Plasma Speaker / Tweeter - Completed Working Setup

[SlepTuveGaming]

Fucking awesome!

[themaverickfox]

This is cool

[Dryued]

For some reason I thought of a lightning gun that can be used as a speaker in peaceful times.

[pissinguoff247]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!! But for real - do you plan on releasing the kits or some schematics or anything? I want to give you my money, and I want to build one of these.

[tittytwister5251]

Where did you get your heatsinks from and how much? (the ones cooling the spark gap) cheers :-)

[chilidress]

@timetec in reality it has more tweeting or more bass sound? how many did this cost you?

[deeaks100]

could you provide the schematic you used?  this much nicer than the one i just built. if this is a diy project, i'd like to build yours now.

[platefork]

What if I touch it? :o

[sambt5]

@platefork then u may probably never grow nut hair agien

[asdfman10]

Imagine putting Dubstep on that thing.

[deep8386]

I got Cracked

[Shayneismyname]

Oh wow. I got uncomfortable just watching that.

[TheSpiderByte]

You're, like, one bad day away from becoming a supervillain with a laser cannon.

[Kranda123]

You should be using some sort of protection over it :P

[jmonking67]

i came here from cracked ;p

[octanetripledax]

What voltage are you using to drive the flyback? And did you find an advantage to using tungsten rods over other materials? I'm currently building a plasma speaker myself, and it works, but it is very quiet... my arc is about 1 inch long at 12 volts (short I know). I've been thinking of supplying a higher voltage to it, but I don't want to kill the primary in the flyback.... you've done a very nice job here and I'd appreciate some advice.

[2ManyNoobs]

how do you raise the output of the tweeter without using a horn? Longer corona + higher voltage = the only way?

[shinyfuzzy]

bass of any sort? lol

[shinyfuzzy]

nice tablet pc

[bbbzzz234]

Does anyone know where I could buy one of these already prebuilt?

I don't have that much experience with electrical hardware and I just want a cool new toy =D

[JLowe2013]

Wow! Pretty soon they'll have moving pictures, too!

[alexiseptimus]

What happens if we were to touch it?

[masterwolf1212]

@alexiseptimus You'd be electricuted quite severely. This runs off a pretty high voltage load, and is probably receiving at least 100 watts. So unless you wanna badly burn yourself, as pretty as it looks, dont touch it :P

[dinjin201]

Lossless Audo + a nice subwoofer + 7 of these babies coupled with 7 midrange drivers = eargasm! :D

[Eye4Details]

It's been 3 years now... Any news on a kit? :)

[J5MARLON]

What wizardry is this!

[Hertzila]

Nice, cool and awesome! Great work.

BTW, could that theoretically work as a microphone too?

[thegodthatdied]

Would your fingers turn to dust immediately upon touching the plasma?

[carebare47]

Don't suppose you have a schematic anywhere that you could share? Mine achieves nothing close to the quality of that. Are those FETs in parallel? Thanks x

[Meskarune]

its like looking into the future. o_O

[firebird718]

THAT IS AMAZING.

[SkiLiftsRock]

How much voltage would hit you if you touch the purple?

[SodomGomorrahWaDC]

Now upload a sort of a Russian Roulette video where you put your fingers on random parts of it and see if you get electrocuted.

[ninetailedhollow5]

seems a little high in treble

[palarious]

I would guess that restricting the arc to a particular gas would increase your ability to produce a clear and consistent sound far beyond a conventional speaker, which would appeal to audiophiles.

[bladerunnerfast]

That's awesome, is it possible to achieve any bass out of it? Also how loud can it pump compaired to cone based speakers .i.e. wattage output

[richardhod2]

but why is the music so wanky

[2ManyNoobs]

is it possible to make the same thing but running on HHO ?

[rjisreal]

oh my gosh! I know how a conventional loudspeaker works, but this blows my mind! Does it have flat response? Bass response? Hopefully the quality is better than what comes through the camera.

[luigi90900]

Zap

[JLMoriart]

What happens when you put your finger in it?

[kmncztms]

@JLMoriart You'll get burnt badly, or even shocked a little.

[mathscirocks]

did you make that?

[timetec]

@mathscirocks  yes

[mathscirocks]

@timetec cool

[iEugene1994]

@timetec Why is your scheme is so complicated ?

You can easily make the same with NE555 timer(actually any hi-freq impulse generator with amplitude modulation feature) , one MOSFET for amplifiing , and flyback transformer for getting a high voltage for arc .

: /

[tenchimuyo69]

For now... would never use.

Though it could have potential in the future with some SERIOUS safety tweaking.

Excellent discovery though.

[p1oooop]

are you using carbon rods or tungsten rods?

[timetec]

@p1oooop - Tungsten ;)

[folkfacefan]

Just to point out to everyone. What you are hearing is not this 'plasma speaker' but actually your own speaker or headphones and also the microphone that is picking up the original source. Basically, what you are listening to sounds nothing like the original sound source.

