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Kitronik Bluetooth Amplifier Kit Custom Wooden Enclosures

45

2025-05-22 | By Kitronik Maker

License: See Original Project Laser Cutters

Courtesy of Kitronik

Guide by Kitronik Maker

An interesting part of the design process for amplifier enclosures is the discussion of ‎resonance and quality of sound. Not only can this be affected by the shape and size of the ‎chamber the speaker sits in, but also crucially the material used can be instrumental (pun ‎intended) to bringing out the best sound possible.‎

This Make Covers:‎

covers_1

We Have Used:‎

  • Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier Module (2182).‎

  • SPST Toggle Switch (3425).‎

  • Steamed Beech Veneered MDF (3282).‎

  • ‎8 x 8mm M3 Plastic Spacers (2306).‎

  • ‎16 x 6mm M3 Pan Head Screws (2309).‎

  • PVA Glue

  • This DXF.‎

‎1‎ Design your Amplifier Enclosure!‎

As mentioned above, you must consider a few things while designing an enclosure for any ‎speaker. Here are a few of the many factors that may need to be considered:‎

  • Material choice will affect the sound produced. Its thickness, and even to some ‎extent the adhesive used, will alter the sound in different ways.‎

  • The speakers must be secure, or they may buzz or vibrate unpleasantly.‎

  • The PCB should be mounted in a position central to both speakers, so the wires can ‎reach it.‎

position_2

The button below links to the DXF we have used. Our basic design can be used to build ‎upon or as a template from which to copy the hardware mounting sections to make ‎designing easier for yourself.‎

Download the DXF

2 Laser Cut your Enclosure!‎

Our design will look as below when cut, all from a single piece of Steamed Beech Veneered ‎MDF. Our design features an engraving of a retro boombox, though you do not have to keep ‎this design.‎

laser_3

‎3 Mount the Switch & Speakers

This step could technically be done later; however, it can be beneficial to mount these parts ‎at this stage so that you can gauge how long wires will need to be for the switch and also to ‎check that the speakers will be able to plug into the PCB before you glue it all together.‎

switch_4

Since we’ve used a toggle switch, we don’t have to worry about the orientation of the ‎ON/OFF label (if you’ve engraved one on your design as we have). You can rotate it after the ‎fact once you can test your circuit!‎

The switch is mounted using the included washers and hex nuts, and the speaker we have ‎mounted using four 10mm M3 pan-head screws and four nuts.‎

‎4 Solder the Switch to the PCB

The Bluetooth Amplifier Kit was updated with external switch pads at the beginning of ‎‎2025, and we will be using these to add our toggle switch. Solder the switch on as shown in ‎the image below, with each contact on the switch connected to one of the two pads with a ‎wire.‎

solder_5

IMPORTANT NOTE: This image and the next few show the onboard switch in the ON ‎position. You will need to switch it to OFF in order for the external switch to work as a ‎bypass for that switch.‎

‎5 Mount the PCB

Screw the PCB onto the bottom panel (which has four unevenly spaced holes) as shown in ‎the image. Fix a spacer to each hole using a 6mm pan head screw from underneath the ‎panel, then another of the same screw can be used to screw the PCB to the spacers.‎

screw_6

‎6‎ Begin assembling the enclosure

The top, bottom, and two sides can be glued together using PVA or Wood Glue as shown. ‎Each corner has a diagonal brace with a screw hole, through which you should attach 8mm ‎plastic spacers with a 6mm M3 pan head screw as shown. These will act as screw holes ‎for the back panel so that the electronics are accessible.‎

assemble_7

assemble_8

‎7‎ Design your Amplifier Enclosure!‎

Using PVA, push on the front panel. You’ll want to clamp this in some way while the glue ‎dries - we taped ours.‎

You can now attach the speaker leads to the connectors labelled L-SP (left speaker) and R-‎SP (right speaker). Make sure to get these the correct way around!‎

design_9

8 Screw on the back panel and add feet

As you can see in the image below - you can now screw on the back panel using four 6mm ‎M3 pan head screws. we’ve added feet to ours - you can make your own from foam or grab ‎some rubber ones like we did!‎

panel_10

‎You’re Finished!

Plug into a USB-C power lead, turn it on, and pair the speaker to your device. You’re ready to ‎rock!‎

finished_11

Potential Customisations

  • Add a LiPo battery. The Bluetooth Amp Kit can seamlessly transition from a unit ‎powered by USB-C to a rechargeable portable speaker thanks to a built-in charging ‎circuit. Just add a suitable LiPo!‎

  • Consider using multiple materials. The look of a project can be elevated simply by ‎adding accents in different colours and finishes. A great way to do this is to look ‎through your material scrap pile and design accents that use up your offcuts.‎

©Kitronik Ltd – You may print this page & link to it but must not copy the page or part thereof ‎without Kitronik's prior written consent.‎

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