VFD from VCR generates 40 VDC to power DIY amp
By Laura June 
posted December 9th 2008 12:34PM
posted December 9th 2008 12:34PM
So, this is a pretty ingenious use of spare time. With a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) from a VCR used as the amplifier, a crafty DIY-er was able to power a pair of headphones. We'll be honest, the wiring specifics are totally irrelevant to our interests, but this sure does look awesome and we might buy one if it was commercially available. The amplified power is, in the maker's own words, "limited," but that's not really the point, and we have a feeling that Thomas Dolby sounded just as scientific (and awesome) as he would through the greatest headphones ever made.
[Via Make]
[Via Make]
Acronyms are awesome.
Preemptive pedantry strike:
"Initialisms" is probably more accurate.
And while we're at it, it should be, "we might buy one if it WERE commercially available."
I hope we see the distinction between the greatest headphones ever made and the most expensive headphones ever made.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/02/nokia-getting-a-little-help-with-its-headset-designs/
Could have done with a better pair of headphones.
looks McGyverish
i see no Chewing gum or a paperclip.
You should see his makeshift quantum computer, made from toothpicks and shake 'n' vac.
actually I believe it's designed to go on your head
that display looks sweet!
WTF?
"Seeing as how the VP is such a VIP, shouldn't we keep the PC on the QT? 'Cause if it leaks to the VC, he could end up an MIA, and then we'd all be put on KP."
WTF???
I've got a few of those displays lying around. The wiring is probably beyond me.
No, it is very simple. Why don't take a few picture (camera set to 'macro' of course) . These might help find out the wiring for your VFD.
Ciao
Alex
It's rather apparent the wiring diagrams aren't relevant to your interests. He's not "generating" power, he's using the display tube as an amplifier that requires between 20 and 40VDC to work.
@JB87 and @James, that's a right point, I really don't know where the "40Vdc" comes from. The circuit uses 30Vdc as power source.
@james, good old "Magic Eyes" or "tuning indicators" had their anodes painted with fluorescent materials that would glow when hit by electrons. BTW, the CRT (the still great cathodic rays tube of the TVs) uses the same principle.
I've wondered from time to time if this would work, and apparently it does to some extent. A VFD is essentially a triode, there's phosphor coated anodes, grids, and a negatively charged filament forming the cathode. The difference is that it is designed for the anodes to light up when struck by electrons rather than using the flow of electrons to drive some external device.
As someone else mentioned, the VFD is not generating anything, it is simply a vacuum tube, and the wiring details that are of no interest to them are the relevant portion of the whole project.
I have that CD! :D
Photographer has good music taste :)
Alabama Hotpocket
that looks just like the one from my old vcr! .... it ate a library tape so we got a new one.
@MikeWard1701, Paganini, my fellow co-citizen at times forgotten !... (they demolished his home for a few horrible skyscrapers)