Asked by: Amy Ogden
Quick links
Description
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Click here to download the essential information.
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Click here to download the full teaching resources.
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LM386 Datasheet.
- Autodesk Files.
- Cutting Files for our Mono Amp Case.
- Please note if using 2D Design the .dxf file can be opened by using File -> Import.
- The mono amp case cutting data files are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
Same Day Dispatch
- Orders placed online before 3:00pm Monday - Friday (excluding public holidays and our Christmas shutdown period) are always dispatched the same day provided the goods are in stock. If the goods are not in stock we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible to discuss a dispatch date.
UK Deliveries
- If you live on the UK mainland and don't have any large materials or lithium batteries in your order it will cost £3.95 (£4.74 including VAT) if you spend less than £40 (£48 including VAT).
- If you spend between £40 and £200 (£48 - £240.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) delivery is free to most locations, £12 (£14.40 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) to Northern Ireland and £15 (£18.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) to UK remote locations. For a list of postcodes that will be charged the remote location rate: remote area list.
- If you spend over £200 (£240.00 including VAT, excluding large materials or lithium batteries) delivery is free within the UK.
Rest of the world
- These orders are sent via UPS, and the cost is dependant on the service you choose at checkout. Alternatively you can choose the free collection option and have your own courier collect it from us. International orders can only be shipped to the registered card address. Please note: International orders may be charged import duty dependant on local import laws and duty rates. These charges are usually billed to you directly from UPS.
- Delivery times vary for international orders depending on the service selected and the destination. You can see the delivery time and cost at the shipping stage, or by using the shipping estimator from within the shipping basket.
Collection
- If you would like to collect your order, or use your own courier then there is an option you can select during checkout. We do not charge a packaging or handling fee for this service, and you will receive an email when your order has been processed, you can collect half an hour after receipt of this email.
Further Information
- For information about all of the delivery options we offer see full delivery details.
James Ratcliffe, Director of Design & Technology at Milton Abbey School sent us these great examples of Year 10 work based around our MP3 Mono Amplifier Kit. We think you'll...
James Ratcliffe, Director of Design & Technology at Milton Abbey School sent us these great examples of Year 10 work based around our MP3 Mono...
These mp3 mono amplifiers were made by year 10 Product Design students at Barry Comprehensive School. These have all been made with used packaging at their heart.
These mp3 mono amplifiers were made by year 10 Product Design students at Barry Comprehensive School. These have all been made with used packaging at their heart.
These MP3 Mono Amplifiers were made by year 9 students at Meole Brace School Science College. Horse by Amy Bellingham. Keyboard by Maddy Laing. Mushroom by Ellie Thurston. Tripod...
These MP3 Mono Amplifiers were made by year 9 students at Meole Brace School Science College. Horse by Amy Bellingham. Keyboard by Maddy Laing. ...
A great selection of amplifier cases designed using Autodesk 123D software, designed by students at the Archbishop Sentamu Academy.
A great selection of amplifier cases designed using Autodesk 123D software, designed by students at the Archbishop Sentamu Academy.
These great amplifier case designs were produced by students of Mr Peachey, St Mary's Catholic High School Astley, Manchester.
These great amplifier case designs were produced by students of Mr Peachey, St Mary's Catholic High School Astley, Manchester.
Year 9 speaker, which the pupil combined with her year 8 colour fazing mood light. Rickmansworth School.
Year 9 speaker, which the pupil combined with her year 8 colour fazing mood light. Rickmansworth School.
This is a scale model of the Mono Amplifier Kit, carefully reproduced at 8 times the normal size. The components can be removed and when correctly assembled it even works!...
This is a scale model of the Mono Amplifier Kit, carefully reproduced at 8 times the normal size. The components can be removed and when...
Year 8 'Secret Amplifier' from the Sir Robert Pattinson Academy.
Year 8 'Secret Amplifier' from the Sir Robert Pattinson Academy.
Jeff Draisey, head of D&T at the Balcarass School in Cheltenham, sent us these Year 8 70's themed Mono Amplifier Kit Projects. We think you'll agree the students not only...
Jeff Draisey, head of D&T at the Balcarass School in Cheltenham, sent us these Year 8 70's themed Mono Amplifier Kit Projects. We think you'll...
These great examples of our Mono Amplifier Kit were sent in by James Ratcliffe at the Milton Abbey School in Dorset.
These great examples of our Mono Amplifier Kit were sent in by James Ratcliffe at the Milton Abbey School in Dorset.
This week we have a guest post brought to you by Phil Wickham of Dixons Trinity Academy, Bradford, who was inspired to get his class to build their own concrete speakers...
This week we have a guest post brought to you by Phil Wickham of Dixons Trinity Academy, Bradford, who was inspired to get his class to...
Some example work of housings for amplifier kits made by year 9 pupils at the Humphry Davy School. The theme for the project was recycling. Some materials were provided as...
Some example work of housings for amplifier kits made by year 9 pupils at the Humphry Davy School. The theme for the project was recycling....
Mr Hemmerman wrote: "These pictures come from a group of year 9's at Ibstock Community College in Leics. The theme of the project is sustainable design and therefore the materials used...
