Modulated Lightning - "Thunder" Speaker -- aka Plasma Speaker

If you can control the intensity of lightning, then you can manipulate the "thunder" it produces. A television flyback transformer steps up the 24V DC source to over 30,000 volts to create an arc ("lightning"). The transformer requires AC to do the job. This is done at 20KHz (ultrasonic) so we can't hear the pulses (dogs can though... sorry Fido). The intensity of the arc is amplitude modulated from an MP3 player audio source. This is done be adjusting the duty cycle within each 20 KHz ultrasonic period. This disturbs the surrounding air at lower (audible frequencies) if the duty cycle modulation source is in the audio range. The "thunder" produced therefore tracks the audio input source. I use thunder metaphorically, as this device doesn't move enough air to create great bass, its pretty much an inefficient 75W tweeter -- that's cool to watch. In this configuration, it is neither FCC or UL approved!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Plasma
• Speaker
• Audio
• Transformer
• Flyback
• Arc
• Lightning
• Thunder
• Ultrasonic
• High
• Voltage
• Tesla
• Jacobs
• Ladder

[awesomelightning]

What tpe of transformer dd you use? Is it also a 555 one? 

[electricunicycle]

@awesomelightning I use a large TV flyback transformer. This circuit is TL494 based, not 555. Go to instructables and look at the various implementations of "plasma speakers" that people with time to document have provided. Many didn't go to 30KV like I did, so they don't get as long as an arc (and lower amplitude because of it). Still 30KV is a bit nasty, It will jump 3 inches in air to find you if you look like a good low resistance path. The 20KHz carrier is likely to force fibrilation .

[Malagon194]

Wow dude this is gonna sound weird but wow u just completely answered my question in a way were id never have any questions about it ive never felt like this thanks you truly are a smart man and i will name my first child after you

[electricunicycle]

Thanks. However, to prevent teasing of your first born, I recommend that you DO NOT name him "electricunicycle"!

[electricunicycle]

The electrical conditions where ventricular fibrilation will happen and the resultant consequence is beyond the scope of this you tube video.

[rockman378]

thumbs up if your listening to this with your plasma speaker :D

[zasabiibasaz]

How did you get experienced enough to get to this godlike level of knowledge? Do I need to go to college and be an EE?

[zasabiibasaz]

holy fuck you are the coolest mother fucker on the planet, i want to be like you when im older

[RodgerCleye]

@alexcount Accurate safety information (as is the case here) is always appreciated and welcome. In my case, my total exposure to such radiation was the duration of the video. After that, I was on to my next project!

[alexcount]

Be aware that at 30kv you WILL be creating high energy radiation such as x-rays, which requires serious shielding. Think about how much lead is in a TV or CRT running at 25-50kv, the only purpose of leaded glass is to block these high energy waves. Be careful, and be aware with any high voltage project operating above 5-10kv will create high energy waves which will penetrate most objects.... Build a high energy wave detector or use a Geiger counter to check for presence of ionizing radiation.

[DarkAAProductions]

i want one of those

[awesomelightning]

@hydrote XDDD high voltage? LOL you'v got to be kidding me. Flybacks are generally safer than LOTS of other transformers you can be using. so... for any safer...use a smaller flyback. still its dangerous.

[awesomelightning]

@electricunicycle LOL. My resistance right now is...100kohms from finger of one hand to finger of other. o_o LOL I am a little bit conductive. cuz my fingers are really dry. Hm I want a flyback LOL will see if this one shop carries it tmrw...