@feenixb1o7 The 3 ohm power resistor helps to limit the current through the IRF640 MOSFET. Without this resistor, the MOSFET tends to die an early death. Yes, this should work on a wide variety of flyback transformers, although you'd have to change the 555 timer frequency to match the resonant frequency of your flyback. This circuit will work with other coils and transformers, although their resonant frequency is often audible which messes up sound production.
Unfortunately Goldmine don't deliver to the UK so I'll have to use an alternate flyback. Although all mine have been rewired to include a feedback coil as well.
I have to ask, what capacitors are those? They look like polypropylene film caps?
I've tried to build about 4 different versions of a Plasma speaker but could never get any of them to work. So hopefully this one will!
@feenixb1o7 Most flyback transformer coils will work, as long as you match the 555 frequency to the resonant frequency (which is why my circuit ignores the feedback coil). If you need to find which pin is which on your flyback, do a Google search on "Flyback Transformer Pinout" and look at Jean-Louis Naudin's page for instructions. The capacitors should be able to handle high voltage spikes (mine were rated at 100 volts) but the specific type isn't too important.
@feenixb1o7 You can find a copy of the plasma speaker schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video - it's on my video home page.
@AlexJPopoff Let me think about this: a high voltage spark in close proximity to my head in a spot where I can't see what the spark is doing - what could possibly go wrong? Oddly enough, there were attempts to market a plasma speaker headphone in the 80's and 90's by the "Audio Reference" company. Do a Google search on "plasmasonic headphone" for more information.
Ha! Then i wasn't the only one with the thought of plasma headphones. And yes it's fairly risky to use one lol. I guess one still can have a grounded metal mesh built in between the arc and the ear, with a small enough air gap to make sure the arc stays and restrikes in the right place, also with vents to make sure heat and harmful gases and vapors do not accumulate inside... UV is not much of a concern with such a small arc tho...
Could you please help me? I've tried to build a plasma speaker using an old flyback from a ctr, but it failed.. so then my teacher came up with the idea to use the flyback part of an plasma globe, so i got one and it works like a champ producing nice sparks. So now i wanna implant the sound bit but i dont know how to and where to, so do you know where to put the audio jack? Help is largely appreciated (deadline is 7th of february)
@elwido You need to modulate the signal going to the flyback. A common form of modulation is pulse width modulation (PWM) which can be implemented using a 555 timer chip or a TL494 PWM control circuit. I used a 555 timer (available at Radio Shack and most electronic suppliers), and you can find the schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video. Good luck!
@elwido No, you don't need to dismantle the transformer but you will need to modify your oscillator circuit. If you took apart the plasma globe, the transformer is connected to an oscillator circuit which may be embedded in a block of epoxy. You need to drive the transformer using a modulated signal. If your plasma globe runs off low voltage DC then it may be possible to do this quite easily. Please feel free to contact me directly at dsherman@cornellcollege.edu.
@elwido Hi again! You say that the plasma globe makes nice sparks, and I'm sure they look nice, but how do they sound? Plasma globes often run at fairly low currents and low current means you probably won't get much sound. If you can't hear very much from your plasma globe sparks, then it might not make a good plasma speaker.
@shockmebabby In theory, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to modulate the primary of a Neon Sign Transformer. In practice, I'm not sure how well the NST would handle the high frequencies. I know that some NSTs don't handle high frequencies well, but others may. In contrast, flyback transformers are designed to work with high frequencies, which is why this circuit uses a flyback. I may just have to get an NST and experiment.
@Norbizzle2012 Hi - I have a schematic of the circuit listing the parts (including RC values) on my video page web site. Do a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and you'll find my video page and link to schematic. You can also check out the YouTube video "How to make a high voltage singing arc" on which I based my own circuit. The main differences: I used an IRF640 which has a lower on resistance than the IRF644, and I added a 3 ohm power resistor to limit the current.
@justchen563 The bass is pretty poor, which is why these are also known as plasma tweeters. In the 1970s, Plasmatronics marketed a plasma tweeter using a helium jet which avoided the ozone problems caused by my plasma speaker, although it required a plentiful supply of helium to operate. In theory it is possible to make a plasma tweeter with perfect audio response. In practice there are several safety issues that have prevented common use of these devices.
