Introduction: LM386 Audio Amplifier

I wanted to design an audio amplification circuit for a future project so i just wanted to design this one for now so i get an understanding of how it works. This is a very basic circuit that you can find all over using an LM386 integrated circuit i got from RadioShack.

Step 1: Obtain Parts

All Components can be found at RadioShack.

Multipurpose PCB with 417 Holes
5-15 Volt DC power supply (4 AA or 1 9v Battery)
8 Ohm Speaker
Audio Source e.g. iPod
8-Pin Retention Contact
IC1    IC                           LM386 Audio Amp IC
R1     Resistor               10 Ohm
R2     Resistor               1K Ohm
R3     Potentiometer     10K 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: Observe Diagram

Look through the wiring diagram to see what components need to be connected to what prior to soldering.  This is a basic wiring diagram, one of a hundred I found online, very basic. The one i used was from this website http://www.rason.org/Projects/icamps/icamps.htm.

Step 4: Solder Components

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

Step 5: Clean Up and Test

Trim component leads and clean solder joints. Be sure to double check connections to make sure a connection isn't left out.  Hook up a 5-15 Volt DC power supply, your audio source, and 8 Ohm speaker and test it out.  Be sure to ground out the audio sources audio low line and ground out the speakers ground wire to the circuits ground.