Gakken EX-Kit EX-15 IC Amp Module

The EX-15 does not come with an IC Amp Module, and instead, they have covered over the recess with a card. At the time of introduction, the upgrade modules were expensive, and the supplied crystal earpiece was good enough for most of the experiments. Giving your EX-System a loudspeaker and amplifier was great fun, and made the whole thing look like a portable radio.

The module consists of an LM386N low voltage audio power amplifier, together with a volume control and a loudspeaker. If you cannot find the upgrade parts, then you could always build one of these circuits. Alternatively, there are many amplifier modules available on eBay. They cost less than a pound, and are ready for use, which is a great bonus.

Modifications

With a little modification, it is possible to install a small amplifier PCB within the case. You could also install a power socket and perhaps a meter as well. For the CdS cell, you could install the readily available ORP12 light-dependent resistor (LDR).

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