Introduction

You are going assemble a mini amplifier/speaker kit from KitsRus which can be plugged into your MP3 player/iPod to amplify the sound and play it through a pair of small 8v speakers.

Design Situation

The printed circuit boards, battery and speakers require a suitable casing made of acrylic. This will be designed around a template using Techsoft 2D design software, cut on the laser cutter, and assembled according to your own specifications.

Using Techsoft 2D Designer - there are some video tutorials at Top Valley School and Engineering College

Assembly

The PCB (printed circuit board) needs to be assembled, soldering carefully each of the components into the correct place.



Soldering Video by our resident experts Philip and Albert!

Soldering Safety Comics by our students using Pixton

Design

Design ideas need to be sketched and modelled, before being made into prototypes and then final production.

Evaluation and Modification

The final step requires us to evaluate the project, a number of points need to be considered

• The accuracy of our soldering of the PCB and its components.
• Testing the circuit functions.
• The shape and size of the casing for the PCB.
• The shape and size of the casing for the Speakers.
• Testing the casing:
  • Do all the components fit in?
  • Is the battery easily accessible?
  • Do the speakers stand easily?
• You will consider any modifications that could be made, drawing and annotating any alterations.

Knowledge and Understanding

Understanding and expanding your knowledge of electronics will help you with the assembly of your PCB.

• Being able to recognise components.
• Understand the function of the main components used in this mini - amp circuit.
• Understand the design process as it is applied to the design and manufacture of the casing for this project.
• Expand you understanding of the manufacturing techniques and knowledge of acrylic.
• Understand how printed circuit boards are manufactured.