[luvchoclabs]

Whats the cost to build this?

[yourcathatesme]

DO WANT

[yourcathatesme]

DO WANT

[PhilosophicalMan]

blast some dubstep on there lol. xD

[nanocoffeebean]

What would happen if you sprayed water into the arc?

[rlk7433]

so the plasma thing is making the sound??? not a regular speaker ??

[Alex1M6]

How did you make the arc so silent?

[p1oooop]

@Alex1M6 it's probably operating at an effing high frequency, so it's completely "silent" to humans. ;)

[aisok2]

@G2xvideo you touch it, you go to hospital. If you have a pacemaker, you will die. This device involves very high voltages. Think of it as a lightning speaker. :P

[gibbo1112]

@aisok2 high current?

[dumle29]

so what made this so clear in audio? its amazing :)

[milkkart]

do the electrodes burn away and have to be replaced or adjusted to compensate? whats the sound quality of a plasma speaker like, any unwanted crackling?

[ventHARAS]

impossible wtf

[AustrailianIchigo]

i want to see a sonic charting of the device seen here. what is the effective range of this speaker?

[majom89]

Nice work. What do you think about the music quality compared to a normal speaker with the same price?

[michaelbuckers]

Does it actually sounds like shit or it's just camera mic problem?

[G2xvideo]

Idk what this is but I want a purple dancing light too! Can I has? What happens if u touch it? Do a touch demonstration please

[chaosfood]

@G2xvideo When you touch it, you die horribly. Thats electricity for you. Electricity is a jerk.

[G2xvideo]

Idk what that is but I wanna purple dancing light too!! Can I has?

[Yunkonho]

dat plasma has some smooth moves.

[ArtypNk]

Pfff... This is nothing, I made a gasoline filled glasses that burst in to flame while on your face, providing a nice lighting in a dark room or at night.

[flurry]

Nice gadget.

Do you also produce the bass notes with that plasma arc or o you resort to a conventional driver (like an electrostatic setup)?

What is the frequency response?

How much SPL can you achieve (measured in dB) without incurring distortion?

[kb3khs]

I was wondering? What kind of power are you supplying to this? Is this is a half bridge mosfet setup?

[overlordchipmunk]

Holy shit. Just... holy shit.

On another, more childish note, IT'S PURPLE! :D

[RyuDarragh]

@overlordchipmunk: That's from two factors. The light is a slightly off color due to the RF content and the camera is seeing colors human eyes don't and is interpreting them as violet.... another camera might see the plasma as greenish.

[misteryellow1]

19 people dont like music

[paynebabes123]

Could you use this as a microphone with a massless diaphragm?

[Jugglesama]

How do these speakers sound in person? I heard they were amazing...

[cumesoftware]

Nice! Plasma speakers will be the future and will replace tweeters as we know. The problem is ozone, but I think that can be mitigated by using a glass envelope and electrode corrosion could also by avoided by using an inert atmosphere. However, I think the glass envelope will introduce some sonic changes.

[impuls60]

Could you try to horn load this speaker? Also I was wondering if one could make a speaker based on dc arc and one of the electrodes moved in sync with the music signal?. I guess one would need a current limiter on the dc arc, and mount one electrode on a hard drive moving arm (see hard drive speaker). Reason for me asking is that I would like to like to create a massless driver for a horn, and preferably use a high end amp for modulation:)

[timetec]

@impuls60

1/ Yes, you could use a tuned horn with this design, to increase the volume level & directivity.

2/ You talk about wanting to achive a 'massless' driver - a driver with no moving parts - this is what this is.

By using a 'DC' plasma arc and electo-mechanically moving one of the electrodes with an actuator (HDD arm gimbel), driven from a sound source, you are completey defeating the object ! (that is IF an arm could be made light enough, to respond to very high frequency AF signals).

[impuls60]

@timetec

Yes I agree with you that it wouldnt be massless, but atleast the imput signal wouldn't be

driving the music directly since there wouldn't be any direct coupling between the sound waves and

the moving electrode. Thats why the arm could me made super light. But I agree massless is of course better, but I think the moving electrode principle might be cheaper when scaled up. What efficiency do you think a system like this could get when optimised?

[Norzdormuelektotech]

@impuls60 depends quality on what kind of rods you use?

[Ride84XL]

Haha - awesome!

[AncientPiece]

feels like you are just there when the band was playing

[geckomage]

hey, i love it! can you link us to a schematic of how you made it? so we could make our own? :D

[9Chito9]

Pretty cool!! I want to build one of this, but i need help, i think this is the best plasma speaker!!! How did you do it? Where i can get the schematic diagram? Please help me :)

[lapulga5]

please could you send me the schematics, or the pcb circuit? I have done some different design plasma speakers (using a 555 and another using a tl494), but i'm quite limited in the power because my schematics are designed for only one MOSFET. I would be very thanked man cause then i would be able to improve the perfomance and sound quality of my own plasma speaker. Thank you very much!