Mr Hemmerman wrote: "These pictures come from a group of year 9's at Ibstock Community College in Leics. The theme of the project is sustainable design...
This range of mono amplifiers have been made by spacing a number of sheets of CNC cut MDF / PVC. This work was produced by students at the Meadows Community...
This range of mono amplifiers have been made by spacing a number of sheets of CNC cut MDF / PVC. This work was produced by...
Richard Bond at Audenshaw School wrote: "These are examples of MP3 Amplifiers that our 6th form students have made as part of their A'Level Product Design course. Some use the...
Richard Bond at Audenshaw School wrote: "These are examples of MP3 Amplifiers that our 6th form students have made as part of their A'Level Product...
Here are some examples of amplifier case designs by students at Litcham High School. Sharon Addy, Head of D&T wrote: "Just would like you thank you for the kits which...
Here are some examples of amplifier case designs by students at Litcham High School. Sharon Addy, Head of D&T wrote: "Just would like you thank...
This design is student made and comes from Hardenhuish High and has been made from laser cut plywood sheets (laserply).The front of the case shows how the speaker grill has been...
This design is student made and comes from Hardenhuish High and has been made from laser cut plywood sheets (laserply).The front of the case shows how...
The complete unit - Laser cut from 4mm MFD, varnished & assembled with a friction fit. Inside the box. The laser cut parts.
The complete unit - Laser cut from 4mm MFD, varnished & assembled with a friction fit. Inside the box. The laser cut parts....
This MP3 amplifier has been made by laminating laser cut sheets of plastic. It is made more eye catching as the outer sheets of plastic are pre-printed with this technological...
This MP3 amplifier has been made by laminating laser cut sheets of plastic. It is made more eye catching as the outer sheets of plastic...
The students have used the sublimation process to print the designs on the plastic and press formed them to create the case. Different printing using the same concept. ...
The students have used the sublimation process to print the designs on the plastic and press formed them to create the case. Different printing...
This MP3 amplifier was styled using a metronome as a starting point. The clear perspex has been hand cut and over bent to give this interesting appearance.
This MP3 amplifier was styled using a metronome as a starting point. The clear perspex has been hand cut and over bent to give this...
How to solder - an introductory guide: If you're new to soldering our Soldering School will have you up and running in no time. What is soldering? Soldering is a...
How to solder - an introductory guide: If you're new to soldering our Soldering School will have you up and running in no time. What...
This resource has been produced to provide a great way for you to create amplifier cases for our very popular MP3 Mono Amplifier V2.0 Kit and our High Power Stereo Amplifier Kit.This...
This resource has been produced to provide a great way for you to create amplifier cases for our very popular MP3 Mono Amplifier V2.0 Kit and...
Q:
Hi, I have just bought this kit for my school as we are looking in to a speaker project. However, I have found that when connected to newer phones, like an iPhone 6s, the static and feedback is terrible. I can't find any solutions for this, can you suggest anything or is this circuit not suitable for some phones?
A:
Hi Amy, There shouldn’t be any reason why a new phone such as the IPhone 6 gives off more static/feedback through the amplifier, although we are looking into this. To aid us in trying to work out what is causing this if you send a photo of the top and bottom of the circuit board and also the connect onto the speaker to our support email so we can take a look.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
08-Jul-16
Q:
Hi IM using this kit. I want to include an on/of switch plus an LED to give a visual indication that the power is on/off. When I cut battery clip and put switch only in series it works fine. When I include LED and current limiting resistor the circuit stops working. Any clues?
Asked by: D Rudd
A:
You would need to put the resistor and LED in a parallel circuit with the mono amplifier circuit, similar to what is shown in this document adding-a-power-supply-and-led-to-your-project-kit
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
20-May-16
Q:
Can I have the circuit diagram, please?
Asked by: james
A:
Hi there, That is not a problem the circuit diagram is on page 7 of the essential information document on the link below or at the bottom of the product page. 2165-v3-mono-amplifier-kit-essential-information.pdf
Answered by: Cullen Lewis
13-Mar-18
Q:
Could I use a speaker that connects directly with a jack to a phone without an amplifier kit?
Asked by: Cora Thust
A:
Hi Cora, Unfortunately not, you need something like an amplifier to be able to drive the speaker. Without this the output wouldn't be of any use as it hasn't been filtered and amplified.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
19-Feb-18
Q:
Are you able to confirm the UL94 flammability rating of the PCB used in this kit?
Asked by: David
A:
Hi David, I have double checked with our supplier and they have stated the flammability rating is UL94-V-0.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
17-Jan-18
Q:
just like to ask are you stopping selling this item (V2 mono amp) we 100 of them for the rest of this school year or are you only sell V3 mono amp now
Asked by: paul wray
A:
Hi Paul, Yes version 2 has now been discontinued due to supply issues with the amplifier IC. As such version 3 has now been introduced. We do however have some of the version 2 pre-built kits left and are available while stocks last.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
15-Jan-18
Q:
I made one of these at school a few years ago, and It no longer works, I was wondering where the possible faults may have occure
Asked by: Ben potter
A:
Hi Ben, It could be a number of problems depending on what has happened to the kit. The best bet is to drop an email through to support@kitronik.co.uk with details of what happened with the kit.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
19-Dec-17
Q:
If I have two kits, can I join them together in a way that both speakers will perform at the same standards as one? And is there a way to make it stereo?
