There’s nothing quite like spending a day out at the beach or by the pool, listening to your favorite tunes while you soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a way to take your music with you on your next outdoor adventure, then you need to check out our guide on how to make a waterproof cooler radio! In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about how to make this DIY project work for you. We’ll also provide some useful tips that will help make your cooler radio experience as enjoyable as possible. Let’s get started!
What is a Cooler Radio?
A cooler radio is a device that allows you to listen to music or the news while keeping your food and drinks cold. They are usually made out of plastic or metal and have a built-in speaker so that you can hear the audio without having to hold it up to your ear. Some cooler radios also come with a rechargeable battery, which means you can use them even when you’re not near a power outlet.
Cooler radios are perfect for outdoor activities. They keep your food and drinks cold while providing entertainment, so you don’t have to worry about packing multiple devices. Plus, they’re small and lightweight, so they won’t take up much space in your bag.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your food and drinks cold while listening to music or the news, a cooler radio is the perfect solution. [1]
Uses of a Cooler Radio
There are many different uses for cooler radios. Due to their portability and versatility, they are ideal for many activities.
Cooler radio will make a great addition to your pool party, camping, or hiking trips. With them, you can add some music wherever you go, and them being so light only helps to carry them around with ease.
Materials You Will Need to Make a Cooler Radio
To make a cooler radio on your own, you need to gather some materials first. We will go through them one by one.
Picking a cooler
The first thing you need is a cooler. You really can pick any cooler you want. It can be of any size, but it’s best if it’s at least medium-sized so that you have enough room to work. You don’t want the cooler to be too big or too small. Bigger coolers can fit more food and drinks but will be harder to transport. On the other hand, smaller coolers might not have enough room to store everything you need.
If you don’t have a cooler lying around, you can easily find one at your local store or online. [2], [3]
Speakers
The next thing you need is some speakers. Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose whatever ones fit best in your cooler. Depending on what you have available, you can either use external speakers or internal speakers.
Any speakers will do for this project, but you may want to use good quality Bluetooth speakers for the best sound. When making the cuts in your cooler, it’s important to measure the cuts correctly so they would fit the speakers you have. [2], [3]
Amp
If you want to amplify the sound of your cooler radio, you will need an amp. Amps come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose whatever one fits best in your cooler. Just make sure it’s waterproof so that it doesn’t get damaged if any water gets into the cooler. [2], [3]
A bunch of wires
Obvious things are obvious, and you will need a bunch of wires for your project. This includes the power cord for your amp if you’re using one and any other wires that might be necessary. For this DIY project, we recommend using at least 20 gauge wire. No matter what you choose, make sure to wrap all of the wires in electrical tape or some other type of waterproof sealant to protect them from moisture. [2], [3]
Battery
If you don’t want to have to worry about plugging your cooler radio into an outlet, you can use a battery instead. This way, you can take your cooler radio with you wherever you go. Just make sure the battery is waterproof so that it doesn’t get damaged if any water gets into the cooler. Just don’t forget to charge it before your trips! [2], [3]
Battery maintainer plug
In addition to the battery, you will also need a battery maintainer plug. This is a device that will keep the battery charged when it’s not in use and will make it possible to charge your radio from the outside. This is important because if you don’t have a battery maintainer plugged in, the battery will eventually die, and your cooler radio won’t work. [2], [3]
Abs plastic
The next thing you need for this project is some abs plastic. This can be found at most hardware stores, and it’s used to make things waterproof. You will need enough to cover the outside of your cooler, including the top, bottom, and sides. [2], [3]
Silicone
Last but not least, you will need some silicone to seal everything up, especially to keep all that abs plastic in place. This is the key to keeping your radio dry. Make sure to use a high-quality silicone that is specifically designed for waterproofing projects. [2], [3]
Now that you have all of the materials, it’s time to start building!
Guide on How to Construct Your Own Waterproof Cooler Radio
Now that you have all of the materials, it’s time to start building! We will go through the process step-by-step.
