1. Utangulizi
This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of the Velleman MK136 Super Stereo Ear Project Kit. The MK136 is an electronic kit designed for hobbyists and enthusiasts to build a device capable of amplifying ambient sounds in stereo, providing an immersive audio experience through headphones. This kit requires soldering and basic electronics knowledge for successful assembly.
2. Maagizo ya Usalama
- Vaa kinga inayofaa ya macho wakati wa kusugua.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace to avoid inhaling solder fumes.
- Use a grounded soldering iron to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
- Verify component polarity and placement before soldering to prevent damage to the circuit.
- Keep the kit and tools out of reach of children.
- Do not apply power to the circuit until all components are correctly installed and connections are verified.
3. Yaliyomo ya Kit
Before beginning assembly, verify that all components listed below are present in your kit. If any parts are missing or damaged, contact your supplier.
- Bodi ya Mzunguko Iliyochapishwa (PCB)
- Resistors (various values)
- Capacitors (electrolytic and ceramic)
- Integrated Circuits (ICs) and sockets
- Electret Microphones (2)
- Potentiometer (volume control)
- Jack ya Kipokea sauti cha stereo cha 3.5mm
- Battery Clip (for 9V battery)
- LED (Power indicator)
- Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., wires, standoffs)
4. Maagizo ya Mkutano
Follow these steps carefully to assemble your Velleman MK136 Super Stereo Ear kit. Refer to the PCB silkscreen markings for component placement.
- Utambulisho wa vipengele: Sort all components by type and value. Use a multimeter to verify resistor values if unsure.
- Resistor Installation: Solder all resistors onto the PCB according to their marked positions. Ensure good solder joints.
- Diode/LED Installation: Solder any diodes and the LED, paying close attention to polarity (the longer lead of an LED is typically positive).
- Ufungaji wa Kifaa cha Kupitisha Kifaa: Install ceramic capacitors (non-polarized) and then electrolytic capacitors. For electrolytic capacitors, observe polarity: the longer lead is positive, and the stripe on the casing indicates the negative lead.
- IC Socket Installation: Solder the IC sockets onto the PCB. Ensure the notch on the socket aligns with the notch on the PCB silkscreen. Do not insert the ICs yet.
- Potentiometer and Headphone Jack: Solder the potentiometer and 3.5mm headphone jack into their designated positions.
- Ufungaji wa Maikrofoni: Solder the two electret microphones. Pay attention to their polarity if indicated on the PCB or component itself.
- Battery Clip: Solder the red wire of the battery clip to the positive (+) terminal and the black wire to the negative (-) terminal on the PCB.
- Ukaguzi wa Mwisho: Carefully inspect all solder joints for bridges, cold joints, or incorrect component placement.
- IC Insertion: Once satisfied with the inspection, carefully insert the Integrated Circuits into their respective sockets, ensuring the notch on the IC aligns with the notch on the socket and PCB. Bend the pins slightly inward if necessary to ensure proper fit.

Image 1: Fully assembled Velleman MK136 Super Stereo Ear circuit board. This image shows the compact green PCB populated with various electronic components including resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, two electret microphones (one on each side), a volume potentiometer, and a headphone jack. The board is designed for a 9V battery power source.
5. Maagizo ya Uendeshaji
- Muunganisho wa Nishati: Connect a fresh 9V battery to the battery clip. The power indicator LED should illuminate.
- Muunganisho wa Kipokea Simu: Plug a pair of stereo headphones (3.5mm jack) into the headphone output jack on the circuit board.
- Marekebisho ya Sauti: Rotate the potentiometer knob to adjust the volume level. Start with the volume at its lowest setting and gradually increase it to a comfortable listening level.
- Microphone Orientation: Position the two electret microphones to capture sounds from desired directions. The stereo effect will be more pronounced when the microphones are oriented to pick up sounds from different spatial locations.
- Zima umeme: To turn off the device, disconnect the 9V battery.
6. Matengenezo
- Kusafisha: Keep the circuit board clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air for cleaning.
- Ubadilishaji wa Betri: Replace the 9V battery when the sound becomes weak or distorted, or if the power LED fails to illuminate brightly.
- Hifadhi: When not in use, store the device in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Disconnect the battery during long periods of storage to prevent leakage.
- Ukaguzi wa vipengele: Periodically inspect solder joints and components for any signs of damage or corrosion. Re-solder any loose connections.
7. Utatuzi wa shida
| Tatizo | Sababu inayowezekana | Suluhisho |
|---|---|---|
| Hakuna sauti au sauti ya chini sana. |
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| Sauti iliyopotoka au yenye kelele. |
|
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| LED ya nguvu haina mwanga. |
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8. Vipimo
- Mfano: MK136
- Ugavi wa Nguvu: 9V DC (e.g., 9V battery)
- Pato: Jack ya Kipokea sauti cha stereo cha 3.5mm
- Maikrofoni: 2x Electret Microphones
- Vidhibiti: Volume Potentiometer
- Dimensions (assembled PCB): Takriban inchi 6 x 4 x 0.5 (cm 15.24 x 10.16 x 1.27)
- Weight (assembled): Takriban wakia 2.4 (gramu 68)
- Inakubaliwa na RoHS: Ndiyo
9. Udhamini na Msaada
As a project kit, the Velleman MK136 is intended for educational and hobbyist use. Due to the nature of DIY assembly, warranty coverage typically applies to defective components at the time of purchase, not to issues arising from incorrect assembly or soldering. For support regarding missing parts or defective components, please contact your original retailer or Velleman customer service with your proof of purchase.
For additional resources, technical diagrams, or community forums, please visit the official Velleman website or relevant electronics hobbyist communities online.





