Boombox Slimdevice

[m1abrams]

So anyone have any good ideas or completed semi-portable SB3 mods?

At first I was thinking of getting a boombox player for my iPod like this one:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipo...speakers-ipod/

However after thinking about how I would use such a device, I realised I would always be within range of my wifi network. Would be perfect if I could just use my Squeezebox.

However the squeezebox would have to contain the SB3, small amp, full-range speakers, and battery pack for atleast 4 hours of play time.

This device would be used in the garage (AC power could work), kitchen (AC power could work), and Deck and yard (battery power required).

So I know I have read threads about people wanting such a beast. Has anyone actually built one, and was it worth it?

Any recommendations on parts to use.

[Craig]

I think my approach would be to modify an existing ghetto blaster, I'm sure you could find one with enough room for the pcb and display to be added. Everythhing else you need would already be there, give or take a 5 volt regulator.

Craig

[MeSue]

What I ended up doing is getting a wireless outdoor speaker and a PDA to control the music. The speaker can run off batteries or AC adapter. I'll probably use it mostly on power, but it claims to have 100 hours of battery life with 8 C-cells. You can use rechargeable batteries and it will recharge them when it's plugged in.

So with this set up the speaker and the PDA are the only things that need to move around. Squeezebox can stay indoors. The speaker I got does not have a handle. I kind of wish it did, but I'm not planning to move it around a lot. There is another wireless outdoor speaker by Acoustic Research that does have a handle if you think you'll want to carry it around a lot. (Mine is from Radio Shack. Originally my hubby got me one by Advent, which was cheap, but it only worked for 2 seconds.)

When I bought everything I was expecting to use it with the Squeezebox, but then I found out I can also use the PDA as a remote control for J. River Media Center on the PC. Since my PC has multiple speaker outputs, I might do it that way so I can use MC's Smartlists.

Except for a short test of the speaker range (which was fine), I haven't had a chance to use it outdoors yet. I just got the PDA 2 days ago, and the dry-pak PDA pouch just came today. So I might get to try it later by the pool. :-)

[Michaelwagner]

At first I was thinking of getting a boombox player for my iPod like this one:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipo...speakers-ipod/

I'd recommend the IM4 rather than the IM7.

[grimholtz]

As much as I dislike RokuLabs, I think they nailed exactly what you (and I) want with the SoundBridge Radio. I wish SlimDevices had a similar product. Think of it as a squeezebox with built-in speakers. Unfortunately, it's still not shipping yet.

In the meantime, I bought a 3-piece Cambridge Soundworks powered speaker system intended for PCs to achieve a "semi-portable" SqueezeBox. It's not too bad! Not weather-proof, but that's OK since it's portable...

[waldy]

Hi,

I made a squeezebox boombox a few weeks ago from an old Pioneer portable casette/ radio that I had in my college days. I had originaly hoped to cut costs by using a slimp3 but got a dud one from ebay so I had to bite the bullet.

So the parts I used were:

1 mini itx power supply & power pack (220Vac to 12V dc)
T-amp
netgear bridge
crossover lead
squeezebox 3 wired
Old Pioneer boombox

My mechanical skill are a bit limited, & hence the results are functional, not beautiful. I would say the effort was well worth while. Works every time I switch on. One regret is not buying a wireless sb. Drawback is if I'm away from home, say in a hotel, I have to take the box apart & connect it to a pc to change the bridge ssid. Perhaps I'll look into getting a wireless card some time for the sb.

I've not tried batteries as I've no need for them but I reckon the ITX supply will accomodate this if needed.

best regards

Waldy

[Pale Blue Ego]

I actually have all the pieces to make one. I thought about getting a wooden box, putting big casters on it, and then mounting a spare SB, powered 2.1 speakers, and a homeplug ethernet adapter. Yes, it would need AC power, but one cord can supply the power and the network. I have 3 outdoor AC plugs around the house. Add a 100' retractable extension cord and I'm golden.

[MeSue]

I'd love to see pictures of y'alls boombox rigs if you can post some.

My wireless outdoor speaker + Pocket PC solution is working out fine for my needs. And it's actually preferable to a boombox since I don't have to carry a heavy thing in and out all the time.

[waldy]

Hi Sue,

I've enclosed a pic, none too pretty as I said but functional.

regards

Waldy

[MeSue]

Nice job!


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