Suggestions for adding features

[Romeo Wolf]

So I'm creating the layout for the control panel at the top of my project portable in Sketchup, and I've stuck in just about what I could think of the essentials (Batt/Volt Meters, Power On/Off, Bass & Treble, Volume, Variable High Pass filter, handle, etc).



The squares on all four corners of the surface are where I intend to place the rods (or whatever they're called) to attach a shoulder strap and carry the speaker with your shoulder.

However even with all the controls I can think of, the surface seems relatively "empty", so I'd like to hear your guy's suggestions or ideas on what features I can add.

The entire top surface is 10" wide and 6" deep. The rectangle (where all the knobs & switches go) will measure 8" wide and 5" deep.

 

[Lavane]

Headphone jack.

 

[heyraz]

One of my favorite controls on the Hegeman Hapi1/ Hapi2 preamp. The Mode Switch.

Left channel only (through both speakers)
Right channel only (through both speakers)
Stereo
Mono

Really great for those American "Stereo" Beatle albums.

 

[Romeo Wolf]

I was thinking about adding an XLR Input for use with microphones for a portable PA system, might come in handy someday.

 

[whoaru99]

If you want mic then you'll likely need to add yet another gain stage/mic preamp and, depending on the mic style, a 48V phantom power circuit.

 

[El Rubio]

I would make the volume scale go to “11”.

 

[Romeo Wolf]

I would make the volume scale go to “11”.

That's something I am definitely considering doing just for the heck of it

 

[VetPsychWars]

What, no VU meters?

Maybe a power supply current meter?

 

[SofaKing]

I was thinking about adding an XLR Input for use with microphones for a portable PA system, might come in handy someday.

 

[Romeo Wolf]

What, no VU meters?

Maybe a power supply current meter?

Nope, those two meters in the corner are to measure battery level and DC voltage from the batteries.

I also just finished with the controls on the top, looks real good with shadows enabled!

 

[twiiii]

Don't for get a stereo reverse mode.

 

[timofred]

Variable high pass ?
Why not just the correct crossover ?

Stereo / mono switch ?
I can only see one driver ?
Or is there another on the other side ?

Only thing I would add is the rounded corner protection,
the type that goes on road cases,
musicians boxes,
some rubber ones for surface isolation.

 

[Romeo Wolf]

Variable high pass ?
Why not just the correct crossover ?

Stereo / mono switch ?
I can only see one driver ?
Or is there another on the other side ?

Only thing I would add is the rounded corner protection,
the type that goes on road cases,
musicians boxes,
some rubber ones for surface isolation.

Variable high pass filter for the woofer, from 50-150Hz for cleaner tones. It's not a terribly powerful driver anyway but I figured now would be a good opportunity to put it to good use it does sound pretty good for what it is.




Well y'know, I only have one woofer so it would only make sense to use one tweeter and make it a mono speaker, crossed over @ 2500Hz using a 2nd order Linkwitz-Riley.

Corner bumpers would be a good idea

 

[Romeo Wolf]

Here's the final design for the aluminum plate.



And yes, we electro-etched the pot scale to "11" (although volume should be 0-11, not "-11 - +11")

 

[ernieb1536]

Here's the final design for the aluminum plate.
View attachment 2576758
View attachment 2576759

And yes, we electro-etched the pot scale to "11" (although volume should be 0-11, not "-11 - +11")

A small led stop to aluminate the controls at nite

 

[Romeo Wolf]

A small led stop to aluminate the controls at nite

No, the voltmeter is illuminated with a 12V 3W bulb so I'm adding a switch to leave it on or turn it off.

 

[jobrewer1983]

Here's the final design for the aluminum plate.
View attachment 2576758
View attachment 2576759

And yes, we electro-etched the pot scale to "11" (although volume should be 0-11, not "-11 - +11")

man remember me when you start your own audio company haha!! you have the bug… I do a lot of Audio work, have been since a teen and I love seeing stuff like this. Can’t wait to see it finished!