How to Build Your Own Bluetooth Billy Bass
Building your own Bluetooth Billy Bass is a fun and rewarding project that combines the joy of DIY with the nostalgia of a classic toy. This article will guide you through the process of creating your own Bluetooth-enabled fish, complete with a built-in speaker and a variety of catchy tunes. Whether you’re an electronics enthusiast or a beginner looking for a challenging project, this guide will help you build your own Bluetooth Billy Bass with ease.
Materials and Tools
Before you start, gather the following materials and tools:
– Bluetooth module (e.g., HC-05)
– Arduino or similar microcontroller
– Battery holder
– Battery (e.g., 9V)
– Fish-shaped plastic or wooden body
– Speaker
– Soldering iron and solder
– Wire cutters
– Screwdriver
– Hot glue gun
– Heat shrink tubing (optional)
– Arduino IDE
– Bluetooth music app on your smartphone
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Body
Begin by preparing your fish-shaped body. If you’re using a plastic body, make sure it’s clean and free of any sharp edges. If you’re using a wooden body, sand it down to achieve a smooth finish. Once the body is ready, apply a layer of hot glue to the inside to secure the speaker in place.
Step 2: Attach the Speaker
Cut a small hole in the fish’s mouth or belly to accommodate the speaker. Slide the speaker through the hole and secure it with hot glue. If you’re using a wooden body, you may need to use a screwdriver to gently push the speaker into place. Ensure that the speaker is securely attached and that it’s facing the correct direction.
Step 3: Connect the Bluetooth Module
Connect the Bluetooth module to the Arduino using the following pinout:
– VCC: Connect to the 5V pin on the Arduino
– GND: Connect to the GND pin on the Arduino
– TX: Connect to the TX pin on the Arduino
– RX: Connect to the RX pin on the Arduino
Step 4: Load the Arduino Code
Open the Arduino IDE and upload the following code to your Arduino:
“`cpp
include
const int btTxPin = 10;
const int btRxPin = 11;
SoftwareSerial bluetooth(btTxPin, btRxPin);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
bluetooth.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
if (bluetooth.available()) {
char command = bluetooth.read();
if (command == ‘1’) {
// Play the first tune
} else if (command == ‘2’) {
// Play the second tune
}
// Add more tunes as needed
}
}
“`
Step 5: Connect the Battery and Test
Connect the battery holder to the Arduino, ensuring that the positive and negative terminals are correctly aligned. Power on the Arduino, and your Bluetooth Billy Bass should be ready to receive commands from your smartphone.
Step 6: Pair and Play
Open a Bluetooth music app on your smartphone and pair it with the Bluetooth module. Once paired, you can select the tunes you want your Billy Bass to play by sending the corresponding commands (e.g., ‘1’ for the first tune, ‘2’ for the second tune).
Enjoy Your Custom Bluetooth Billy Bass
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own Bluetooth Billy Bass. Now you can enjoy playing catchy tunes from the comfort of your own home or share your creation with friends and family. Have fun customizing your Bluetooth Billy Bass and experimenting with different tunes and features.
