Introduction: Mason Jar Portable Speaker & Guitar Amp

By Trash Amps Website
About: Turning everyday objects into portable speakers for your MP3 player, electric guitar & more.

Let's face it: the speakers on your phone & laptop aren't loud enough. So grab a Mason Jar Speaker KIT from Trash Amps (www.trashamps.com) & build a Mason Jar Speaker to play tunes from your smartphone, tablet and laptop. BUT WAIT: it's also an electric guitar amplifier! Plug in & bust out those wicked solos. Great first project, you'll have music after 21 solder joints & some simple assembly. Impress your friends with a speaker you built with your own hands!

Time Required: 1 hour for a beginner

What you'll need:

  1. Mason Jar Speaker KIT (www.trashamps.com) $39
  2. Wide mouth mason jar with the metal ring that holds the top on
  3. Soldering iron
  4. Solder
  5. Phillips head screwdriver
  6. Wire clippers
  7. Ruler

More details about the Mason Jar Speaker KIT:

  • High Quality, High Volume Sound – ample sound for your bedroom, kitchen, or backyard BBQ. People are always surprised at the amazing volume and full range sound created by the 2 inch full range speaker and 2.4W amplifier (140 to 20 kHz).
  • Compatibility – works with any device with a headphone jack (smart phones, iPods, tablets, etc). Also functions as an electric guitar amp.
  • Fun for both beginner and advanced makers – check out the assembly video and text instructions below. Only 21 solder joints (basic soldering knowledge required). Assembly requres less than 1 hour from start to music.
  • Made in USA – high quality product with USA sourced materials, prepared in California by two dudes who love speakers.
  • Modular Design – headers connect the speaker and battery pack to the circuit board, so you can easily try different configurations or replace a broken part.
  • Sustainable Enclosure - most portable speakers come in a plastic box, which is a problem because less than 7% of plastics are recycled in the US. The glass Mason Jar is Earth-friendly because it is easily reused and recycled, plus you might already have one at home.
  • Strong, High Quality Cord – connect your device, fits in any 3.5mm headphone jack. Use ¼” adapter for guitar.
  • Long Battery Life – 3 AAA Batteries give you about 15 hours of jam time/easy listening (not included).
  • What's Not Included – make sure you have access to these items: soldering iron, solder, phillips head screwdriver, wire clippers, ruler and 3 AAA batteries.

Step 1: Getting Started

Make sure you have everything you need:

  1. Mason Jar Speaker KIT from www.trashamps.com $39
  2. Wide mouth mason jar with the metal ring that holds the top on
  3. Soldering iron
  4. Solder
  5. Phillips head screwdriver
  6. Wire clippers
  7. Ruler

Here you can see an image of the finished PCB. Please reference this image as you put together the kit!

Step 2: Solder 3.5mm Jack to PCB (5 Solder Joints). Make Sure Part Lies Flat Against PCB. Use This Image As a Reference.

Step 3: Solder Right Angle Male Header to PCB (2 Solder Joints). Use This Image As a Reference.

Step 4: Solder Male Header to PCB (2 Solder Joints). Use This Image As a Reference.

Step 5: Solder 2x 5mm LED to PCB (4 Solder Joints) and Cut Off Extra Leads. Use This Image As a Reference.

Step 6: Solder Switch to PCB (8 Solder Joints).

Place Switch on the side of the PCB marked "Switch on this side for Jar KIT". Make sure part lies flat against PCB. Use this image as a reference.

Step 7: Attach Battery Holder to Wooden Piece on Bottom of Speaker With 2 Flat-head Screws. Do Not Over-tighten. One Extra Screw Included.

Step 8: Attach Speaker to Wooden Top With 2 Button Head Screws. Do Not Over-tighten. One Extra Screw Included.

Step 9: Attach PCB to Wooden Top With 3.5mm Jack Nut and Toggle Switch Nut.

Step 10: Plug in Battery Holder Header to Right Angle Male Header. Plug in With Correct Orientation: Red Wire = Positive, Black Wire = Negative. Hooking This Up Backwards Can Damage Your PCB!

Step 11: Plug in Speaker Header to Male Header. Plug in With Correct Orientation: Red Wire = Positive, Black Wire = Negative. Use This Image As a Reference.

Step 12: After Ensuring Battery Holder Is Connected With Correct Orientation, Insert 3 AAA Batteries (not Included) Into Battery Holder. Battery Life Approx. 15 Hours.

Step 13: Great Job, Your Speaker Is Ready to Rock!