P500 My DIY Bluetooth stereo on the cheap

[865Pioneer500]

After searching long and hard for an audio solution that fit the P500 well and wasn't a ridiculous amount of money, I decided to go the DIY route. I'm mounting a set of $69 Pyle 6.5" marine speakers with integrated Bluetooth in the front of my tractor supply cargo box. The speakers can be found here. So far, it's coming together nicely. The speakers require only a 12v source. That will come from an additional fuse panel behind the dash and a switch panel to replace the warning placard. Since the plastic box sides are a bit uneven and wavy, there were gaps around the speakers in between the mounting screws. To solve this, I am 3D printing 1" thick reinforcement rings that will sandwich the box from the inside. These will also offer some impact protection for the backs of the speakers. I may design and print guards that will protect them even further. I've already tested the speakers in the box and they sound great paired to my 7" tablet mounted on my steering column, especially with a bass boosting equalizer app.

 

[Admin]

 

[pFive]

Cool, I did that with a cooler...it also keeps my paper towels dry on the trail.. (EDIT TO ADD) I have not seen the bluetooth speakers yet, those are neat. I used a small digital 3 channel bluetooth amp and mounted it inside the cooler.

Cooler

• pFive
• Jul 26, 2017

2 6.5"
2 Tweets
1 8" sub

3 channel amp

• pFive
• Jul 26, 2017

I also used a step up converter to go from the 14 volts we get at idle to around 19 volts.

 

[865Pioneer500]

I just happened across them while digging around on amazon. I had no idea they existed. They're perfect for a project like mine.

 

[pFive]

I just happened across them while digging around on amazon. I had no idea they existed. They're perfect for a project like mine.

Heck yeah, the biggest issue with those reasonably priced speaker wake pods everybody uses is they sound like crap, and those expensive sound bars have no bass, your box will sound a lot better than either of those, and hold Doritos!

 

[Montecresto]

After searching long and hard for an audio solution that fit the P500 well and wasn't a ridiculous amount of money, I decided to go the DIY route. I'm mounting a set of $69 Pyle 6.5" marine speakers with integrated Bluetooth in the front of my tractor supply cargo box. The speakers can be found here. So far, it's coming together nicely. The speakers require only a 12v source. That will come from an additional fuse panel behind the dash and a switch panel to replace the warning placard. Since the plastic box sides are a bit uneven and wavy, there were gaps around the speakers in between the mounting screws. To solve this, I am 3D printing 1" thick reinforcement rings that will sandwich the box from the inside. These will also offer some impact protection for the backs of the speakers. I may design and print guards that will protect them even further. I've already tested the speakers in the box and they sound great paired to my 7" tablet mounted on my steering column, especially with a bass boosting equalizer app.

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I like it, and what about this bass boosting equalizer app???

 

[Mudder]

Nice find, thanks for posting, likely to copy idea for atv box. Integrated amp reminds me of the old 6x9 Mind Blower amped speakers. Back in the custom van days of late 70s.

 

[865Pioneer500]

I like it, and what about this bass boosting equalizer app???

There's tons of them on the google app store. Just find one you like and give it a try. I'd recommend one that has a paid version so there will be no ads.

 

[Montecresto]

There's tons of them on the google app store. Just find one you like and give it a try. I'd recommend one that has a paid version so there will be no ads.

Great thanks!! Mainly I want to know what it does?

 

[trigger]

After searching long and hard for an audio solution that fit the P500 well and wasn't a ridiculous amount of money, I decided to go the DIY route. I'm mounting a set of $69 Pyle 6.5" marine speakers with integrated Bluetooth in the front of my tractor supply cargo box. The speakers can be found here. So far, it's coming together nicely. The speakers require only a 12v source. That will come from an additional fuse panel behind the dash and a switch panel to replace the warning placard. Since the plastic box sides are a bit uneven and wavy, there were gaps around the speakers in between the mounting screws. To solve this, I am 3D printing 1" thick reinforcement rings that will sandwich the box from the inside. These will also offer some impact protection for the backs of the speakers. I may design and print guards that will protect them even further. I've already tested the speakers in the box and they sound great paired to my 7" tablet mounted on my steering column, especially with a bass boosting equalizer app.

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That'll work! I'd second making something to protect the backside though. They're more vulnerable there than in front and anything metal carried in the box will end up stuck to the magnets.

 

[865Pioneer500]

Great thanks!! Mainly I want to know what it does?

It allows you to equalize the audio to your liking and increase the bass, which is usually pretty low from mobile devices.

 

[iawolfeman]

Nice find, thanks for posting, likely to copy idea for atv box. Integrated amp reminds me of the old 6x9 Mind Blower amped speakers. Back in the custom van days of late 70s.

Ah yes Mind Blowers! Had em in the galaxy 500. Now suffer from hearing loss...