Asked by: Akaash
A:
Hello Akaash, If you mean can you run two kits from the same input this should be possible, although you may get some interference between the two kits. You would take each connection from the jack lead and split this onto both inputs of the kits. To turn the mono amp kit into a stereo would require a number of changes, as such you would be better using the 2136 Stereo amp kit, < ahref="https://kitronik.co.uk/products/2136-stereo-amplifier">2136-stereo-amplifier as this is designed to be a stereo amplifier.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
18-Jul-17
Q:
Can you please let me know if the screws to attach the circuit board are supplied. Thank you
Asked by: Terry
A:
Hi Terry, With this kit we don't provide any fixing to mount the PCB, as such these would need to be purchased separately.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
06-Jul-17
Q:
Does it come with an aux cable?
Asked by: wayne
A:
Hi Wayne, The kit is supplied with a 50cm length of 3.5mm Mono jack cable, half of this cable also doubles up as the speaker wire.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
13-Jun-17
Q:
What if the board is scratched would it still work?
Asked by: Yui
A:
Hi Yui, It would all depend on where the board was scratched and how damaged it was. But in theory yes it should still work as long as you don’t scratch the coating off the bottom and then scratch the copper track off.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
03-May-17
Q:
what is the battery life of a standard 9VOLT battery
Asked by: kieran
A:
Hi Kieran, A standard 9V battery has a capacitance of around 500mA. As such if it is used with the mono amp kit you would get around 7 hours of continual use. This is based on a maximum current draw of 70mA at a 9V supply.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
08-Mar-17
Q:
Does the polarity matter on the speaker because the speaker is polarised but the PCB doesn't show it
Asked by: brandon
A:
Hi Brandon, On the Mono amp kit it doesn’t matter which way round the speaker is connected even though the speaker does show a positive and negative connection.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
20-Feb-17
Q:
can the 2W 8 Ohm 50mm Full Range Speaker be used instead of the speaker supplied?
Asked by: Mustafa Al-Quraishi
A:
Yes you can change the speaker supplied to this one, however this amp kit can only output a maximum of 1.25W of power. As such you wouldn’t get the full use out of the speaker.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
25-May-16
Q:
Would it be possible to remove the audio jack and connect the unit directly to a microphone?
Asked by: Connor
A:
In theory there wouldn’t be any reason why it wouldn’t work. However it may be that the audio is amplified too much, which could be controlled with a potentiometer or not enough. It would be a case of trying it out to see what happens.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
08-Apr-16
Q:
hi there do you have a PCB layout for this circuit as I need it asap
Asked by: Amar Sharma
A:
Unfortunately we don’t have a PCB layout diagram for this product, we only have a circuit diagram which is shown in the essential information document.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
30-Mar-16
Q:
Hi, is it possible to use potentiometers with this kit for volume and gain control?
Thanks!
Mark
Asked by: Mark
A:
The gain on the amplifier is set by putting a capacitor and resistor between pins 1 and 8 on the amplifier IC. We don’t use these pins on our circuit which leaves the gain default at 20.
The data sheet for the amplifier chip explains which resistance and capacitance values result in different gain values. The data sheet for the IC can be found here, LM386.pdf
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
08-Feb-16
Q:
Hi, is there a way to make this board powered by mains power? Would your 12V 500mA UK mains wall power supply be compatible? Thanks DL
Asked by: Dave Lowry
A:
Hi, yes that supply is compatible. Just cut the barrel jack off and solder the positive wire into the positive power pad on the kit and the negative one to the negative pad. (The negative wire has a white stripe on it).
Answered by: Aaron Sturman
02-Dec-15
Q:
I have built the circuit, but the sound is distorted (crackly). Is there a way to fix this?
Asked by: David
A:
There could be a few reasons why the sound is distorted, if you look in the essential information document, 2154_mono_amp_essentials_2_2.pdf at the fault finding flow chart this will provide a few possible solutions. If you are still having an issue email a photo of the top and bottom of the circuit board to our support email.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
11-Nov-15
Q:
my speaker has to be 66mm would this one be compatible
Asked by: Junaid
A:
The speaker supplied with this kit is a 8 ohm 66mm Speaker.
Answered by: Michael Lockhart
10-Mar-15
Q:
Hi
is it possible to put 70W speaker on the circuit
also 2 70W in series
Asked by: jas
A:
Hi, this kit doesn't output enough power to efficiently drive 70W speakers. The sound would likely be very quiet and somewhat distorted. Using two 70W speakers would make the problem even worse as the kit would still supply the same power only it would have to be shared between two speakers.
Whether the speakers should be connected in series or in parallel would depend on the impedance rating of the speakers. In either case though, this kit isn't designed for use with such speakers. You would be better off with our high power amplifier. It's a stereo system so it uses two speakers and can deliver 15W into each.
Answered by: Aaron Sturman
16-Dec-14
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