Cut speaker holes in the cooler
The first thing you should do is to cut speaker holes in the cooler. If you’re using external speakers, this is where you would put them. Make sure the holes are big enough for the speakers to fit comfortably. Usually, speakers boxes list the diameter on them, so you won’t need to measure it yourself.
Drill holes for toggle switches
If you are using an amp, you will need to drill holes for the switches. This is where you will attach them to the cooler. Make sure the holes are big enough for the switch and battery maintainer to fit comfortably.
Once you have drilled the holes, it’s time to attach the toggle switch. Make sure they are in a comfortable place so that you can easily reach them when needed. [2], [3]
Wire everything together
Now it’s time to wire everything together. This can be a little tricky, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Start by wiring the power cord for your amp if you’re using one. Next, wire the speakers to the amp.
Then run the wires from the amp to your toggle switch and from your toggle switch to the battery. As a finishing touch, connect the maintainer to the battery and you’re all done with the wires. [2], [3]
Mount the parts of your radio
Once everything is wired together, it’s time to mount the pieces of your radio. This includes the speakers, amp, and battery. Just make sure everything is securely in place so that it doesn’t move around while you’re using it.
Don’t forget to drill a hole specifically for a battery maintainer, it’s easier to charge everything from the outside than remove the battery each time. [2], [3]
Mount the abs plastic
Now it’s time to mount the abs plastic. This is a little tricky, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Start by deciding where you want to mount it. Make sure it’s in a comfortable place so that you can easily reach it when needed. Then, measure and cut it so it’d fit the size of your cooler perfectly.
Make sure everything is securely in place so that it doesn’t move around while you’re using it.
Seal the radio with silicone
Last but not least, seal the radio with silicone. Make sure to use a high-quality silicone that is specifically designed for waterproofing projects. Apply a thick layer of silicone all around the edges of the amps. This will ensure that your radio equipment stays dry no matter what happens.
Now that your cooler radio is finished, it’s time to test it out! Play some music and see how it sounds. If you’re not happy with the sound quality, you can always adjust the settings on your amp. [2], [3]
FAQ
How can I make my cooler radio waterproof?
There are a few ways to make your cooler radio waterproof. The most common way is to use a watertight container and seal the seams of the cooler with silicone caulk or epoxy. You can also use a weatherproof enclosure to protect your cooler from the elements.
How to test if a cooler radio is waterproof without damaging it?
There is no definitive way to test if a cooler radio is waterproof without damaging it. However, you can try submerging the radio in water and seeing if it still works. If it does, then it is likely waterproof.
If you are not sure whether your cooler radio is waterproof or not, we recommend using a weatherproof enclosure to protect it from the elements.
Can you use an epoxy to seal your cooler radio?
Epoxy is one of the best ways to seal your cooler radio. It will create a watertight and airtight seal that will keep your device safe from the elements. Make sure to use a high-quality epoxy that will withstand extreme temperatures and moisture.
Useful Video: DIY | HOW TO MAKE A BLUETOOTH STEREO COOLER
Conclusions
Whether you’re hitting the beach, going for a hike, or just having a picnic in your backyard, we know that music always makes things more fun. That’s why we wanted to show you how easy it is to make your own waterproof cooler radio – so you can keep the tunes flowing no matter what outdoor activity you’re enjoying. All you need is a cooler, some speakers (we recommend using portable Bluetooth speakers), some wire, silicone, and an amp if you want to boost the sound quality. And if you want your cooler radio to be totally waterproof, be sure to seal it up with some silicone or epoxy.
By following these simple steps, you can create your own waterproof cooler radio that will keep the party going even when Mother Nature tries to bring it down. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
References:
- https://lifehacker.com/make-a-beach-stereo-out-of-a-cooler-5497363
- https://www.instructables.com/Cooler-Stereo/
- https://publicananker.com/how-to-make-a-waterproof-cooler-radio/