991]

That's true, but you can fine-tune the signal by yourself, for example by inserting different high- and lowpass filters to drive different kinds of speakers, for example 2 extra tweeters that only get fed the high frequency sounds. Of course you'd need some more parts for that but it would be possible, and you can make the speakerbox sound just as you like it

[@maximechaoul9749]

for the next project can you make an arcade machine

[@greatscottlab]

It is already on my to do list.

[@maximechaoul9749]

Ok thanks for the 1 min answer ;-) continue your great job

[@smmoom1212]

oh wow this looks like an awesome project. about to get into woodturning. i think i'll turn up a case for this thing and make my own!

[@denizadguzel815]

That was the video that i was waiting for ☺️👍

[@PMGangsta]

lol id rather buy a ready bluetooth speaker than make one with that price tag.. : /

[@simonrichter3950]

When u increase your budget to like 80 bucks, your speaker sounds awesome (needs some simple calcs) and it can easily compete against something like an 200 $ JBL Box (: (f.i. Using some Bluetooth amplifier from Amazon (~15$), 2 Visatron FR chassis (40-50$)); and some individual stuff like, battery and voltage indicator or USB charging ports (and a descend to good EQ on your Phone)

[@fakeapplestore4710]

PM:FAIZLAMIZ :P where's the fun in that

[@ElwynnEldoriath]

Do you have some additional information about a real good setup? My budget would be up to 100 bucks, but should be worth spending my time as well, so would appreciate good sound quality ;)

[@simonrichter3950]

Mine is a 8mm plywood box with ~ 12l of volume ~(300x200x200mm) with 2x 20mm diameter x180mm circular Bassreflexes the Drivers are 2x [Visatron FR-10 4Ohms] driven by a ~15€ 2x25W Bluetooth audio amplifier from Amazon (still a chinese one). Some wool for stuffing things out and some wooden struts to reduce the oscillation of the case (for tighter sound).. I am satisfied with the result. But my box really demands an external equalizer to sound awesome (there are plenty of them in app stores, but you will be restricted to use a smartphone) You may want to take into account whenever you add some volume like Batteries (f.i. LiPo, LiIon; or simply a Pb accumulator). Any significant change to the volume should be compensated by increasing the dimensions to maintain roughly 12 liters of air (for 2x Visatron FR-10); there a multiple tools for calculations out there :) Finally, some utility may be pretty neat: Stuff like Voltmeter for Vbat; USB charger port (my mobile has to run the EQ through the cpu and uses more power); any kind of charging port; some lights (?) etc; MUTE SWITCH when using shitty developed amplifiers which do all peeps (powerup / volume + / - / play / stop etc) with 100% of the volume! (me

[@nikrbawker]

I'm building a Totoro/green themed one of these for my GF with a handle that doubles as a cellphone stand and a compartment on one side to drop your phone in for the steamy shower. It is also being created out of used speakers I got at a second hand store and never put into service. It has passive membranes and a woofer as well. Try any get anything remotely similar by buying it and you cant.

[@DoonRiderMaharsh]

Sir watching your videos in full hd is greattt

[@broimkaskus]

really great Scott!! thanks a ton, very inspiring me.

[@cosmicpuma1409]

Super slick and awesome vid!! Thanks!!

[@nicondk1234]

One of my friends just made 5 of these wilt his Makerlab class, they just laser cut the case and put a 5 volt usb changer in the case also, to changers the phones :) A super fun project. Thanks for the video

[@chasebtb]

Great video. I really like how you always mention the specifics of each part. It makes it very easy to find them online. Thanks for your efforts!

[@DonPatro92]

You can use soft foam inside the speaker to dampen the vibration. It improves the low tones too.

[@_jay-p_4770]

Amazing skill bro! That´s the way i like electronics!

[@marcelofraga4487]

This is excellent, thanks for posting!!

[@amirulsyafiq4891]

wow,I love your homemade portable speaker!😍😍😍

[@robschn]

I love all the pricing info! It's really makes it seem like it's a project that I can get started on

[@leo133636]

seem....

[@tomaszwota1465]

Beautifully crafted indeed! ;D

[@lansraad6142]

Great idea! I may hack my old stereo radio to have Bluetooth functionality one day - GreatScott has a video on literally everything.

[@kavindugilshan]

if you add large passive radiators to this enclosure you can feel more low frequencies !! Cool project ... thumbs up !!

[@kyleniedermeier6651]

GreatScott, I love your channel! I'm currently in school for electronics and you really take the time and effort to explain things well! I purchased everything on your parts list to convert a few speakers I have into Bluetooth... After receiving the Bluetooth amp, I plugged it in and I get some annoying feedback, would you have any clue as to what would be causing this?

[@my42avnik29]

I am sri lankan person . Realy helpful for me. Good explain .tanks for that sir

[@CafeenMan]

(1) This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you! (2)They make removable glue sticks. (3) Mineral spirits (paint thinner) works better for removing this kind of glue because it has a much slower evaporation rate which means more time to break down the glue.

[@bitchasstroll4443]

nice work scott!

[@scamigomusic6803]

Nice build!

[@rtesimpson]

Great work Scott

[@shockthemaven8408]

I have no idea what this guy is talking about but I love to watch. he's like a crafty engineer or mad scientist. and I thought I was smart

[@Stijn081]

Great video as always!

[@dylansicilia5597]

Congrats for the 600k :)

[@greatscottlab]

+Millenium Bass Thanks

[@thenucleophile2743]

I watched this video again, but this time with my own and in many points different DIY speaker

[@monza1977m]

awesome project the components came in handy for my own version of the speaker thanks.

[@Bippy55]

Very well done video and encouraging too. Thank you. What were your thoughts about some venting in case the batteries get warm? And giving each speaker it's own separate "chamber" with tuned ports to let the speakers fully and independently "flex"? You mak get even a louder and more natural sound. Thanks again!

[@DuncanBuilds]

very cool. watched a couple of your videos. keep it up!

[@5AMU1]

this is something I could actually try at home. 👍

[@unamename1075]

Great video GreatScott

[@BookProX]

Nice little project.

[@finnydownder]

You earned my sub with this video, Cheers.

[@theomiado7954]

Yeah this one is going to my list