How to make your own computer speakers: speaker system

Speakers are a speaker system and they come in a variety of sizes. From a huge music center to a portable, small battery-powered speaker. This device is quite simple and can be assembled at home.

Speaker system

Typically, speakers consist of several speakers, which, in turn, consist of several magnets (usually two). The magnets are controlled by an amplifier that operates on audio frequencies.

Columns are divided into two varieties: passive and active.In passive devices, the amplifier element does not require additional power. The easiest passive system is ordinary headphones. Active devices require additional power to function.

DIY computer speakers

In order to assemble a speaker system for a PC you will need:

3W speaker (from 2 pcs.).
A 3.5mm mini-Jack connector (it is standard for connecting speakers or headphones and is very common).
Audio amplifier. It is recommended to use a digital RAM 8403.

REFERENCE. Instead of a digital amplifier, you can use analog on transistors, but then you have to use the DAC, and the selection of the necessary digital-to-analog converter is a rather long thing that requires special calculations. At its core, the RAM 8403 is an ADC amplifier that facilitates the assembly of makeshift speakers.

Toggle switch to power the system.
Connecting wires.
USB wire for power.
Heat shrink tubes for insulation.
USB plug.
Material for assembly of the case (plywood, glue, self-tapping screws, etc.).

You will also need tools:

Soldering iron.
Glue (for gluing wires).
Knife (for cleaning wires).
Jigsaw (for working with the body).
Drill (for work with the body).
Tools for measuring and marking (pencil, ruler, compass, etc.).
Nippers (for wires).
Sandpaper (for processing the body).

Making a bun

In order to provide the best quality sound, it is necessary to make a spacious and closed case, so that air circulates in it. This will make the sound deeper and richer.

We make the case

Particleboard, fiberboard or plywood will go for the case. You can also use textolite or OSB. Do not choose too thick plates, as this will make the structure too heavy.

In order for the speakers to fit in size, you need to correctly measure the diameter and circumference, and then cut the holes on the front panel.

ATTENTION. Attention should be paid to fixation, as the speaker housing is often affected by vibrations. In addition to glue, it is better to use corners on self-tapping screws. So the design will turn out more reliable and will last longer, as well as the possibility of disassembling the device and subsequent collection.

On the rear panel, cut in the places for the power cable, connection cable and a separate connector for the power switch.

We take care of a good PSU

There are several basic options for creating a power supply in a circuit. If the amplifier is an integrated device with an ADC and an adapter (such as, for example, RAM 8403), then it can be powered from a simple USB. This facilitates interaction and work with the PC. If there is a separate power supply, you should carefully take care of the choice of components, according to consumption and output power.

ATTENTION. All wires and cables must be selected to the optimum length, since too long wires can interfere and cause inconvenience. In this case, the cables should easily reach all the necessary connectors. The optimal length of the mini Jack and USB wires ranges from 1 to 5 meters.

Amplifier and power supply

To build a home speaker system, use the connection of loudspeakers (speakers) with an amplifier and a connector.The mini-Jack plug has three channels (left, right, and common). They are separated by black stripes on the connector itself and are mirrored from the middle.

On the board itself are the connectors for the wire (L-Left G-Central R-Right). Following the order, wire the mini-Jack connector to the amplifier board.

Then, observing the polarity, connect the speakers to the amplifier. The speaker locations on the device are labeled Rout and Lout.

IMPORTANT. When connecting speakers, be aware of the polarity

The power of this device will be via USB, as 5 volts is enough for an amplifier. When soldering the power cable, also remember the polarity. It is also important not to forget to bring the toggle switch out of the power supply of the speaker through one of the wires, otherwise the device will be powered at each connection via USB.

After all the parts are assembled, you should use heat shrinkage in the places of bends, namely on the mini Jack, power switch and wires that connect to the speakers.

Main speakers

After the main device is assembled, it should be placed in the case assembled earlier. Speakers should be assembled carefully, as there is a risk of damage to the wires or connector.