Soundbar with your own hands: earthworks according to drawings and connections
Every year the number of connoisseurs of good sound increases, so no wonder, that the number of homemade speakers, brought to the path, is growing. Connoisseurs of good sound will not tolerate flat, dark "sound", incorrectly tuned sound reflection and sound absorption. The article on the example of one system of manual assembly will consider the process of building a soundbar for the house with their own hands.
Soundbar design
The soundbar is a sound system, collected for specific needs. DACs are most often used in the device (central audio processor) from sound cards, available at hand. To remove and install the DAC in the resulting system, you must have the appropriate skills (know the device and the principle of operation of the soldering iron).
The soundbar looks like a flat rectangular panel, able to replace massive speakers and their satellites.
To better understand the principles of the speaker system, let's disassemble, what exactly does it consist of:
- Firstly, this is the player itself - the basis, on which the whole system is built. Therefore, many experts recommend to stop your choice on reliable and more technologically advanced models.
- Secondly, it, of course, speaker system - speakers, no soundbar will do without them. The choice today is just huge, from well-known brands to individual ones, narrowly specialized small firms, assembling devices to order. Known cases, when enthusiasts assembled high-end soundbar systems, using columns, created specifically for the scheme, developed by the customer. Everything, what is important to know for the novice amateur collector: there is not much good sound, so do not save on speakers.
- Third, CAP. The heart of any soundbar is the central audio processor. He is responsible for encoding and converting the signal, as well as its output on the line. Much depends on the processor. Who's that, certainly, may be limited to the DAC, extracted from the sound card by 15 dollars, but for the modern music lover this will not be enough. The space for imagination here is limited only by financial capabilities and hardware capabilities, in another, almost any processor is suitable for assembling a soundbar, having the required set of codecs on board.
The soundbar may contain up to 16-20 loudspeakers of different power. The secret is, to distribute them at a well-adjusted angle, otherwise you can lose with the direction of the sound, why the general picture of sound spoils. As you know, low frequencies no one canceled, so instead of a subwoofer (usually, has a very high energy consumption threshold) the bass speaker is mounted here. The principle of their work is similar, but there are some design differences in the conversion of sound frequencies.
Soundbar design
Using the sound bar is simple and easy, and if it is assembled with their own hands, that is meant, that it is as precisely adjusted as possible to the needs of its creator. In this capacity, a homemade soundbar, undoubtedly, surpasses any, even the highest quality and most advanced analogue of factory assembly. Finally, who doesn't know you, which is best for you.
Another component of almost any soundbar - remote control. Here everything is limited only by the imagination of the collector. An enthusiast can choose between Bluetooth, INFRARED and Wi-fi information transmission channels, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. There are often difficulties in attaching the remote control to the device itself, but they are also resolved in the debugging process. Most often, for, to implement a complex signal transmission scheme, it is necessary to disassemble more than one device, and this requires additional time, therefore, beginners can limit themselves to the usual IR (infrared) remote control.
Soundbar assembly (on the example of ordinary home speakers)
so, if you have old ones at home are not used, but still working speakers, they can be a good source material for creating a soundbar. In addition to the speaker system for example, we need a Bluetooth module (example, МР3862ВТ, but any other may be appropriate, the main thing, carefully study its characteristics).
You need to be prepared for that, that a full-fledged soundbar scheme "from and to" on the Internet can be found, probably, not work, so we have to be content with what we have, and make adjustments in the course of work.
Bluetooth module for soundbar
In the presence of the necessary module and columns, absolutely obvious, that you need to solder the stabilizer, as well as the scheme, conciliatory linear output. For knowledgeable people it will not take much time, beginners will be better to get acquainted with the relevant literature, so as not to find yourself in additional trouble for your own money ". In fairness, it is worth noting, that even experienced and knowledgeable people do not always get the solder from the first time, high probability of spoiling a technologically complex appliance. The main thing here is to show perseverance and persistence. so, first adjust the line output and solder the stabilizer.
You should take a closer look at the Bluetooth module. Actually, this is an integrated board, which is able to reduce DC / DC converter with high efficiency and low noise. This module boasts a high level of input voltage, which reaches 32-35V. This frequency is well suited for integration into almost any home appliance, since it is universal, applicable everywhere. The Bluetooth module, known to many fans of hand-assembled, works in the center of the device, working with the OVC3860 chip.
Here we have one interesting design feature: chain, matching chip with linear output, placed directly on the board itself, which is very convenient. In addition to the circuit there are a pair of regulators, which allow you to adjust the balance levels, when the device is connected. Another nice bonus: directly on the board there are special terminals for a screwdriver to facilitate the assembly process. I must say, that not every manufacturer is interested in such a technical solution.
pay attention: if, if on your board there are findings directly plugged into the side, then the assembly can be done, without resorting to soldering, and this greatly simplifies the process, but this, rather, exception to the rules.