@55dcyinely High voltage transformers require many windings so there's a practical limit on how small you can make a high voltage transformer. I used a Goldmine Electronics G17744 transformer which is only a few dollars (about $4) although you could recycle a flyback transformer from an old broken CRT monitor or TV. In any case, you should learn how to handle high voltage equipment before experimenting with these transformers.
@Alex1M6 The IRF640 definitely needs a heat sink, and it will warm up quite a bit, but it shouldn't get too hot (you can still touch it). You can see the small heat sink I used on the MOSFET in the video - that would keep the circuit cool for a while. I find that it's useful to put a 100 watt, 3 ohm resistor in series between the MOSFET output and the flyback to limit the current to the flyback and prevent voltage spikes. You can get 100 watt, 3 ohm resistors on eBay for about $5.
@Alex1M6 Add a power resistor (about 3-5 ohms, 50 to 100 watts) in series between the primary windings of the flyback and the MOSFET. This will limit the current to the flyback, which will reduce the power dissipated by the MOSFET. This will also help to smooth out the current pulses and thus reduce the voltage spikes caused by driving an inductive load. Note that you may have to provide a heat sink to your power resistor, although I haven't had any trouble with my 3 ohm 100 watt resistor.
@gneric88 It's nothing complicated here , the NE555 working in astable mode , producing sqare waves with resonant for the flyback/tesla coil that you use frequency , then it's get PWM modulation via Ctrl input on NE555 , then the output signal gets amplified with MOSFET transistor , modulated current goes to the flaback/Tesla .
P.S.
NE555 sounds pretty bad in real life(also this circuit can be burned pretty easily) , you need a really lot more complicate circuit for getting a nice sound .
@iEugene1994 You are completely correct. This circuit is more a "proof of concept" circuit than a high quality sound system. In fact, you wouldn't want to use this circuit for producing real audio: not only is the quality mediocre, but it produces a lot of heat and ozone. And it's dangerous if you lack experience with high voltage. However, it does demonstrate some interesting physical effects, and it's fairly inexpensive using readily available parts.
@gneric88 You can find a copy of the plasma speaker schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video.
@janazami Hi - what sort of help do you need? You can see a copy of the circuit board layout in the background of the video (I used Futurlec model 777 prototyping board). You'll need a power supply (about 12 to 24 volts) with about 1 ampere output (or a current-limiting circuit, which could be as simple as a 3 ohm power resistor), a high power MOSFET (IRF640, IRF740, IRF840 all seem to work) a flyback transformer (I used Goldmine Electronics item G17744 which costs $4) and a 555 timer chip.
Hear The Weed.
TokingBuds 2 days ago
yeah its called a tesla coil and a ground
dade356 5 days ago
In english dont try this or think of trying it if your the average american
EmoKanz 5 days ago
I have a few questions if you would be so kind?
What's the point of the 3 ohm resistor? 3 ohms isn't very much at all.
Does this work with a flyback that has a separate primary winding?
Will this work on old school flyback transformers with the open ferrite core and a coil on each side?
Or would it still work with a hand made flyback? Or a normal transformer with only 2 coils? i.e the 4 pins, 2 in, 2 out?
feenixb1o7 1 week ago
@feenixb1o7 The 3 ohm power resistor helps to limit the current through the IRF640 MOSFET. Without this resistor, the MOSFET tends to die an early death. Yes, this should work on a wide variety of flyback transformers, although you'd have to change the 555 timer frequency to match the resonant frequency of your flyback. This circuit will work with other coils and transformers, although their resonant frequency is often audible which messes up sound production.
derinsherman62 1 week ago
@derinsherman62 Thank you very much :)
Unfortunately Goldmine don't deliver to the UK so I'll have to use an alternate flyback. Although all mine have been rewired to include a feedback coil as well.
I have to ask, what capacitors are those? They look like polypropylene film caps?
I've tried to build about 4 different versions of a Plasma speaker but could never get any of them to work. So hopefully this one will!
