The problem that one has is sound power versus endurance. You just cant have yourself a beach party with a set of ipod earplugs. You need a bit of punch. You also dont want to drag a hifi around and in any case, where are you going to get the mains power you need.
No, you need something that can deliver a bit of punch in a package that one man can handle in a highly robust enclosure. The power comes from batteries and in this case, it is 2 x 14 AH 14V batteries. That is 400 watt hours of power at your disposal.
The 400mm cubed (400 x 400 x 400) frame is made from steel tubing, which was notched with an angle griner at 1CM intervals with an angle grinder in order to get the very tight bend. Once bent, the tube was welded around the insde of the curve and smoothed off with an angle grinder. Round rods were used for the handles and expanded steel mesh was used provide protective covers for the speakers so that they dont get damaged during transport or partying. Four castors underneath allow the jukebox to be moved easily over a firm surface with minimal effort. A platic cover on top makes a useful tabletop. Ideal for music stuff or an extra battery ... not for drinks and ashtrays.
'Die ding kan raas!'
Removing the top cover reveals the workings. A car radio with 2 automotive audio boosters provides the overall sound punch capability. Here you have 4 x 50 watts from the radio, and 4 x 150 watts from the boosters. That is a wopping 800 watts into 8 speakers. The front 2 50 watt channels deliver their power to 2 x 250 watt 9x6 pioneer multicone ovals, and the rear two channels feed a 15 inch woofer and 4 dialogue speakes. These boost the bass and the audio band signals, giving good clarity and punch.
The output of the boosters is fed to 4 jack plugs which give you the ability to plug in 4 auxiliary speakers of 150 watts each.
Here are some examples of connectivity options.
A memory stick can be plugged in for a continual solid state audio source.
On top we have a HF tranceiver which is both powered by the 'Jukebox' and whose audio feeds the audio stage. The Laptop in conjunction with the HF gives you the ability to establish comms with remote stations but it can also be used as a PA source. The laptop also gives you the ability to send files, images and SSTV in various digital modes. By using media player, one can also esablish a radio station on Medioum Wave or Short Wave. An ideal way of dissemnating information in disaster areas or during emergencies.
A laptop can be used as an audio source, and a GSM dongle can provide cellular and internet connectivity.
One can also hook up a little hand held transceiver. This give you the functionality of a wireless PA, in that you can use this configuration at public events, on building sites and to monitor audio at any form of public or emergency environment.
Bottom line is that wherever you need audio power with a bit of punch, this low cost, light weight power pack will be more than enough for most.
Typical apps would include, one man band gig's, mobile disco, kareoke, disco, beach parties, portable hifi with a big sound, buiding and industrial sites, emergency scenarios, outdoor events abd any other scenario that you can immagine that needs big sound.
The small footpint takes up very little floor space and can provide a big sound in the smallest beach cottage.
At high power output, one can look at 1 - 2 hours with the standard battery pack, and at a civilised background level, this unit will provide sounds for 2 days. Friday night, Saturday night and through to Sunday night. Thats continual sounds for a whole weekend.
the cost is real cheap as well. The batteries came in at around R 200 each, the steel frame cost me about R 300 with tripple powdercoating, two base layers of yellow and a covering layer of clear. The radio I had but say R 600, and the speakers, Here you can spend what your budget permits, but the whole thing cost me less than R 2000.00 and it is the best investment in sound I ever made. Cos, when I am not out on a joll, it is my permanent domestic sound system
So, there's an idea for a cool multi function juke box ... and its good fun whatching the expressions on peoples faces when you use your sound system to jump start someones car.
dan was jy seker ook daar
