SonicSand Visualizer
Inspired by this instructable, i started thinking of how i could build a speaker cone visualizer, without the computer killing water.
My first thought was sand, but it proved to be too heavy and didn't look too good.
While rummaging through my closet, I found the perfect powder: Rock Polish.
This stuff looks like it's made of aluminum powder. and looks awesome in motion.
Be careful though, since big base hits can cause all of the powder to jump out of the speaker, and the stuff gets everywhere... as you can see in the pictures, I have everything in a big Tupperware box.
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My first thought was sand, but it proved to be too heavy and didn't look too good.
While rummaging through my closet, I found the perfect powder: Rock Polish.
This stuff looks like it's made of aluminum powder. and looks awesome in motion.
Be careful though, since big base hits can cause all of the powder to jump out of the speaker, and the stuff gets everywhere... as you can see in the pictures, I have everything in a big Tupperware box.
If you like my Instructables, Please consider donating to my Inventions Fund! Thanks!
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=zeno%40mail%2ecom&lc=US&item_name=Inventions%20Fund&item_number=ZI%20donations¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted
Set Up Your Speakers
The first step is to get some speaker cones. So far, the dome coned speakers seem to work best.
It's probably a good idea to hear-shrink all the wire connections if you're using the same powder as me, since the powder is conductive.
If you're working with a dual cone speaker, like my sub, you have three choices;
It's probably a good idea to hear-shrink all the wire connections if you're using the same powder as me, since the powder is conductive.
If you're working with a dual cone speaker, like my sub, you have three choices;
- wire the left channel to one and the right channel to the other
- wire both in parallel
- wire both in series
Final Prep
Once you've soldered wires onto the speaker(s) connect them to an amp;
I used an old radio receiver, but any audio amp should work.
Once they're connected, make sure that they play sound, and turn the bass up and treble down.
I used an old radio receiver, but any audio amp should work.
Once they're connected, make sure that they play sound, and turn the bass up and treble down.
Add Powder
For the powder in my system, I used rock tumbler abrasive, but any fine powder should work, provided that the speaker isn't weighed down too much
If the speaker makes a rattling sound, you've probably put too much powder on, but have no fear, all you have o do is crank up the volume.
Be careful though, the powder jumps quite a bit, and you have to be careful not to get in on stuff, as it will stain just about anything.
If the speaker makes a rattling sound, you've probably put too much powder on, but have no fear, all you have o do is crank up the volume.
Be careful though, the powder jumps quite a bit, and you have to be careful not to get in on stuff, as it will stain just about anything.
Demo
Thanks for checking out my instructable!
Please vote for me, and post any questions you have in the comments section, I'll try to get to them as soon as is can!
Please vote for me, and post any questions you have in the comments section, I'll try to get to them as soon as is can!