While surfing for new prop ideas I came across many different sights with instructions on how to build a speaker system that would play a sound when triggered. I used parts from Radio Shack to build this model that can be triggered with a motion sensor or a pressure mat.

Parts List

1. 9-Volt, 20-Second Recording Module (Radio Shack cat#276-1323) $9.99
2. Amplified Computer Speakers (Radio Shack cat#40-1446) $14.99
3. Project Enclosure 5x2½x2" (Radio Shack cat# 270-1803) $3.69
4. Coaxial DC Power Jack (Radio Shack cat#274-1576) $2.49
5. Coaxial DC Power Plug (Radio Shack cat#274-1573) $2.49
6. Panel-Mount Jack (Radio Shack cat#274-312) $3.99
7. 9V/300mA AC-to-DC Power Adapter (Radio Shack cat#273-1767) $10.99

STEP 1

The first thing that needs to be done to begin this project is to prepare your project box. You will need to decide on the location of your power-in, speaker-out, switch mat (optional), rec button (I kept this internal to keep from recording over an effect by accident), and your mic (I also kept this internal).

I drilled a small hole for the power-in on the back end of the project box. I drilled the recomended size holes for the power jack (for the switch mat), and the panel-mount jack (for the output to the speakers).

STEP 2

With all the predrilling complete I moved onto the new source of power. I cut the 9 volt battery adapter free from the recording module. I also cut the connector off of the 9 volt AC-DC power supply. I Ran this through the hole I had drilled an sliced the wires together. Note: the unit pictured runs off a 9 volt battery not an ac adapter.

I then connected the Panel-Mount Jack to the mic/speaker of the recording module. Then I removed the play switch from the recording module by bending back the metal flaps on the underside of the circuit board. I connected the Coaxial DC Power Jack to the circuitry under the play button. (note: the dc power plug will go to the switch that will turn the recording module on, in my case a pressure mat.)

To remove the play button just bend back the metal clips holding it in place on the underside of the circuit board.

This is what it will look like under the play button.

When soldering the new conection to the play button be careful not to use to much solder and short the curcuit.

STEP 3

With the play button done I needed to solder a new line from the speaker to an terminal. This terminal would make it easy to connect to the external amplified speakers. All that needed to be done was a small amount of soldering. I soldered to the same spots on the speaker that the recorder was connected to. I then soldered these wires to the Panel-Mount Jack.

STEP 4

With all the connections completed I placed everything inside the project box. From here you can connect into a computer an produce the desired sound effects and record them. A pressure mat with a DC Plug on it can be used to trigger this effect.

Here it is ready to go.

DISCLAIMER: These instructions are presented for reference only. No member of the Skeleton Crew can be held liable for mistakes here within. All projects are constructed at your own risk and any faults or damages caused by said projects are in no way the fault of the Skeleton Crew.