Sean Meighan

Hardware => General hardware => Topic started by: ducebigalow on August 25, 2020, 07:38:26 PM

Title: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 25, 2020, 07:38:26 PM
Hello all
Just wondering if someone can provide me a recommendation on outdoor speakers for my show this year.  Something that won't break the bank wold be nice.
Thanks
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Ebuechner on August 26, 2020, 05:30:44 AM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VGFKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6DKrFb1BJ02R2 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001VGFKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6DKrFb1BJ02R2)
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Gilrock on August 26, 2020, 10:33:21 AM
I've always used these simple speakers from Best Buy that look like rocks.  Mine were wired and didn't cost that much.  I don't necessarily see the same ones now because a lot of them look to be wireless and cost more.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 26, 2020, 06:06:20 PM
what like these?

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/theater-solutions-full-range-outdoor-granite-rock-2-speaker-set-deck-patio-pool/13864307

I don't need top of the line, this is my first show this year and I have no idea what is good for this situation.  I do appreciate peoples input.

thanks
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: bpducman on August 26, 2020, 06:50:47 PM
what is the distance between the speakers and those you want to hear the speakers? Do you have a DB level that you must adhere to in your neighborhood? Do you like your neighbors? do they like you ??

and do you FM modulate?
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 26, 2020, 07:34:12 PM
I would say 20 to 30 feet for anyone standing from the street.
Not aware of any db levels that I need to adhere to, but I might find that out the hard way :)  However, I don't plan on running the show much past 10pm at the latest.  I like my neighbors......i think they like me?
don't think I am going to do the fm thing this year.  Maybe next.  I not sure what the laws are here (ontario canada) on that.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Ebuechner on August 27, 2020, 06:04:23 AM
So you don't end up wasting money re-buying things that you cheaped out on get an FM transmitter and then just use a cheap radio that you might have laying around and protect it from the weather for your first year.
 I started off using some cheap Pyle speakers only to have to by the decent Yamaha ones later, and I wish I had bought the Yamahas right from the beginning saving myself $55 in the long run.
Remember that with the speakers you will also have to add in the cost of a amplifier.
Once again you don't want to cheap out on this.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Gilrock on August 27, 2020, 07:44:03 AM
what like these?

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/theater-solutions-full-range-outdoor-granite-rock-2-speaker-set-deck-patio-pool/13864307

I don't need top of the line, this is my first show this year and I have no idea what is good for this situation.  I do appreciate peoples input.

thanks

Yep that's pretty much what I've used for 9 years.  They can rock the block if I crank it up and they look natural sitting there but I usually have them hidden more for security purposes.  I have one behind a sign and the other is underneath a present box.  My cables are probably 100' from the amp.  I've now installed speaker wire ports underneath my eaves so the wires are in conduit up to that point and I just plug in the wires and run them to speakers in the yard each year.  I like to run my amp from the FM signal that way I know if my transmitter is working.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 29, 2020, 06:26:31 AM
Actually I already have a technics amp that I rarely use.  Forgive me I am new to this, so I assume the speaker connect to the amp and the amp is connect to the usb soundblaster 3 which is connected to the pi?  Am I missing anything?  Again I think I will not be doing fm this year as I am not sure of the laws.  I'm just wondering how the soundblaster connects to the amp. 
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Ebuechner on August 29, 2020, 01:00:21 PM
You have it right, you get a cable to go from The Sound Blaster that's connected to the pi to your amp and then that goes to your speakers.
I live in a cold area just like you and the speakers are very little use but I still have them, most people sit in their cars listening on the radio.
I'd love to use those Rock style speakers so I can put them closer to the road but around here they would get buried in the first snowfall.
I don't think anybody would bother you about an FM transmitter unless there was a complaint and you happen to be transmitting for miles.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 29, 2020, 07:38:00 PM
Hard to say.  I live not far from a small airport so that probably doesn't help me.  Just for shits and giggles do you recommend an fm transmitter?  There is a house that i take my son to every Christmas to see their a.c. lights.  Nothing fancy just lots of them they have a speaker playing Christmas music.  It isn't fm transmitting, most people just role down their windows.  That being said it really isn't a show either.  With 2 months away to Halloween I'm starting to feel the presure lol.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Ebuechner on August 30, 2020, 05:00:09 AM
I definitely recommend an FM transmitter but as I go to Amazon to take a look I see the prices have doubled probably due to the Beer flu.
Most people start by using this model.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_la4sFbPY6FWAV (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_la4sFbPY6FWAV)
That one works but if you don't want to take baby steps and waste money the one that I recommend is this.
https://www.edmdesign.com/ (https://www.edmdesign.com/)
Here's a YouTube video that you might find useful if you're making this decision.
https://youtu.be/cPTwOE7xhy4 (https://youtu.be/cPTwOE7xhy4)
I also find it helpful to have some ferrite chokes to isolate noise.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWCSNW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zy4sFbDW6VR5A (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWCSNW9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zy4sFbDW6VR5A)
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: kenoman742 on August 30, 2020, 09:50:18 AM
I am using this one from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Stereo-Broadcast-Transmitter-Antenna/dp/B00C91NAEG/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=Signstek+0.5+W+05B+Dual+Mode+Long+Range+Stereo+Broadcast+Home+FM+Transmitter&qid=1598802187&sr=8-11
It works very well. I am running it connected via a Soundblaster Play 3 usb sound card and Pi4. Sound is very nice.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 30, 2020, 05:49:36 PM
Is there anyone here that is in Canada specifically Ontario that knows what steps need to be taken properly or do they wing it.  Has anyone every been shut down for fm transmitting?
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Gilrock on August 31, 2020, 08:15:58 AM
Actually I already have a technics amp that I rarely use.  Forgive me I am new to this, so I assume the speaker connect to the amp and the amp is connect to the usb soundblaster 3 which is connected to the pi?  Am I missing anything?  Again I think I will not be doing fm this year as I am not sure of the laws.  I'm just wondering how the soundblaster connects to the amp.

