# Sound System for a Chewbacca Costume **URL:** \ **Category:** Finding Parts\ **Created:** [29 April 2024 05:54 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806 "2024-04-29T05:54:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [29 April 2024 05:54 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/1 "2024-04-29T05:54:32Z")
Hi, As the subject states, I’m trying to get a sound system for a Chewbacca costume. I have had this suggested to me: > **[Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board - WAV/OGG Trigger with 16MB Flash](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-audio-fx-sound-board-wav-ogg-trigger-with-16mb-flash.html)** > > Would you like to add audio/sound effects to your next project, without an Arduino+Shield? Or maybe you don't even know how to use microcontrollers, you just want... … but I have a couple of considerations… Ideally, I need the speaker to fit inside one of the bigger boxes on chewbaccas bandolier belt. I can fit it all inside his bag, but I’d really like the sounds coming from near his mouth. I don’t have my costume readily available so I cant give you accurate dimensions of the sizes of the inside of his bandolier boxes, but I am attempting to do so. ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/5/5d26c98faa59546e1a88a1d7ca3696616d2d617b.jpeg) I also want a wireless trigger glove to avoid having to string wires through the costume or along my arm. Can anyone offer some suggestions for a recommended setup for this project? Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [29 April 2024 07:28 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/2 "2024-04-29T07:28:25Z")
## Hi @Mark270490 Fun project! 🙂 I like that Adafruit Audio FX suggestion. We would just need to know the dimensions of the box to make sure we can fit a wireless receiver in there for your remote trigger. #### go small Alternatively, this tiny board already has WiFi and Bluetooth on board so you have easy wireless options. 📶 > **[Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3](https://core-electronics.com.au/seeed-studio-xiao-esp32s3.html)** > > Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3 leverages dual-core, Xtensa processor with RISC-V architecture, supporting both Wi-Fi and BLE wireless connectivities. It is a... And I think it’s compatible with this Audio board 🎵 > **[Adafruit Audio BFF Add-on for QT Py and Xiao](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-audio-bff-add-on-for-qt-py-and-xiao.html)** > > Our QT Py boards are a great way to make very small microcontroller projects that pack a ton of power - and now we have a way for you to turn many QT Py... And this speaker 🔊 > **[Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt](https://core-electronics.com.au/mini-oval-speaker-8-ohm-1-watt.html)** > > Hear the good news! This wee speaker is a great addition to any audio project where you need 8 ohm impedance and 1W or less of power. Adafruit particularly like this speaker... That should all, boards included, fit in… basically anything. 🙂 I’m not sure how much volume you need or if this amp and speaker would be enough. ### more info please 🙂 Dimensions would be great, and maybe also what volumes you expect. How is your programming skills? Would you feel confident working in C++ and digging through the libraries? **Cool Project! Keep us updated** **Pix** ❣ ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [30 April 2024 12:57 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/3 "2024-04-30T12:57:18Z")
Hi, apologies for not getting back to you faster… I’m still working on getting to the costume to get the internal box dimensions. As for my programming skills… well, theyre as good as my skills with electronics… they dont exist… at all… I’m great at building costumes, models, sculpting etc, but totally useless at things that will help with making a sound system. As for the choice of components for the setup, I really cant give an opinion on which is better, I dont have the knowledge base, although I will say that more volume is better, especially in the environment of a convention, where the costume is worn. I have a pack of mp3 sound files, theres 5 of them. My costume is actually totally finished and in storage because of my personal situation, which is why dont have easy access to the Bandolier. ![27047317_10212168637466048_2032367733_o](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/c/cf0a52b8273f6ba5884086058817aa7727d61e7d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [30 April 2024 13:40 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/4 "2024-04-30T13:40:11Z")