Thanks for your time.
feenixb1o7 1 week ago
@feenixb1o7 Most flyback transformer coils will work, as long as you match the 555 frequency to the resonant frequency (which is why my circuit ignores the feedback coil). If you need to find which pin is which on your flyback, do a Google search on "Flyback Transformer Pinout" and look at Jean-Louis Naudin's page for instructions. The capacitors should be able to handle high voltage spikes (mine were rated at 100 volts) but the specific type isn't too important.
derinsherman62 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi! Please, can you send me a circuit? Like a pront-o-board montage. vialich@hotmail.com
Thank: André (Brazil)
vialich 1 week ago
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vialich 1 week ago
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vialich 1 week ago
i can smell the ozone from here
MegaFoch 2 weeks ago
Any chance you can upload a schematic for this?
feenixb1o7 2 weeks ago
@feenixb1o7 You can find a copy of the plasma speaker schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video - it's on my video home page.
derinsherman62 1 week ago
nice song lol
olgolu 3 weeks ago
This is what dubstep was meant to be played on.
EurypharPelecanoides 3 weeks ago
i want headphones
AlexJPopoff 4 weeks ago 5
@AlexJPopoff Let me think about this: a high voltage spark in close proximity to my head in a spot where I can't see what the spark is doing - what could possibly go wrong? Oddly enough, there were attempts to market a plasma speaker headphone in the 80's and 90's by the "Audio Reference" company. Do a Google search on "plasmasonic headphone" for more information.
derinsherman62 4 weeks ago 5
@derinsherman62 I was joking but thanks for the reply.
AlexJPopoff 3 weeks ago
@derinsherman62
Ha! Then i wasn't the only one with the thought of plasma headphones. And yes it's fairly risky to use one lol. I guess one still can have a grounded metal mesh built in between the arc and the ear, with a small enough air gap to make sure the arc stays and restrikes in the right place, also with vents to make sure heat and harmful gases and vapors do not accumulate inside... UV is not much of a concern with such a small arc tho...
DragonFlyback256 3 weeks ago
Could you please help me? I've tried to build a plasma speaker using an old flyback from a ctr, but it failed.. so then my teacher came up with the idea to use the flyback part of an plasma globe, so i got one and it works like a champ producing nice sparks. So now i wanna implant the sound bit but i dont know how to and where to, so do you know where to put the audio jack? Help is largely appreciated (deadline is 7th of february)
elwido 1 month ago in playlist Meer video's van derinsherman62
@elwido You need to modulate the signal going to the flyback. A common form of modulation is pulse width modulation (PWM) which can be implemented using a 555 timer chip or a TL494 PWM control circuit. I used a 555 timer (available at Radio Shack and most electronic suppliers), and you can find the schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video. Good luck!
derinsherman62 1 month ago
@derinsherman62 So you're saying that i have to dismantle the flyback from the plasma globe and then build your circuit?
elwido 1 month ago
@elwido No, you don't need to dismantle the transformer but you will need to modify your oscillator circuit. If you took apart the plasma globe, the transformer is connected to an oscillator circuit which may be embedded in a block of epoxy. You need to drive the transformer using a modulated signal. If your plasma globe runs off low voltage DC then it may be possible to do this quite easily. Please feel free to contact me directly at dsherman@cornellcollege.edu.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
@elwido Hi again! You say that the plasma globe makes nice sparks, and I'm sure they look nice, but how do they sound? Plasma globes often run at fairly low currents and low current means you probably won't get much sound. If you can't hear very much from your plasma globe sparks, then it might not make a good plasma speaker.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
Is there any way to do this with a 120 volt NST???
shockmebabby 1 month ago
@shockmebabby In theory, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to modulate the primary of a Neon Sign Transformer. In practice, I'm not sure how well the NST would handle the high frequencies. I know that some NSTs don't handle high frequencies well, but others may. In contrast, flyback transformers are designed to work with high frequencies, which is why this circuit uses a flyback. I may just have to get an NST and experiment.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
what are the values for the resistors and caps?
Norbizzle2012 1 month ago
@Norbizzle2012 Hi - I have a schematic of the circuit listing the parts (including RC values) on my video page web site. Do a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and you'll find my video page and link to schematic. You can also check out the YouTube video "How to make a high voltage singing arc" on which I based my own circuit. The main differences: I used an IRF640 which has a lower on resistance than the IRF644, and I added a 3 ohm power resistor to limit the current.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
this is so beatufiul... how good is the bass on it? xD
justchen563 1 month ago
@justchen563 The bass is pretty poor, which is why these are also known as plasma tweeters. In the 1970s, Plasmatronics marketed a plasma tweeter using a helium jet which avoided the ozone problems caused by my plasma speaker, although it required a plentiful supply of helium to operate. In theory it is possible to make a plasma tweeter with perfect audio response. In practice there are several safety issues that have prevented common use of these devices.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
Could the transformer be considerably smaller. (compact) maybe? and produce a desirable result? I don't know a lot about transformers.
55dcyinely 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
@55dcyinely High voltage transformers require many windings so there's a practical limit on how small you can make a high voltage transformer. I used a Goldmine Electronics G17744 transformer which is only a few dollars (about $4) although you could recycle a flyback transformer from an old broken CRT monitor or TV. In any case, you should learn how to handle high voltage equipment before experimenting with these transformers.
derinsherman62 1 month ago
Beatles - Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
LUVB6CPPgmodcsscoder 1 month ago
@LUVB6CPPgmodcsscoder Cool isn't it.
55dcyinely 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
Does your MOSFET get hot?
Alex1M6 3 months ago
@Alex1M6 The IRF640 definitely needs a heat sink, and it will warm up quite a bit, but it shouldn't get too hot (you can still touch it). You can see the small heat sink I used on the MOSFET in the video - that would keep the circuit cool for a while. I find that it's useful to put a 100 watt, 3 ohm resistor in series between the MOSFET output and the flyback to limit the current to the flyback and prevent voltage spikes. You can get 100 watt, 3 ohm resistors on eBay for about $5.
derinsherman62 3 months ago
@derinsherman62 My MOSFET always gets too hot to touch fast even with a large heatsink.
Alex1M6 3 months ago
@Alex1M6 Add a power resistor (about 3-5 ohms, 50 to 100 watts) in series between the primary windings of the flyback and the MOSFET. This will limit the current to the flyback, which will reduce the power dissipated by the MOSFET. This will also help to smooth out the current pulses and thus reduce the voltage spikes caused by driving an inductive load. Note that you may have to provide a heat sink to your power resistor, although I haven't had any trouble with my 3 ohm 100 watt resistor.
derinsherman62 3 months ago
where I can see the schematic Diargram
gneric88 5 months ago
@gneric88 It's nothing complicated here , the NE555 working in astable mode , producing sqare waves with resonant for the flyback/tesla coil that you use frequency , then it's get PWM modulation via Ctrl input on NE555 , then the output signal gets amplified with MOSFET transistor , modulated current goes to the flaback/Tesla .
P.S.
NE555 sounds pretty bad in real life(also this circuit can be burned pretty easily) , you need a really lot more complicate circuit for getting a nice sound .
iEugene1994 2 months ago
@iEugene1994 You are completely correct. This circuit is more a "proof of concept" circuit than a high quality sound system. In fact, you wouldn't want to use this circuit for producing real audio: not only is the quality mediocre, but it produces a lot of heat and ozone. And it's dangerous if you lack experience with high voltage. However, it does demonstrate some interesting physical effects, and it's fairly inexpensive using readily available parts.
derinsherman62 2 months ago
@gneric88 You can find a copy of the plasma speaker schematic by doing a Google search on "Derin Sherman videos" and then clicking on the PDF schematic associated with this video.
derinsherman62 4 weeks ago
plz !! msn !! need help ...
janazami 8 months ago
@janazami Hi - what sort of help do you need? You can see a copy of the circuit board layout in the background of the video (I used Futurlec model 777 prototyping board). You'll need a power supply (about 12 to 24 volts) with about 1 ampere output (or a current-limiting circuit, which could be as simple as a 3 ohm power resistor), a high power MOSFET (IRF640, IRF740, IRF840 all seem to work) a flyback transformer (I used Goldmine Electronics item G17744 which costs $4) and a 555 timer chip.
derinsherman62 8 months ago