The purpose is to apply the knowledge gathered in the laboratory. To demonstrate the phenomenon, the Tesla coil circuit will generate an electric arc with a high voltage and a high frequency of the electromagnetic field that displays the phenomenon's bolt of artificial lightning. This electric discharge will also be modified to produce musical tones by modulating its spark output via an arduino interface. Optionally, I will redo some experiments to demonstrate alternative methods of highlighting the coil's high-frequency electromagnetic field such as (lighting an incandescent light bulb without any direct electrical connection), also using the arduino interface.
The basic phenomena is the Tesla coil effect, and it uses this phenomenon to replicate sound frequencies. Tesla Coil is an electrical Resonant Transformer Circuit that generates exceptional levels of voltage and sparks, as well as the capacity to destroy or switch on electronics from a distance. To resonate, tune, and adjust the voltage, the Tesla coil uses capacitors, spark gaps, and multiple coils.
The following block diagram corresponds to the project:
First case:
Second case:
The project will be put together as follows:
Component | Quantity |
---|---|
Arduino Uno R3 | x1 |
Arduino Nano | x1 |
DFPlayer - A Mini MP3 Player | x1 |
Fan | x1 |
BD243C High Power NPN 100V | x1 |
80NF70 N-channel 68V Power MOSFET | x1 |
Transistor Heat Sinks | x2 |
10µF 50V electrolytic capacitor | x1 |
1µF 105J 100V polyester capacitor | x1 |
4N35 Optocoupler | x1 |
2kΩ Resistors | x2 |
10kΩ Resistors | x2 |
220Ω Resistor | x1 |
330Ω Resistor | x1 |
LED red | x1 |
LED blue | x1 |
pre-wound coil | x1 |
stereo audio socket | x1 |
power jack | x1 |
3.5mm stereo audio cable | x1 |
Dupont Jumper Wires | x30 |
wire | 15cm |
strip double-sided tape | 5cm |
screws | x6 |
brass standoffs | x4 |
Power Supply 9V for Arduino | x1 |
Power Supply 15-24V for Tesla Coil | x1 |
Universal PCB board | x1 |
Servo motor | x1 |
Micro- SD Card Memory Module | x1 |
Soldering iron | x1 |
Led/Bulb | x1 |
USB Cable for Arduino Uno | x1 |
USB Cable for Arduino Nano | x1 |
passive buzzer (optional) | x1 |
Micro SDHC card 32GB | x1 |
Digital Input Signal
Analog Input Signal
The “slayer exciter” self-governing oscillation is crucial to the circuit's operation.
To interface the Musical Tesla Coil Slayer exciter circuit, which can accept analog or digital input signals, I conducted experiments to determine how the circuit can receive the signal and implemented the code accordingly. When an analog input is received, the circuit plays melodies, while digital input triggers the playback of musical notes.
I developed the programs using the Arduino IDE and included additional libraries and 3rd-party sources
For Analog input:
In the program, I used functions from these libraries to control the DFMini Player and servo motor. The DFMini Player receives commands via serial communication, with pins 10 and 11 serving as RX and TX. Melodies in integer-numbered files (e.g., 1.mp3, 2.mp3, etc.) should be stored on the memory card before specifying the commands.
Here is a summary of the program flow:
For Digital input:
I developed two programs to accommodate to this scenario:
In the first program, communication with the microSD card module was established in SPI mode. A file was created to store musical notes, specifying their frequency and duration.
The main objective of the second program is to play the musical notes read from the microSD card. I achieved this by utilizing a buzzer (for verification) and specifically through the Tesla coil.
The danceServo() function serves the same purpose as it does for the analog signal.
Furthermore, I encountered some inconvenience when transmitting melodies from the MP3 player module to the circuit via the audio jack cable. Occasionally, the connection between the audio jack plug and the stereo audio socket is unreliable, causing interruptions in the audio playback.
The Tesla Coil project proved to be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience for me. It provided a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge while exploring into the fascinating realm of electrical engineering and automation. By incorporating various technical concepts and utilizing Arduino, I was able to explore a wide range of subjects that I had learned.
The project was undoubtedly laborious and provided many challenges along the way. I had to adjust and work with the resources that were available. Despite obstacles, it was a rewarding accomplishment. Through rigorous research, careful component selection, system assembly, and code development, the long endeavor provided a deep understanding of both hardware design and software development, relying on the application of electrical and software engineering skills.
This comprehensive set of abilities gained from the project provided a solid foundation for my introduction into the realm of Arduino and the broader sphere of technology. I am grateful for the experience and knowledge that not only provided me joy but also broadened my horizons in this exciting field.
I began to consider which project might pique my interest. I did some preliminary research on potential future projects.
After a lot of thought, I chose to take on the Musical Tesla Coil project as a challenge, which would reproduce musical notes using high voltage sparks as a digital input signal from an Arduino. I selected this because I enjoy combining electrical and software engineering. In order to have a starting point, I began to conduct in-depth studies into the Tesla Coil phenomenon. Furthermore, I was looking for suggestions on the appropriate sort of Tesla Coil circuit to use for the requirements of my project.
I decided to build my musical tesla coil slayer exciter circuit from scratch, so I went through the hardware components, looked at their datasheets, and calculated what materials I needed to make the primary and secondary coils (number of turns, gauge wires, and secondary coil output voltage). In case that my circuit implementation fails, I have considered a backup plan (a little music tesla coil plasma speaker).
I ordered some of the components I needed for my project and had others on hand. My progress will determine what I order later. I initially ordered -Arduino medium Kit from Robotlinking -TIP31C Transistor x2 -IRFP460 MOSFET N-Channel x2 -IRFP250 MOSFET N-Channel x2 -Transistor Heat Sinks x2 -Capacitors -4N35 Optocoupler x1 -10k/47k Resistor x1 -PVC Pipe (1 in. Diameter, 3.93 in. Length) x1 -30 Gauge Enamel Coated Wire -26 Gauge Rubber Coated Wire (Solid Core) -Jumper Wire -Power Supply (home) -Universal PCB board -Servo motor x1 -Micro- SD Card Module x1 -MP3 player DFPlayer Mini Module x1 -Soldering iron x1 (home)
I acquired my components and began sketching my planned circuit on paper.
Because making and testing my circuit directly would have been too dangerous, I tried it on the free SPICE simulator program (LTSPICE).
Unfortunately, after numerous experiments and simulations of various circuits in LTSPICE, something was not right and I was unable to carry out a definitive solution for my slayer exciter circuit. My proposed slayer exciter circuit used a npn bjt (TIP31C) to drive the Mosfet (IRFP460) gate.
I decided to implement my backup plan for the circuit and also considered trying an alternate means of producing music via the spark, but this time the device would accept an analog signal input.
I began connecting the components together on a breadboard and tested their functionality.
I began putting the software design into practice.
I completed all of the project's code implementations.
Begin assembling and testing the project for both situations with all necessary equipment (e.g., oscilloscope). They are effective!
I'm putting the finishing touches on.
The project is completed.
Components
Arduino