Designer:
JKM

Project Category:
Portable Speakers

Project Level:
Beginner

Project Time:
8-20 Hours

Project Cost:
$100 – $500

Project Description:
Blast box kit with upgraded battery board and custom finish. Many borrowed ideas from Project Gallery.

Design Goals:
The definitive hifi pool party sound accessory, like if Mr. Howell in charge of the radio on Gilligan’s Island. Initial plan was beach-theme woven reeds and bamboo, but veered towards a refined vintage picnic basket look with industrial bits.

Driver Selection:
Blast box kit

Tips & Tricks:
Assembly sequence tricky, as enclosure glue-up best achieved all at once, while fitting and wiring tricky once closed up.

Upgraded battery board mounted upright on side (behind left speakers). Take care with wire routing, lengths, and secure carefully with wire ties to avoid rubs.

LED kit was fiddly – a bit delicate and unplug from metal sockets easily. Acrylic panels drilled with standard bits SLOWLY in drill press. Borrowed others plans for LED/aux locations and like the result.

Wire rub and sealing enclosure, especially the power port, yielded huge sound improvements. Used gorilla patch and seal tape to help seal and deaden some panels. Had to re-open enclosure several times for this.

Wanted wire grills for protection, but final fit/finish of ones I chose just so-so.

Applying contact cement can be a mess. Had ‘squish-through’ when applied to porous place mat material – next time “roll out” the glue before applying to fabric. Gorilla patch and seal tape also messy.

Conclusion:
Fun project with excellent sound quality once wire rubs and sealing issues handled. Many positive comments on final appearance.

About the Designer:
Desk worker need hands-on projects to keep sane – vintage audio, woodworking, welding, old cars, etc.

Project Parts List: