I am a fan of portable Bluetooth speakers. I have about a half-dozen of them. Different types for different situations. I’ve got a water-proof one for poolside entertainment, a rugged one for camping trips, and a high-quality one for parties. Whether they are cheaply made or audiophile quality, external speakers are almost always better than what comes with your smartphone.

One clever do-it-yourselfer figured out a way to make a Bluetooth mini speaker out of a PVC T Valve. His total cost was about $14, including the electronics, speakers, amplifiers, and rechargeable lithium battery.

ou’ll need a Bluetooth stereo audio module, a micro USB charger module, a 3.7V lithium battery, a set of mini speakers, a 100µF capacitor, and some electrical wiring. You will also need the proper tools for soldering and cutting wires.

Following the electronics diagram, you can connect the audio module, USB module, batteries, and speaker together.

Then, glue one speaker to each side of the T-valve and place the USB module in the middle so that you can easily access the charger.

The picture shows an on-off switch, which would be very useful for avoiding battery drain. However, the Instructable doesn’t mention anything about adding the switch in either the electronics section or the assembly section.

This little project seems like it would be a great way to learn about electronics and audio speakers without having to spend too much money on it if something goes wrong. Plus, if done correctly, you have a pretty unique mini Bluetooth speaker to show off to your friends.