For amplifier, I decided to try this Wuzhi board<\/a> with built-in Bluetooth support, but also accepting regular 3.5mm audio jack. It takes a wide range of input voltage 5-27v, claims a lot of power in an overall small package, is well reviewed and fit the DIY theme of the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Spotify streaming – Raspotify<\/a> on a spare Raspberry Pi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I wanted to power the Pi from the same adapted as the amp, with a 5V stepdown voltage regulator. The power adapter itself was a 20V 3A laptop power supply I had laying around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Initial tests surprised me with a really clean and powerful sound that fills our backyard quite well. It turned out to be a fun little project involving a range of fun activities: drilling, wiring, , soldering, 3D model and printing, surface finish and software configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pi requires 5V power supply either via the USB port or dedicated GPIO pins. I went the GPIO way because the simple header connector would be slim and more “embedded”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proven Matek micro BEC<\/a>, which I have used a lot in my FPV drone builds was a solid 5V step-down option. It is cheap, reliable, small and slim. Few quick solders later:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Raspberry Pi, I am using the 3B+ model running a standard Raspbian headless (lite) install. I think almost any other Pi model would work. Skipping the install steps as there are plenty of great tutorials out there, including for Raspotify (https:\/\/pimylifeup.com\/raspberry-pi-spotify\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few gotchas to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I wanted a neat but simple to service enclosure box. The cover should be easily removable without screws, while remaining firmly in place during normal use. A while back, I saw a design with flexible push-tabs that lock into slots. This was a perfect opportunity, to experiment with this approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Took me a few attempts, revisions and refinements but here is the final result:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I left slots for the speaker cables, power adapter and volume knob. Designed in Fusion 360, here are the uploaded f3d and stl files on Thingiverse<\/a>. The base of the enclosure I printed in PETG for the extra durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I used Hatchbox wood PLA for the cover, which I then sanded, stained and finished with Shellac spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had to use a very slim 90 degree audio cable in order to keep the box small and volume knob accessible. After several bad choices, I arrived at this one<\/a> which does the job really well. They are not always in stock but you need a short one (1, 1-5 ft. is plenty) and with both end looking like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I bought these Yamaha NS-AW350B<\/a> speakers years ago and was pretty happy with them. They lasted and served quite well in the old home, without noticeable deterioration from outdoor exposure, for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Install was straightforward, drilling stucco anchors for the box and the speakers. Ran AmazonBasics 100ft 16-Gauge Audio Stereo Speaker Wire Cable<\/a> and completed the cable management with Legrand – Wiremold C210 Cord Mate II Kit<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m quite happy with the outcome. The system has been running for 1-2 weeks now. The Raspberry Pi is not overheating, despite few 90+F days. It is reliable, responsive and a pleasure to use. Streaming over WiFi is awesome, I don’t have to cringe as the sound starts breaking when I leave Bluetooth range nor have to leave my phone “nearby”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I was concerned about the sound quality of the Pi, but I find it definitely adequate for yard use and Spotify streaming. If I decide to upgrade in future, there are plenty of quality USB sound boards with Pi support, but I don’t currently see a need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Decided to upgrade the yard speakers we brought from our old house into the new, with the following requirements in mind: Dedicated amplifier (was using the TV sound system previously which was limiting and often too much a bother) Bluetooth… Continue Reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-04-18-10.17.29-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nProof of Concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"GPIO](\"https:\/\/www.raspberrypi.org\/documentation\/usage\/gpio\/images\/GPIO-Pinout-Diagram-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-04-19-11.59.08-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nEnclosure Box<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yard-Speaker-Box-Tabs-1024x576.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yard-Speaker-Box-Base-1024x576.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/a34a594c-e6f6-4f76-99b2-4684ac2fd0b8-1024x434.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yard-Speaker-Box-v40-1024x576.png\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-04-19-20.14.11-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-02-09.09.30-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-02-09.19.12-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-02-09.30.55-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/71QhGXOUfUL._AC_SL1500_.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSpeaker Installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-04-20-19.15.23-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFinishing Touches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-03-13.38.27-1-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-03-13.38.34-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jaisor.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/2020-05-03-18.40.20-498x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n