Introduction: Portable Speaker

By Want Second Income?

This is one of two portable speaker systems i wanted to build.  I used the LM386 circuit from my previous instructable and incorporated it into this portable speaker system.  It is a single channel (mono) speaker system which lights up blue in the background when you turn it on.  I hope you enjoy this one and feel free to give me suggestions or ask me to clarify anything that may be confusing.

Step 1: Obtain Parts

All Components (except for Acrylic Sheet) can be found at RadioShack.

Multipurpose PCB with 417 Holes painted black
4.5-9 Volt DC power supply (3 or 4 AA or 9v Battery)
8 Ohm Speaker
Audio Source e.g. iPod
Acrylic Sheet from "Lowe's"
Project box
 2X Blue Square LED's
Mono Audio Jack
8-Pin Retention Contact
IC1      IC                                       LM386 Audio Amp IC
R1      Resistor                            10 Ohm
R2      Resistor                            1K Ohm
R3      Potentiometer                  5K Ohm
R4      Resistor                           10 Ohm
C1      Capacitor                         220 Micro Farad
C2      Capacitor                         10 Micro Farad
C3      Capacitor                         220 Micro Farad

Step 2: Place Components

Arrange components the best you can using the wiring diagram. i placed them as close together as i could, but it may be easier to spread them out a little more or breadboard this circuit first. I highly suggest breadboarding first just to get a feel of the arrangement, prior to soldering.

Step 3: Build Enclosure

I used about a 3 X 4 inch project box from RadioShack that fit the speaker i found appropriately. you can use any size you please, but for me the smaller the better to help with the portability part. I cut and trimmed up an acrylic sheet i got from Lowe's (or possibly Home Depot).  install the standoffs at this point also.  i drilled a small hole (not displayed in any pic) that i fed the battery wires through, the batteries are installed on the outside on the back.

Step 4: Observe Diagram

Look through the wiring diagram to see what components need to be connected to what prior to soldering. This is a modification of my LM386 instructable (https://www.instructables.com/id/LM386-Audio-Amplifier/).

Step 5: Solder Components

Solder components carefully to ensure there are no shorts, also ensure all connections are made at all points.

Step 6: Piece Together and Power On!!!

Trim up the connections and make sure your not forgetting anything.  I suggest testing the circuit prior to putting it together to make sure it works properly.  Once you've tested it, connect the power terminals, screw the PCB board to the standoffs, install the speaker, switch, and jack, then screw down the acrylic sheet into the project box.  Once its put together hook up whatever audio source you have and turn it on and enjoy!!!

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