Increase volume of speaker on dartboard

[Joshuashua]

Hello,

I will try to be frank, as I am not sure if I can get the help I need in this forum. I am not an EE but dabble here and there (you'd probably call it hacking at a very crude level).

Overview

I have a new electronic dartboard which has a small speaker on it. The speaker announces things related to game play (scoring, etc). There is a function to change the speaker volume, however it is still very quite even at the highest setting.

The board runs on an AC wall adapter which outputs 300 mA, 9 volts DC to the board.

Here is the dartboard: https://www.amazon.com/Viper-42-1017-797-Electronic-Dartboard/dp/B005FUKUGY

Question

Is there any way I can make the speaker louder with relatively low effort? Perhaps make it a powered speaker somehow? Maybe add a gizmo and a battery? Any ideas are welcome.

I can do some soldering, and have a multimeter if these skills/tools are required for any ideas.

Cheers -

 

[meBigGuy]

The amplifier is built into the board, and is probably putting out what it can for the voltage of the supply and impedance of the speaker.

If you want to open it up you could add a speaker in parallel with the one that is there, or a lower impedance speaker. The amplifier might handle the extra current OK (or not).

You can add a connector to drive an external amplifier. You can add a mic. that drives an external amplifier.

Nothing really simple.

 

[Joshuashua]

Hey, thanks MBG!

I see you mentioned adding in a speaker in parallel. Could I add a "battery powered" amp/speaker combo in parallel with the one that is there? I know you probably do not know the details of the circuit, but just curious what your thoughts in general are.

Thanks!

 

[meBigGuy]

You could drive a line level input from the speaker output. The exact circuit would depend on how the audio amp output is designed. I'd try a a potentiomenter across the speaker driving a series capacitor. You need to decide which side of the speaker is ground.

 

[alphy]

Hello there,

I understand your frustration with the low volume of your dartboard speaker. Fortunately, there are a few options you can explore to increase the volume without too much effort.

One option would be to use a powered speaker, as you mentioned. This would require some additional components and wiring, but it could potentially provide a significant increase in volume. You could also try using a separate amplifier to boost the speaker's output.

Another option would be to replace the existing speaker with a higher quality and more powerful one. This would require some soldering skills, as well as the ability to match the speaker's impedance and power requirements to the dartboard's circuit.

If you are comfortable with electronics, you could also try modifying the circuit to increase the power going to the speaker. This could involve changing resistors or capacitors to adjust the gain of the amplifier circuit.

Before attempting any modifications, it would be helpful to consult the dartboard's manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure that you do not damage the board or void any warranties.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and that you are able to find a solution to increase the volume of your dartboard speaker. Good luck!