Project Proposal

Title: Plasma Speaker

Student: Derek Anderson and Pascal Sczesny
Mentor: Oliver Sczesny
Objective:
Through research of various plasma speakers, we intend to design and build a real world working
plasma speaker to increase our experience and knowledge of electrical projects. We will procure and build
a working circuit that produces a singing arc through which music can be played through.

Description:
Plasma speakers are a type of loudspeaker that produces sound through a singing electrical arc
instead of through a physical diaphragm that normal speakers such as headphones use. The singing arc
creates compression waves in the air that we can perceive as sound. The singing arc will require high
voltages that will be produced through the use of a flyback transformer that is driven and modulated by a
TL494 which is amplified by a high quality MOSFET. Through use of a 22k potentiometer high
frequency is produced so the only heard sound is the music or audio played through a phone. The
schematic for the speaker we plan on using is below:

Materials Procurement:
The materials needed are:|

TL494 chip

200 F (or 220 F) 50v electrolytic capacitor

47nF 250v or similar voltage capacitor

100nF 50v capacitor
10nF 50v capacitor
2.2K 1/4W resistor
10 ohm 1/4W resistor
UF4007 diode (or other fast diode rated similarly)
10K 1/4W potentiometer (variable resistor)
22k 1/4W potentiometer (variable resistor)
Audio jack
Misc. Wires
IRF540 MOSFET needs high voltage rating
Large heatsink
Flyback transformer
Power source for TL494, 9v battery
12v to 40v power source for flyback transformer
Veroboard

The tools needed are:

Soldering iron
Wire strippers
Wire cutters
Pliers
Hot glue gun
All circuit material will be ordered online and tools and other misc. items will be present in
mentors workplace.

Risk Management:
As a part of the project individuals need to know the danger of high voltages and how to handle
live circuits. The speaker itself will be mounted on glass to prevent arcing, but voltages in excess of
10,000v AC will be present and be a very real hazard. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO TOUCH ANYTHING
BUT TO DISCONNECT THE POWER SOURCE WHILE THE SPEAKER IS LIVE. Serious harm could
occur if not followed. Regular shop safety is required while around tools such as the soldering iron and
hot glue gun, but minimal risk of harm is present from these. This project is very safe if people maintain a
safe distance from live wires and such.

Barriers:
It is possible that certain materials will be fried in testing of the circuit, or simply not work.
Constant testing of the circuit through different means and advice from mentors will help to navigate any
issues that may arise however. Modifications to the circuit may need to be made.

Evaluation:
Is the circuit complete and neat? Yes / No
Does the circuit work(Test with Oscilloscope)? Yes / No
Is the circuit housed to prevent damage? Yes / No
Is an arc produced? Yes / No
Can music be heard through the arc? Yes / No
All questions must be answered yes for project to be complete.

Signatures:
College forum advisor: _______________________________ Date: ________________________
Mentor: ___________________________________________Date: _________________________
Parent: ___________________________________________Date: __________________________
Mentor is a parent