#### Hiya Mark 🙂 > [@Mark270490](#): > > Hi, apologies for not getting back to you faster… No worries at all. > [@Mark270490](#): > > I’m still working on getting to the costume to get the internal box dimensions. No rush, just get them when you can. Hard to make recommendation until we know is all 👍 #### in the beggining > [@Mark270490](#): > > As for my programming skills… well, theyre as good as my skills with electronics… they dont exist… at all… Ah good on you for jumping in and having a go anyway. That’s awesome! 🎊 I think this is a compelling argument for using the _Adafruit Audio FX Board._ Look super user friendly. What I suggested will have steeper and more immediate learning curve. I don’t know of any beginner level wireless trigger solutions but maybe someone else will chime in with a suggestion. If not, we might have to look for some guides that have minimal code requirements. #### big sound for a big wookie > [@Mark270490](#): > > I will say that more volume is better, especially in the environment of a convention, where the costume is worn. Oh cool! I’ve seen those cosplay style conventions on youtube. They look fun. Are you predicting busy crowds? Big groups of people can get loud, circa 80-88db. The Adafruit board you linked doesn’t seem to have an incorporated amplifier. I think you should consider incorporating an amplifier to sell the effect. Chewy is a hefty lad, you want a hefty voice. This Audio Amp below has 2.5W of power which I calculate should get you 25-30db over. That _might_ total (depending on other factors too nerdy for right now) 75db which is maybe perfect. > **[Adafruit STEMMA Audio Amp - Mono 2.5W Class D - PAM8302](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-stemma-audio-amp-mono-25w-class-d-pam8302.html)** > > The Adafruit STEMMA Audio Amp is a super small mono amplifier is surprisingly powerful - able to deliver up to 2.5 Watts into 4-8 ohm impedance speakers.... This board below looks very similar to the one you linked but this one has two 2.5 amplifiers built in. That means less soldering which you might appreciate. Two speakers might be a little too much but you could always sum the channels together and pass it to one speaker. (just make sure your audio is mono. this avoids something called de-constructive interference which you don’t need to understand beyond “ew yucky”). > **[Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board + 2x2W Amp - WAV/OGG Trigger -16MB](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-audio-fx-sound-board-2x2w-amp-wav-ogg-trigger-16mb.html)** > > This is a simple, low-cost audio effects trigger that is easy to use and does not require any programming! #### A quick thought. I know we just talked about the importance of dimensions. However, given that you’re unfamiliar with wearable electronics, and since you have a talent costume design, maybe the solution is to make the costume fit the electronics rather than the other way around. i.e. Just buy electronics you like the look of and think can make work. You can worry about how to incorporate them into the costume later. I’m not saying this the best, just something to consider. Electronics is NOT beyond you and there is plenty of support here if you want to dive head first. **Pix** ❣ ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 00:20 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/5 "2024-05-01T00:20:45Z")
> [@Pixmusix](#): > > maybe the solution is to make the costume fit the electronics rather than the other way around. I totally understand what you mean, but to have your costume approved (yes, theres a rigorous approval process), it must be screen accurate, which means I’m unable to alter thee box dimensions. I could put all the electronics in the bag by my hip as a last resort, but the sound coming from near my waist would destroy the illusion to a certain extent. > [@Pixmusix](#): > > which you don’t need to understand beyond “ew yucky” Thats lucky, because “eww yucky” is about my level of comprehension. I’ll try and get those dimensions today… Mark. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff105671](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/jeff105671/32/3729_2.png) [@Jeff105671](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Jeff105671)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 00:39 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/6 "2024-05-01T00:39:07Z")
> [@Mark270490](#): > > I could put all the electronics in the bag by my hip You could use Bluetooth to get the sound from the bag to the mouth if there is enough room in that area for a few small components. > **[Bluetooth 4.2 Audio Receiver Board-with an Amplifier (2x5W)](https://core-electronics.com.au/bluetooth-4-2-audio-receiver-board-with-an-amplifier-2x5w.html)** > > A small size and cost-effective Bluetooth 4.2 Audio Receiver with dual 5W power amplifier circuits. It can auto-reconnect and can be powered via USB or LiPO… > **[Thin Speaker - 4 Ohm, 2.5W, 28mm](https://core-electronics.com.au/thin-speaker-4-ohm-25w-28mm.html)** > > Upgrade your sound system with our Thin Speaker! Measuring just 28mm, this 4 Ohm, 2.5W speaker is sleek and powerful. Perfect for any DIY audio project. > **[Polymer Lithium Ion Battery (LiPo) 3.7V 2400mAh](https://core-electronics.com.au/polymer-lithium-ion-battery-2400mah.html)** > > Welcome to the awesomeness that is LiPo batteries. Polymer Lithium Ion batteries offer superior energy density with this 2400mAh battery being on 6mm in height! Your phone can sit in the bag and pair with the Bluetooth audio device to play the audio files. If you can’t configure the phone to play files on request (surely there’s an app for that 🤔) then it is possible to construct a Bluetooth audio transmitter, but that’s starting to get complicated. ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 13:03 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/7 "2024-05-01T13:03:41Z")
