Designer:
Frank Tolomeo

Project Category:
Home Electronics

Project Level:
Advanced

Project Time:
8-20 Hours

Project Cost:
$100 – $500

Project Description:
This is my version of a “portable Alexa”

I started with an old flat wall baffle for an 8” speaker. First I replaced the face board with cutouts and a port for 2, Pyle coaxial 4” speakers, Part # 267-078. This is my version of a “portable Alexa” Then I re-finished the cabinet and installed new grille cloth, Part #261-815. The rear panel has a blank plate, Part # 260-110, carrying the electronics. The board in the foreground, by itself is a 12v to 5v isolated converter necessary for the Echo. You cannot combine the power and audio grounds on the Dot. On the right is a small board which is a disassembled 120vac to 12vdc Lithium Ion battery charger/power supply. Mounted on both vertical sides are 4 individual, modified, (case removed) 12v. 9850 mah li-Ion batteries. They give a total capacity of 40AH. The amp is a stereo, 20 watt per channel, Part #310-3000, without a the case. It has volume and basic tone controls. I leave them set for music and Alexa controls the volume. It easily creates room filling volume with hard thumping base. The continuous power drain with normal volume is about 1 amp. I tested it on a full charge, with music playing at medium-high volume, and got 14 hours of play time with 4 hours for a full recharge. If left plugged in, it will run indefinitely. It works anywhere around my house. I can take it to the shop, cooking in the kitchen, outside, and even in the garage 150 ft. away. I don’t have to tell you, as an Echo owner, how much of an improvement it is to have a “portable Alexa”. Frank

Design Goals:
Construct a completely portable sound system to use Amazon Echo Dot.

Driver Selection:
In description

Enclosure Assembly:
On hand

Conclusion:
Works well, do not think there is anything like this ever made.

About the Designer:
Speaker Builder

Project Parts List: