# 3D Printed 20w Amplifier Box ## Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZ8xAe6vRY ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/640/medium800/3d_printing_hero1.jpg?1396202114) The tiny, yet powerful MAX9744 can pump 20 watts of audio to power two stereo speakers. In this tutorial, we going to upgrade a pair of old school Apple Pro Speakers and hook them up to this bodacious amplifier. This lovely kit includes a power filter capacitor, terminal blocks and a 1k potentiometer to adjust volume. A 3d printed enclosure will houses the components and can be printed in any color to match your style. A 3d printed volume knob in ninjaflex filament makes a panel mount 1k potentiometer smooth to the touch. ## Prerequisite Guide - [MAX9744 Overview](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-20w-stereo-audio-amplifier-class-d-max9744) ## Tools & Supplies - [3D Printer](http://www.adafruit.com/category/128) - [Soldering Iron](http://www.adafruit.com/category/8_84) - [Wire Stripper](http://www.adafruit.com/products/527) - [Diagonal wire cutters](http://www.adafruit.com/products/527) - [20 gauge wrapping wire](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1446) - [Ninjaflex Filament](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1690) ## Parts - [MAX9744 20w amplifier](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1752) - [1k Panel Mount Potential](http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?vendor=0&keywords=P160KN+1K) - [12V 5A switching power supply](http://www.adafruit.com/products/352) - [20w Stereo Speakers](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1732 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1732") # 3D Printed 20w Amplifier Box ## 3D Printing ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/644/medium800/3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg?1396288535) Parts are optimized to print on a [Makerbot Replicator 2](http://www.adafruit.com/category/128 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/category/128") and sliced with Makerware. Download the parts from [thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:284905) and print them out using the recommended settings below. [Download STLs](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:284905) ## Print in your Favorite Color The cover, box and bottom parts of the enclosure were optimized for printing in PLA on a makerbot replicator 2. The cover.stl piece can be printed in a color to highlight, while the box and bottom parts can be colored in a matching color to create contrast. ## NinjaFlex The potknob.stl part was designed to print in Ninjaflex filament. The potknob.stl file is optimized to work with a panel mount 1k potentiometer. # 3D Printed 20w Amplifier Box ## Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/645/medium800/3d_printing_circuit-diagram.png?1396294708) ## Analog Control In this project, we'll use analog control since it's the easiest way to get going with the amplifier board. By default, the amplifier breakout is in digital mode. To put it in analog mode we need to close the three solder jumpers labeled **Analog**** , AD1 **and** AD2**. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/646/medium800/3d_printing_analogSolder.jpg?1396295535) ## Adding Terminal Blocks The terminal blocks will be used to connect the two speakers to the audio output of the MAX9744. Follow the negative and positive symbols and insert them appropriately. Solder them in to place for a solid connection. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/653/medium800/3d_printing_terminals-soldering.jpg?1396300971) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/651/medium800/3d_printing_terminals.jpg?1396300639) ## Adding Capacitor Insert the capacitor with the longer lead going into the pad marked **+** Push it in all the way and bend the leads to keep it in place while you solder it in. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/648/medium800/3d_printing_power-filter-capacitor.jpg?1396295775) ## Volume Control We're using a panel mount style potentiometer which is a bit bigger than the 1k pot that comes with the kit. Solder three strands of wrapping wire to the pin outs labeled **Pot. Vol.** Line up the leads of the pot with the pins to ensure turning it to the right will increase the values. Solder the far right lead of the pot to **Pot. Vol. pin 3** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/649/medium800/3d_printing_vol-pots-pin.jpg?1396296366) ## 1K Potentiometer Add pieces of shrink tuning to the wrapping wire for a safe and secure wire connection. Tin the three leads of the potentiometer to make the wrapping wire stick to the leads better. Solder the wrapping wire to the potentiometer. Position the pieces of shrink tubing over the terminal leads and use a heat source to shrink the tubing. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/650/medium800/3d_printing_1kpot-wires.jpg?1396297401) ## Naked Circuit At this point you should have a working naked circuit! In the next page, we'll protect it in a the 3D Printed enclosure box. # 3D Printed 20w Amplifier Box ## Assembly ## Mounting MAX9744 The MAX9744 will snap fit into the **bottom.stl** part with the 4 corner cylinders. The orientation doesn't matter. Gently press the amp down into the bottom part. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/659/medium800/3d_printing_mounting-chip-to-bottom.jpg?1396314969) ## Mounting 1k Potentiometer Panel mount style potentiometers should come with a washer and screw nut. Place the washer on the turning knob. Insert the knob of the pot into the **cover.stl** part with the terminal leads facing either the left or right side (as shown in the photo). Insert the screw nut onto of the knob and tighten it down to secure the pot to the **cover.stl** ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/652/medium800/3d_printing_pot-installation.jpg?1396300824) ## Installing Cover Carefully insert the cover.stl part into the bottom of the box part. The box part has an inner lip that allows the cover to snap into place. The tolerances may vary so you may need to secured the cover with either tape, glue or any other adhesive that will bind two plastic parts together. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/658/medium800/3d_printing_mounting-cover.jpg?1396310158) ## Adding Speakers Since the amplifier can pump 20 watts of power, you should use some equally capable speakers. In our project we upgraded a pair of Apple Pro Speakers. You can easily use any other type of stereo speakers. The positive and negative connections of the speakers should align up with the terminal blocks on the side. Use a small screw driver to loosen and tighten the screws of the terminal. To ensure a secure connection, gently yank on each wire after clamping it into the terminal block, it should be a solid connection, not possible to yank out of place. Loose wires will be a problem! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/654/medium800/3d_printing_installing-speakers.jpg?1396301077) ## Enclosing Amp Box Line up the large opening on the side of the **box.stl** with the terminal blocks of the **MAX9744.** Gently press the **box.stl** part down, snapping it to the **bottom.stl** part. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/642/medium800/3d_printing_hero4.jpg?1396282486) ## Powering Amp Connect [5-12VDC power](http://www.adafruit.com/products/352) to the board using a wall adapter. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/655/medium800/3d_printing_plug-power.jpg?1396301355) ## Audio Input Use a [3.5mm male/male cable](http://www.adafruit.com/products/876) to connect it to your favorite audio player like a computer or phone. Now your ready to pump some awesome sound! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/015/656/medium800/3d_printing_audio-plug.jpg?1396301860) ## Featured Products ### Stereo 20W Class D Audio Amplifier - MAX9744 [Stereo 20W Class D Audio Amplifier - MAX9744](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1752) Pump up the volume with this 20W stereo amplifier! This slim little board has a class D amplifier onboard that can drive 2 channels of 4-8 ohm impedance speakers at 20W each. Power it with 5-12VDC using the onboard DC power jack and plug stereo line level into the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1752) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1752/guides) ### Printrbot Simple Kit - 1405 Model [Printrbot Simple Kit - 1405 Model](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1735) The Printrbot Simple is an exercise in 3D printing minimalism. It includes only what is needed to get started in the world of 3D printing. After building this kit you'll have a fully-functioning 3D printer that weighs only 10 lbs and fits nicely on your desk **Please...** No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1735) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1735/guides) ### NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Midnight Black - 0.5Kg [NinjaFlex - 1.75mm Diameter - Midnight Black - 0.5Kg](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) Looking beyond ABS? Tired of PLA? Open a world of possibilities, limited only by your imagination. NinjaFlex, a cutting-edge filament for 3D printers, is a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that produces flexible prints with elastic properties. Patent pending technology allows... No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1690) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1690/guides) ### Stereo 3.5mm Plug/Plug Audio Cable - 6 feet [Stereo 3.5mm Plug/Plug Audio Cable - 6 feet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/876) This basic cable comes with two 3.5mm (1/8" headphone jack size) stereo connectors. It's fairly straight forward, you'll commonly need these to connect two audio devices together. Cable is 6 ft long. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/876) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/876/guides) ### 12V 5A switching power supply [12V 5A switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/352) This is a beefy switching supply, for when you need a lot of power! It can supply 12V DC up to 5 Amps, running from 110V or 220V power (the plug it comes with is for US/Canada/Japan but you can use any plug adapter for your country, or just replace the cable with a standard 'figure-8'... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/352) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/352/guides) ### Flush diagonal cutters [Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides) ### Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers [Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527) These are the finest wire strippers we have used, and if you have to do a lot of wiring, you will agree! They have soft rounded grips - very comfortable to use, and precision ground notches that do a perfect job every time. No more yanking or twisting to strip wires cleanly and quickly. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/527/guides) ### Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool [Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291) The classic 'third hand tool,' as seen on every desk! We have one next to our [Panavise jr](//www.adafruit.com/products/151), they complement each other well. This tool is good for holding small PCBs and wires for tinning or soldering to parts.   - Every... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/291/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit 20W Stereo Audio Amplifier - MAX9744](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-20w-stereo-audio-amplifier-class-d-max9744.md) - [Overwatch Prop Gun: Lucio's Blaster Pt. 2](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-lucio-gun-pt-2.md) - [Overwatch Prop Gun: Lucio's Blaster Pt. 1](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-lucio-gun-pt1.md) - [Ride & Rock - DIY Bike Stereo System with 20W Speaker](https://learn.adafruit.com/ride-rock-diy-bike-stereo-system-with-20w-speaker.md) - [Overwatch Prop Gun: Lucio's Blaster Pt. 3](https://learn.adafruit.com/overwatch-prop-gun-lucios-blaster-pt-3.md) - [ Analog IC Insights On-the-Go by Maxim Integrated](https://learn.adafruit.com/maxim-app.md) - [Two Way Telegraph with Analog Feedback Servos](https://learn.adafruit.com/two-way-display-with-analog-feedback-servos.md) - [Mini Commodore PET with Charlieplexed LED Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-commodore-pet-with-charlieplexed-led-matrix.md) - [Quadcopter Spray Can Mod](https://learn.adafruit.com/quadcopter-spray-can-mod.md) - [Charger Charm - 3D Printed holder for Micro LiPo USB Charger](https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-charger-charm-3d-printed-holder-for-micr-lipo-usb-charger.md) - [Mario Magic Wand](https://learn.adafruit.com/mario-magic-wand.md) - [Overhead Camera Rig](https://learn.adafruit.com/overhead-camera-rig.md) - [3D Printed Raspberry Pi B+ Enclosure](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-raspberry-pi-b-plus-enclosure.md) - [Fiber Optic Whip](https://learn.adafruit.com/fiber-optic-whip.md) - [Qualia S3 Fireplace](https://learn.adafruit.com/qualia-s3-fireplace.md)