Well its not the way I run my setup.  I have the Pi or Laptop audio out going into an EDM transmitter with a home-made antenna.  Then I just use the FM receiver on my amp.  That way if I get audio on my yard speakers I know my FM transmission is working.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on August 31, 2020, 11:02:25 AM
My amp doesn't have a tuner for receiving any radio stations, it is just an amp to connect devises to. 
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on September 02, 2020, 02:35:40 PM
If I go with FM, how close does the unit need to be to the controller?  Could I have the FM transmitter in my basement office, or do I need to have the fm transmitter close to the controller/window etc. 
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Gilrock on September 02, 2020, 03:25:57 PM
What controller? Do you mean the Pi?  If its the Pi usually you put them together.  I have a 50 foot coax that runs from my EDM transmitter out to an antenna in the yard.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on September 03, 2020, 07:23:13 PM
No.i.meant the falcon.
My plan was to have the controller outside in a box at the front of my house and run an Ethernet cable from the controller to the pi / fm transmitter inside the house.  Both are connected to a switch.  I was hoping the fm transmitter could stay inside.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: Gilrock on September 04, 2020, 09:01:40 AM
Unless your Falcon is acting as the show player and outputs your audio it has nothing to do with your transmitter.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on September 04, 2020, 04:50:24 PM
No he pi will be the player but wanted to keep it inside the house.  Both controller and pi are connect to a switch.  I wanted to run an extended Ethernet cable from the switch to the controller outside , leaving the pi and fm transmitter inside. 
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: babybear on September 04, 2020, 05:34:08 PM
You can keep the fm transmitter inside just run a cable outside with the antenna.  And still no it won?t be too much power.  Only about 10 houses down each way if your lucky
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: jnealand on September 05, 2020, 09:47:14 AM
My master Pi and FM transmitter are inside my house along with a show wifi router.  I have no cables running from inside to outside.  Been this way for years.  Before that I did run an ethernet cable out a window and then stuffed the bottom of the window with an old towel and wedged a board cut to size to keep the window closed and secure.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: ducebigalow on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM
Thanks guys
All I need is enough of signal for in front of my house and 2 or 3 houses in each direction.  The least amount of equipment I have outside the better for theft.  I plan to keep my enclosure inside until the show then bring it back in at night.
Title: Re: Outdoor speakers
Post by: jnealand on September 09, 2020, 10:15:42 AM
IMHO. Any thing you have to do yourself every day/night makes the show burdensome.  My show runs everyday whether I am home or not.  And it has been pretty reliable over the years.  I would not build anything for my show that REQUIRES daily attention by me.  That does not mean you should not monitor your show, but be able to do it on your schedule and if you are available.  YMMV