I got the dimensions…yay !! The large boxes are 70mm x 50mm x 25mm internally. The smaller ones are just too small to be useful. Obviously, the components can be separated into a couple or several boxes and wired together if necessary. Mark. ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 13:07 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/8 "2024-05-01T13:07:47Z")
Heaps of space! Any of the above components will fit in there including cables. What material are the boxes made from? If they’re metal they might be conductive and you could short circuit some electronics (that’s bad 😛 ). ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 13:48 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/9 "2024-05-01T13:48:49Z")
The boxes are coreflute board covered in a self adhesive layer of very thin aluminium sheet. ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 14:00 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/10 "2024-05-01T14:00:35Z")
To clarify is it the outside if the box that’s coated in aluminium? ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 14:15 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/11 "2024-05-01T14:15:01Z")
Thats correct. The outside of the box in aluminium sheet, the inside in raw coreflute board. ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 14:20 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/12 "2024-05-01T14:20:11Z")
Thatll be fine. To secure the components use hot glue or plastic screws to ensure the elctronics stay isolated. ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 14:24 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/13 "2024-05-01T14:24:57Z")
Can the components have a piece of velcro attached to the backs for fitting to the box insides ? ---
**Author:** ![Pixmusix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/pixmusix/32/9719_2.png) [@Pixmusix](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Pixmusix)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 14:37 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/14 "2024-05-01T14:37:37Z")
Uhhh. I dont know ive never tested that … I dont see why not… but ive never seen anyone do it before. ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 15:02 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/15 "2024-05-01T15:02:50Z")
I’m thinking using hot glue to adhere the part directly to the box versus to the velcro would make no difference … ---
**Author:** ![Jeff105671](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/jeff105671/32/3729_2.png) [@Jeff105671](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Jeff105671)\ **Post date:** [1 May 2024 21:50 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/16 "2024-05-01T21:50:48Z")
The parts could be attached to the inside of the boxes with double-sided foam tape. Velcro also works well. The items near the throat could be in pouches sewn into the costume at the back of the neck, connected by leads run across the lining and held down with tape. ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [2 May 2024 00:25 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/17 "2024-05-02T00:25:35Z")
The hot glue might also attack the board material. Don’t know, haven’t had occasion to try. Cheers Bob ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [2 May 2024 00:42 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/18 "2024-05-02T00:42:06Z")
That would be a better solution. I’m going to go that way. Thank you. 👍 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Mark270490](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark270490](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Mark270490)\ **Post date:** [2 May 2024 01:32 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/19 "2024-05-02T01:32:05Z")
The hot glue and coreflute combination works well. I’ve done it in prototyping many times. The glue doesnt stay hot long enough to damage the board. ---
**Author:** ![Robert93820](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@Robert93820](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Robert93820)\ **Post date:** [3 May 2024 06:40 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/sound-system-for-a-chewbacca-costume/19806/20 "2024-05-03T06:40:28Z")
Wasn’t thinking much about heat. More the chemicals in the glue. Any glue needs to attack the surface of the material being repaired or it won’t work. A classic example is spectacle frames. These are generally impervious to most things like petroleum products, acids, oils etc so they ate almost impossible to stick together with anything I know of anyway. I once had a vice base which was like that. Noting would touch it. That included any glue substance I could find when I cracked it. By the way, all this was explained to me by the Industrial Chemist at my workplace when I approached him about repairing my vice. Cheers Bob