Help hacking together a cheap Ipod sound system
October 8, 2006 7:01 AM Subscribe
Help me construct the ultimate poor man's Ipod boombox. I have a Sonic Impact T-Amp and 2 Infinity bookshelf speakers. I would like to be able to carry all 3 as a connected unit (Amp velcroed to the top of a speaker, speakers somehow connected together) but separate the speakers when needed. What's a good way to connect the speakers together without damaging them? I'd like to keep it as light weight as possible. Seems like Velcro might be too weak?
I think your best best is to use a camera bag, or a carry-on bag or something similar, and modify it to your needs.
I think Bose used to make a bag for their self-powered RoomMate speakers. It would hold the speakers and a portable CD player. One side of the bag opened to reveal a mesh siding, which the speakers sat behind. And of course you could take them out if you wanted. (They currently make a bag for their SoundDock, but I don't think it has the mesh side.)
In any event, I wouldn't trust Velcro alone. I think a nylon bag, some nylon mesh, some padding between the speakers, and a friend with a sewing machine is the way to go.
posted by The Deej at 7:53 AM on October 8, 2006
I think Bose used to make a bag for their self-powered RoomMate speakers. It would hold the speakers and a portable CD player. One side of the bag opened to reveal a mesh siding, which the speakers sat behind. And of course you could take them out if you wanted. (They currently make a bag for their SoundDock, but I don't think it has the mesh side.)
In any event, I wouldn't trust Velcro alone. I think a nylon bag, some nylon mesh, some padding between the speakers, and a friend with a sewing machine is the way to go.
posted by The Deej at 7:53 AM on October 8, 2006
Actually, you can get industrial strength velcro that's several inches wide and backed with incredibly strong adhesive. I first saw this velcro holding the cushions on chairs for paraplegics and later used it to mount part of the headliner in my VW beetle.
Look for 3M branded stuff, or call hardware stores or upholstery shops. You can also buy it on the internet. It's relatively cheap and cheerful and will definitely do what you ask.
On the back of one of the speakers you should consider some kind of strain-relief for the cords.
posted by fake at 12:19 PM on October 8, 2006
Look for 3M branded stuff, or call hardware stores or upholstery shops. You can also buy it on the internet. It's relatively cheap and cheerful and will definitely do what you ask.
On the back of one of the speakers you should consider some kind of strain-relief for the cords.
posted by fake at 12:19 PM on October 8, 2006
Best answer: As fake says, there is Velcro out there rated for very large loads.
I'd make something like this.
posted by tomierna at 12:25 PM on October 8, 2006
I'd make something like this.
posted by tomierna at 12:25 PM on October 8, 2006
How about a small webbing-and-buckle cargo strap (or old-fashioned book strap), like these straps or these straps, or with a ring-type cinch instead of a buckle? Same idea as a velcro strap, but stronger.
posted by hattifattener at 12:32 PM on October 8, 2006
posted by hattifattener at 12:32 PM on October 8, 2006
Industrial strength velcro is seriously incredible stuff. You can get it at Home Depot. I used it to velcro my keyboard to my two-tier metal keyboard stand full of attachments and laptops and everything, and if I'm not standing on the stand's feet when I lift my keyboard, the whole stand will lift off the ground with it.
posted by Jairus at 12:42 PM on October 8, 2006
posted by Jairus at 12:42 PM on October 8, 2006
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posted by mattholomew at 7:11 AM on October 8, 2006