The module is also equipped with a power connection indication, which is very useful and functional (you can visually notice a malfunction).
Next you need to disassemble the columns. It will not be difficult, usually, they are held on only a few screws (2-4 PC.). Remember, that the simpler the speaker system, the easier the module connection system. Usually, connect them to the board is very convenient and not difficult. If necessary, you can find a scheme, but often everything becomes clear when opening the column.
To begin with, food is removed from the external nest, to which the adapter is connected. This is done with almost any wires, suitable and mounting. To connect your module to the line input, you can also use the tools at hand (example, pieces are no longer used, but a workable USB charging cable or MFP). Such a cable usually has a solid screen, to which conclusions can be attached, which are not planned to be used in the future. It is thanks to this dense screen that such a cable is best suited for connection (does not miss external evidence).
The module is connected to the column
In our case, the connection is made in contact with the socket, have a standard input, size 3.5 mm. This will allow you to send a sound signal to the speakers on the laid cable.
It is important to remember, that the above-described process of assembling the soundbar is not complicated. In some cases, as already mentioned, you can do without soldering, however, you should not count on it.
Connect a homemade soundbar
so, old speakers, standing idle, turned into a full-fledged soundbar. Next, you need to turn on wireless on your smartphone, after the search, click on the device called BT-speaker and connect to it. The first connection of the soundbar is made without a password, it will be possible to install it later, truth, it is unlikely that there will be any need for this:
- pay attention: it is not always possible to connect the system the first time. In this case, we begin the process of debugging, finding the causes of problems from the beginning. First of all it is necessary to check, whether soldering is performed correctly (if it was conducted). As we remember, pay, on which the soundbar was going, has a light indicator of work, so there should be no problems.
- Then with the help of a special device "call back" all the inputs and, if they are also all right, it remains to check the communication protocol. To do this, it is best to reboot your smartphone or other remote control (remove batteries from it).
- To connect to the soundbar of the remote control, you need a receiving IR port and device, decrypts and sends a signal to the DAC. Assembling such a soundbar is a bit more complicated, in addition to the above, it will be necessary to integrate the relevant controls. This can be done with the help of drawings and diagrams, which are present on the Internet.
- Certainly, it is much easier to use an ordinary smartphone as a remote control, therefore, many focus on such a constructive solution.
Returning to the assembled soundbar, It should be noted, that it can also be used as a signal amplifier throughout the apartment, by connecting several similar devices over a wireless protocol. This will require the collector to know the basic principles of radio communication, but everyone will be able to understand it, the main thing, desire.
The basic principle of deploying a signal amplification system using multiple devices is the presence of an active one (sends) and passive (accepts and strengthens) systems. Appropriate sensors are required to assemble a passive system, but the principle of assembly will remain the same, not much changed.
Such a soundbar can work not only as a regular music center, but also as a radio in the car, however, in the case of the machine will have to get the appropriate transitions to the output wires. Besides, do not forget about the rated voltage, which in cars differs from household. Not knowing the basic principles of working with electricity, you can burn the wiring and "get" to expensive repairs.
To assemble and connect the soundbar in the car it is best to use existing schemes or involve knowledgeable people: nuances in this work a little more.
Some devices are assembled to evenly distribute the sound throughout the room, this is the most difficult and time consuming process, which will take the collector most of the time. In addition, knowledge of acoustic principles and sensitive hearing are required here, to understand, which of the systems sounds quieter, and which is louder.
But this process can already be attributed to the category of building a complex speaker system, which is rarely resorted to. This can only be done by very persistent people or real music lovers, do not imagine your life without music. To the commoner, in most cases a conventional system with one output soundbar will suffice, consisting of a pair (or more) speakers.
Instrument, consisting of several speakers and one low frequency, is going on a similar principle, unless there will be more work with soldering. In accordance, there is a risk of damage to the board, on which the assembly will be carried out. Despite the supposed complexity, there are not so many nuances in the work on creating a soundbar with your own hands, it is only necessary to carefully study the existing scheme-drawing and show patience and attentiveness.
Conclusion
Soundbar, obtained in the assembly process, will be more adapted to the tastes and needs of the owner, than the system, purchased at the store. It is important only to be able to pay attention to detail: correctly select all the necessary elements and consistently follow the assembly instructions.
As you can see from the article, creating a soundbar with your own hands is a difficult task, but exciting and, most often, appropriate. It not only helps to develop technical skills, but also to create that device, which you want. It remains to wish future collectors good luck and great sound.