[spankrod]

Now build me a phased-plasma rifle. With a 40 watt-range.

[apt95]

aren't the electrodes consumed by the arc?

and how well does the heatsink meet the cooling demands of the electrodes?

[Berelore]

hey mate, very nice hv speaker. Do you happen to have a schematic posted online somewhere.

[RyuDarragh]

@Berelore: Go check out the schematics and parts from Linear Technology (the web site is just linear (dot) com. What you want is one of the circuits that can generate a very high voltage (A flyback circuit of around 10 to 20 Watts or so and a voltage of 10KV max). The idea is to control the width of the pulses with the audio and regulate voltage by changing frequency. digikey (dot) com is a good source for parts.

[AlienRelics]

Now -there's- a steampunk speaker.

[squeehunter]

@AlienRelics

More like cyberpunk maybe.

[fladdermuuus2]

These things would make some pretty rad night clubs.

[DigiDavidex]

bass test? XD

[k0ka1n3]

hi, can you send me a diagram of a circuit like these? I've found some but they are all different and I don't know which one really works, like yours.

[kingdavid99887766554]

I think I would like to attempt this, how much did this setup cost you?

also, what would happen if you shielded the arc with lexan or plexiglass?

would it diminish the quality significantly?

[plato147]

the plasma, or really the corona sheath on the electrodes is practically stationary. Nice job, did you ever try to control the plasma with magnetic fields?

[plato147]

Dont blame you for not putting up schematics, its pretty clear from your video and you dont wont to be responsible for other peoples mistake. if anyone wants either a qualitative or quantitative physics model of how plasmas generate sound waves.

Whats impressive is the stability of the plasma and how low you get into the midrange!

Both electrodes look like solder tips, from solder guns? Tungsten?

Any issue with cathode or anode deteriation?

[plato147]

Great Design! Clean Work, my hat is off to you! Did you ever post music videos of the greatful dead, i remember your username, unless im confused. I'm building one right now, I got the flyback from a crt monitor, will use tl494 chip to do the modulation. Would you mind sending me a circuit diagram? looks like you etched your own board, I will do the same. You'll save me much time, money if you could email the schematic, circuit board (printable) BJS2@njit.edu, thank you so much if you can help.

[alanca2]

coooooool

[SashaLigress]

Plasma speakers are awesome, but I would be tempted to touch it. xD

[jordyb12]

wud that hurt to touch it? lol

[08Kutt]

@jordyb12 yes of course!! it will result in a good electric chok and burns

[PsyLiq]

so for this plasma speaker to produce good bass it needs to be big!?!?!?!

[UYFANYM]

I would love to see one of these in action IRL. The casing could be improved a little. If a curved mirror were the backing with no visible arc points for the sound emitting portion I would be scraping together cash for something like this. Also it would need to be an all inclusive unit :) but that really goes without saying. Despite that this is still one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

[gilham6]

Schematic? Do you have the driver schematic for this?

[Nazgrol]

1:23 did you zap yourself?

[fireiron123]

so the plasma is making the sound?

[p1oooop]

@fireiron123 yup

[Nyiddle]

128kbps files being played on a plasma speaker

-_-

[dumle29]

do you sell these?



[Afrotechmods]

This gave me a sciencegasm.

[Nikki92ful]

Does anyone tryed if the plasma send out any ionized radiation? As i think beta radiation should be possible...

[brandon14872]

try bass can you hear me or bass i love you

[fangbrain]

hey man how much did this cost to make? and did u use an online guide or anything?

[Au197]

Nice fab... even the resistor color codes are all the same way. Whats the voltage on the arc? What are the electrode materials? AC or DC arc ? If it's AC, what is the "carrier frequency" ? What are the relative voltages of the arc maint and modulator circuits?

[girrrrrrr2]

What Flyback are you using?

and what did you get it out of...

Because i love that huge arc you got going on there.

[all4atlantis]

any chance you can post the schematics & specs for this? I'd love to make one over my winter holiday!

[sierrxhadlin]

I would actually buy this if a kit was available. hint hint

[bomerman104]

how can i build one of these

[Flamelighter]

0:30!

[DarkMaker75]

Mind blown. :o

[gpoop23]

I need to get me one of these.

[PtotheMtotheJ]

This is the sound system of the future.

[potatocam]

because there is like a mirror there and mirrors reflect like light and such, does that mean that you double the sound output cause you are like making it as if there is like another arc of electric light and such as? and how can i like put together my own one of these. i have some old wires and i can use bits from a broken microwave what i broke. THANK YOU XOXOX

[Bamchucknorris]

do you have a pcb plan for this

[rts100x5]

the OPAMP and Voltage reg in your PCB could definitely be upgraded with BURSON products. search  BURSON AUDIO DIY

Have you been able to measure the frequency response ??

