DIY Switches for Assistive Tech – Big Button Audio Sound Box

In this guide you'll learn how to build an Audio Sound Box using Circuit Playground Express and CircuitPython. This device can play back short audio clips and features a really big arcade button that lights up when you press it. It’s a pretty simple project but it’s very useful for the assistive tech community. Similar products are actually quite pricey so a DIY solution can be cost effective, and of course this is customizable!

Prerequisite Guides

If your new to electronics and the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, I suggest you walk through the following guides to get the basics. The CircuitPython guide will walk you through setting it up.

Electronic Components

The Circuit Playground Express, massive arcade button, PAM8302 amplifier and speaker are the main electronic components used in this project.

1 x Adafruit Circuit Playground Express
NeoPixels, Sensors, buttons and more!
1 x Panel Mount Right Angle 10K Linear Potentiometer
w/On-Off Switch - 10K Linear w/ Switch
1 x USB DIY Connector Shell
Type Micro-B Plug
1 x USB Micro-B Breakout Board
USB Micro-B connector
1 x 3 x AA Battery Holder
with On/Off Switch, JST, and Belt Clip

Hardware and Supplies

Just a few screws, stickers and wires. 

1 x JST Extension
Male to Female JST-PH Battery Extension Cable 500mm
4 x M2.5 x .45 x 5mm
Flat Head Phillips Machine Screws
2 x M3 x .45 x 5mm
Flat Head Phillips Machine Screws
1 x 30AWG Wire
Silicone Covered Stranded
1 x Solder Wire
Solder Spool - 1/4 lb SAC305 RoHS lead-free / 0.031" rosin-core - 0.25 lb / 100 g
1 x Heat Shrink Tubing
Multi-Colored Heat Shrink Pack - 3/32" + 1/8" + 3/16" Diameters
1 x Mounting Putty Tack
Loctite Fun-Tak Mounting Putty 2-Ounce

Cool Tools!

These help make the project a smooth building experience. You don't need them all of them, but I recommend them.

1 x Spudger
Double Sided Prying Tool
1 x Ultimaker 3
3D Printer
1 x Wire Strippers
Hakko Professsional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers - CSP-30-1
1 x Wire Cutters
Flush diagonal cutters - CHP170
1 x Soldering Iron
Adjustable 30W 110V soldering iron - XY-258 110V
1 x Panavise
Panavise Jr. - PV-201
1 x Helping Third Hands
Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool - MZ101

This guide was first published on Feb 14, 2018. It was last updated on Mar 18, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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