In our tech world, vintage radios that can’t stream music from a smartphone have taken a backseat. Combining classic charm with the functionality of Bluetooth, however, creates an interesting audio solution. By converting an old transistor radio into a Bluetooth speaker, it can offer benefits of stylishness and utility. It is a fun DIY project that gives one old gadget a new lease on life.
Vintage radios, like today’s portable speakers, were great design icons of their time. Designer speakers now cost a fortune, usually over €100, but using an old radio offers a cheap and retro-cool alternative! Converting a vintage radio into a Bluetooth speaker is a simple job that could be done with many models for a contemporary turn.
Essential Tools and Materials
To embark on this project, you will need the following items:
- A portable AM/FM radio
- An entry-level Bluetooth speaker
- A soldering iron
Step 1: Select Your Radio
Select a vintage radio with appealing aesthetics. If you don’t have one tucked away in your attic, head to the online marketplaces or local thrift stores. It is a wide field ranging from antique classics down to exotic contemporary pieces from around the world, such as Japanese, American, or even Soviet designs.
Step 2: Acquire a Bluetooth Speaker
And lastly, find an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, either new or old, which you could possibly disassemble for the job. The cost should be fairly low, between €6 and €10.
Step 3: Disassemble the Radio
Very delicately strip off all the parts inside that were there for the original purpose of the radio, but still be able to keep the on/off switch and speaker alone intact.
Step 4: Extract the Bluetooth Transmitter
You need to turn on the Bluetooth speaker and remove the transmitter. The rechargeable battery and USB cable are necessary for charging your new device. Your charger is already inside. So open the Bluetooth speaker and remove the transmitter. Make sure you keep the rechargeable battery and USB cable because they will help you with charging your new device.
Step 5: Connect the Components
Connect the wires of the loudspeaker using a soldering iron to the Bluetooth transmitter. This connection is simple, as it involves connecting the loudspeaker to the same contact points found in the original Bluetooth speaker. The setup will run on a USB rechargeable battery, and the circuit will be controlled by the on-off switch.
Step 6: Reassemble the Radio
How To Put Transmitter Inside The Radio?First of all, you must fix the bluetooth transmitter as you might see in the pictures legit from ‘theothermacsite’ inside your radio, making sure the USB is free to exit out from the previous battery compartment, which will also serve as a storage space for the cable.
Enhancing Your Project
For the adventurous, if the space in your radio allows, think of upgrading it to a bigger loudspeaker. You might need a proper power source like a charger and a 2,500 mAh battery just to boost the device’s autonomy. While this serves to make the product a bit pricey, it goes beyond mere upcycling, taking this entire project into the complete restoration of a vintage item. Indeed, some enthusiasts turn this hobby into small business opportunities in refurbished collector radios.It would involve installing a louder loudspeaker if the radio has good space within it and bright people can use increased power through a proper power supply-a charger with a 2500mAh battery, for example, to improve the autonomy of the device. While it becomes expensive, it takes the project beyond just simple recycling, placing it into full restoration of a vintage item. Indeed, some fans have even turned this hobby into a small business selling refurbished collector radios.
For novices, learning the ropes with a tutorial like that by Madiska on how to use a Soviet transistor radio is a good starting point. For more seasoned hands-on veterans, playing around or working with bigger radios, like a Toshiba model, can serve as a good challenge.