[Arjoonmoal]

yeah a dancing arc

[OrinDac]

I've always been amazed at what electricity can do. I find it fascinating on a spiritual level that it can create any sound that humans can hear and for all we know, some that they cannot. There should be a lot more research on it.

[userkef1992]

try DUBSTEP!!

[Drakon322]

would a larger arc result in more sound or is that a mater of more power?

[TheZedo999]

Nice work! Sounds very clean compared to some other similar projects.

So who is gonna be the 1st to create a jumbo bass arc ?

[johndoe528]

@TheZedo999 me! Wiring up 5x flybacks, got a 1KW Amp... right now, im pushing about 70 watts. working on increasing it.

question for timetec: I keep the beam stable by feeding it a 20KHz tone, and then adding in music on top of that (otherwise, it just collapses) - how did you achieve it so quietly?

[bderousse]

sound quality is awesome.

[MarcaoESP]

Tudo isso pra fazer um simples Twitter?

[Setherian]

Você falhou, Marcão...

[BurnZeZ]

@timetec How does it handle bass notes vs an amp?

[fixzilla]

WOW, How do I get the plasma?, A link to learn

[SamuraiSmm]

do you have any PCB board layouts for people to print for DIY etching? or general schematics for the system?

[andygrayk]

Неведомая фигня

[xCrackedOutx]

@andygrayk ti debil

[kamikazeOS]

omfg plasma speakers would be so cool...in the car or anywhere for that matter...the bass would look and sound like a lightning.. I'd probably shit my pants :))

[qwertyboy1234567899]

I recently made a plasma speaker using the TL494, but I am looking for something with higher quality sound. Could you please post the schematic?

Thanks

[MrMotherFuker]

lol did u zap urself, around the 1 min-2min mark? and u wanna sell this? =D

[GuardianP93]

how easy is this to make? I'm thinking of making one but it may kill me. xD

[pruefziffer]

VERY nice! What's the carrier frequency, good Sir?

[vinnyhasmagic]

i double dare you to touch it

[6cody5]

what's the range on that speaker???

[LizzyAston]

what the fuck

[6cody5]

good song!

[Mimisthepilot]

Widest frequency response I've heard from a plasma speaker. Extremelly impressive!

Gongrats!!!

[boonw]

I know you wouldn't trust pretty much anyone who doesnt have a relevant education due to how dangerous plasma speakers are, but how much does it take to build one?

[tomek123kotek]

make a stereo one

[westhehedgehog16]

how do you get the voltage high enough to bridge the gap and ionize the air inbetween. becase unless that plasma ark is contained in some kind of sealed enviornment it need a high voltage as far as I know. if not please tell me how the ionization is achived.

[19kurt91]

surely these can only reproduce sound to the accuracy they were recorded, which was most likely with a coiled unit. could you use one of these to record sound in anyway?

[the1cyrus]

happen to have a schematic or know where one could buy this?

[Eaglebird]

How much power does this use compared to a normal speaker?

[cloughax]

Wow i am still amazed about plasma speakers and to belive u can build the circuitry on a single PCB wow. I was researching on the web to build one myself but havent got any clear outlines which are cheap, simple and small to fit on my computer table but after seeing yours it now seems possible. I would like to see how you did it and a schematic would be nice.

[ryukenosuke]

Using this theory, isn't it possible to turn a cheap plasma ball from your local gift shop into a speaker?

[johndoe528]

about how many watts does that arc dissipate? As in; what kind of output in wattage would i want from an amp going into the transformer?

[m27a68v71]

The bass seems not very good......

[randomunavailable]

It's a closed arc. If I remember my electrical education open arc systems produce ozone, but closed arc systems do not. Feel free to correct me on this.

[paytyler]

I would favorite this.

[teddsadventure]

Wow, wow, wow....

[robot797]

could you post the scematic?

[robot797]

could you post the scematics?

[Mongoman999]

nice ppc :)

[skipbanks4fun]

very cool .I admire such inteligance

skip

[euklid216]

what would happen if you touched that? oO

[Andyman3k]

@euklid216 It would probably burn you a bit. It wouldn't do much more than leave you hurting.

[envelopes1234567890]

what made you want to make this and how much did it cost

[migiola]

mother nature showed us "the lightning" subwoofer from so long ago but we never listened :P

[bng2679]

Great effort!! The speakers go lower than other plasma I've heard. But sensitivity is a concern.

[szieve]

Wow a working Ipaq... That's amazing in itslef.. lol

[robot797]

@LitfibOzz same here

[LitfibOzz]

hello nice work! where can i found schematics?

[LitfibOzz]

it's incredible!! very very good work