Anyone looking for a DIY project to fill a little time over the next couple of weekends might be interested in this very unique plywood boombox which plays music from SD cards. The Boombox was created by an MIT student and has been laser cut from plywood and equipped with a set of capacitive controls.
The Boombox’s main control board includes an Atmega328, an SD card socket, an mp3 decoder + D/A chip, and a level shifter to convert from 5V to the 3.3V required for the SD card and mp3 decoder. The complete system can be constructed for around $100.
If you fancy building your very own, Matt Keeter has put together instructions on how to build one from scratch over on his website.
“The main board’s firmware was written in the Arduino language to take advantage of the SD library. Some of the code is based on the Sparkfun MP3 shield sample code. The boombox has a set of five capacitive buttons on the front. Each of these buttons is above a copper pad, which is in turn wired into the input board.”
Materials and Tools Needed
To get started on this project, you will need a few essential materials and tools. The primary material is plywood, which will be laser cut to form the body of the boombox. You will also need an Atmega328 microcontroller, an SD card socket, an mp3 decoder + D/A chip, and a level shifter. Additional components include capacitive touch sensors, copper pads, and various electronic components like resistors and capacitors.
For tools, a laser cutter is essential for cutting the plywood accurately. You will also need a soldering iron for assembling the electronic components, and a computer to program the microcontroller using the Arduino IDE. A multimeter can be handy for troubleshooting any electrical issues that may arise during the build.
Step-by-Step Construction
1. Laser Cutting the Plywood: Begin by designing the boombox’s body using CAD software. Once the design is ready, use a laser cutter to cut the plywood pieces. Ensure that the cuts are precise to avoid any fitting issues later on.
2. Assembling the Electronics: Solder the Atmega328 microcontroller, SD card socket, mp3 decoder + D/A chip, and level shifter onto a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Connect the capacitive touch sensors to the copper pads and wire them into the input board.
3. Programming the Microcontroller: Using the Arduino IDE, write the firmware for the main board. Utilize the SD library to manage the SD card and incorporate the Sparkfun MP3 shield sample code for the mp3 decoder. Upload the code to the Atmega328 microcontroller.
4. Constructing the Boombox: Assemble the laser-cut plywood pieces to form the boombox’s body. Ensure that the electronic components fit snugly within the structure. Secure the capacitive buttons on the front panel, aligning them with the copper pads.
5. Testing and Troubleshooting: Power up the boombox and insert an SD card loaded with mp3 files. Test the capacitive buttons to ensure they respond correctly. If any issues arise, use a multimeter to check the connections and troubleshoot as needed.
6. Final Touches: Once everything is working correctly, you can add finishing touches such as sanding the plywood for a smooth finish or applying a coat of varnish for added durability.
This DIY plywood boombox project not only provides a unique and functional piece of audio equipment but also offers a hands-on learning experience in electronics and programming. By following Matt Keeter’s detailed instructions, you can create a personalized boombox that stands out from the typical store-bought options.
Source: Ubergizmo : Matt Keeter
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