1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Gikfun Upgraded USB Mini Amplifier Electronic Transparent Stereo Speaker Box DIY Kit. This kit provides an engaging and educational experience for electronics enthusiasts to build their own functional stereo speakers. Featuring a transparent casing and LED lights that react to music, this amplifier kit is designed for use with various audio sources such as music players, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety instructions before beginning assembly or operation. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the product.
- Soldering Iron Safety: This kit requires soldering. Always use a 30W (110V) soldering iron and ensure proper ventilation. Wear appropriate safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- Adult Supervision: This kit contains small parts and requires soldering. Adult supervision is recommended for younger users.
- Electrical Safety: Ensure all connections are correct before powering on the device to prevent short circuits or damage.
- Component Handling: Handle electronic components carefully. Some components are sensitive to static electricity.
- Power Source: Use a stable 5V USB power source.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components listed below are present in your kit before starting assembly.
Image: All components of the Gikfun Upgraded USB Mini Amplifier DIY Kit, including circuit boards, speakers, wires, and various electronic parts.
- 2x PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
- 2x Speakers (4Ω 3W)
- Transparent Acrylic Casing Panels
- USB Power Cable
- 3.5mm Audio Input Cable
- Various Electronic Components (ICs, Resistors, Capacitors, LEDs, Potentiometer)
- Nuts, Screws, and Standoffs for assembly
- Connecting Wires
4. Assembly Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to assemble your Gikfun Stereo Speaker Box. Refer to the provided video for visual guidance.
Video: Detailed assembly guide for the Gikfun Mini Electronic Transparent Speaker Box DIY Kit, demonstrating soldering and construction steps.
4.1. Prepare Components
- Unpack all components and organize them. Identify the two PCB boards, speakers, acrylic panels, and various electronic parts.
- Ensure you have a soldering iron (30W, 110V recommended), solder, wire cutters, and safety glasses.
4.2. Solder Components to PCB
- Integrated Circuit (IC): Carefully place the IC onto its designated pads on the PCB. Ensure correct orientation (notch aligns with the marking on the PCB). Solder one pin first, then check alignment before soldering the remaining pins.
- Resistors: Insert and solder all resistors according to their marked values on the PCB.
- Capacitors: Solder the capacitors, paying attention to polarity for electrolytic capacitors (the longer lead is positive, usually marked with a stripe on the negative side).
- LEDs: Solder the LEDs. Note that LEDs are polarized; the longer lead is positive (+).
- Potentiometer: Solder the potentiometer for volume control.
- Trim excess leads from all soldered components using wire cutters.
Image: A close-up view of one of the speaker's circuit boards with various electronic components already soldered, showing the intricate wiring.
4.3. Connect Wires
- Connect the speaker wires to the designated points on the PCB.
- Connect the USB power cable and 3.5mm audio input cable to the respective pads on the PCB. Ensure correct polarity for power connections.
Image: A clear wiring diagram illustrating how to connect the USB power, 3.5mm audio jack, and speakers to the circuit boards.
Image: An alternative wiring diagram showing the connections between the USB power, 3.5mm audio input, and the two speaker circuit boards.
4.4. Assemble Acrylic Casing
- Carefully peel off the protective film from all acrylic panels.
- Assemble the transparent acrylic panels around the soldered PCB, securing them with the provided nuts and screws. Ensure the PCB is correctly aligned within the casing.
4.5. Mount Speakers
- Mount the speakers into the front panels of the acrylic casing, ensuring the speaker wires are routed correctly and do not interfere with the casing assembly.
- Secure the speakers with the remaining screws.
Image: The fully assembled Gikfun USB Mini Amplifier Electronic Transparent Stereo Speaker Box, showcasing its transparent design.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Powering On
- Connect the USB power cable to a 5V USB power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB wall adapter). The speakers will power on automatically.
5.2. Connecting to Audio Source
- Plug the 3.5mm audio input cable into the audio jack of your music player, smartphone, tablet, or computer.
- Connect the other end of the 3.5mm audio cable to the input jack on the speaker unit.
Image: The assembled Gikfun speakers connected to a laptop, demonstrating their use as external audio output.
Image: The transparent speakers connected to a smartphone, with the internal LED lights illuminating in response to the music being played.
5.3. Volume Control
- Adjust the volume using the potentiometer located on the PCB.
- You can also control the volume from your connected audio source.
5.4. LED Light Functionality
- The integrated LED lights will illuminate and react to the music spectrum, providing a visual display synchronized with your audio.
Image: The Gikfun speakers operating in a dimly lit environment, highlighting the vibrant glow of the LED lights.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the transparent acrylic casing. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could scratch the surface.
- Storage: Store the speakers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Component Check: Periodically inspect soldered connections for any signs of loosening or corrosion. Re-solder if necessary.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speakers. |
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| LED lights not working. |
|
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| Distorted sound. |
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8. Specifications
- Model: EK1918
- Speaker Power: 3W per channel
- Material: PCB, Electronic Components, Transparent Acrylic
- Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 62mm (approximate, for each speaker unit)
- Power Input: 5V DC via USB
- Audio Input: 3.5mm Stereo Jack
- Special Features: LED lights illuminate according to music spectrum
- Recommended Soldering Iron: 30W (110V)
9. Warranty and Support
This product is a DIY kit, and its functionality depends on correct assembly. Gikfun provides support for genuine product defects and missing components. For technical assistance or inquiries, please contact Gikfun customer support through the retailer's platform where the product was purchased. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.