VFD from VCR generates 40 VDC to power DIY amp

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]

[Wolfticket @ Dec 9th 2008 12:42PM]

Acronyms are awesome.

[Wolfticket @ Dec 9th 2008 12:51PM]

Preemptive pedantry strike:
"Initialisms" is probably more accurate.

[Information Central @ Dec 10th 2008 1:10AM]

And while we're at it, it should be, "we might buy one if it WERE commercially available."

[rock99rock @ Dec 9th 2008 12:44PM]

I hope thats not designed to go in your pocket.

[Seth @ Dec 9th 2008 1:13PM]

actually I believe it's designed to go on your head

[billedluh @ Dec 9th 2008 12:48PM]

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/

[volatileacid @ Dec 9th 2008 12:48PM]

Could have done with a better pair of headphones.

[Matt @ Dec 9th 2008 1:05PM]

looks McGyverish

[you @ Dec 9th 2008 1:13PM]

i see no Chewing gum or a paperclip.

[Oli D @ Dec 9th 2008 1:15PM]

You should see his makeshift quantum computer, made from toothpicks and shake 'n' vac.

[collegekid13 @ Dec 9th 2008 1:31PM]

that display looks sweet!

[Harley3k @ Dec 9th 2008 1:36PM]

WTF?

[macserv @ Dec 9th 2008 2:25PM]

"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."

[Backlin @ Dec 9th 2008 6:06PM]

WTF???

[Timerider @ Dec 9th 2008 3:51PM]

I've got a few of those displays lying around. The wiring is probably beyond me.

[5Volt @ Dec 10th 2008 3:42AM]

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

[JB87 @ Dec 9th 2008 4:00PM]

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.

[5volt @ Dec 10th 2008 3:43AM]

@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.

[James @ Dec 9th 2008 4:09PM]

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.

[MikeWard1701 @ Dec 9th 2008 5:15PM]

I have that CD! :D

[Justin @ Dec 9th 2008 6:52PM]

Photographer has good music taste :)

[u8mysmurf @ Dec 10th 2008 2:19AM]

Alabama Hotpocket

[kyle allen @ Dec 10th 2008 3:18AM]

that looks just like the one from my old vcr! .... it ate a library tape so we got a new one.

[5Volt @ Dec 10th 2008 3:48AM]

@MikeWard1701, Paganini, my fellow co-citizen at times forgotten !... (they demolished his home for a few horrible skyscrapers)