Saving money on high voltage amplifier? Ideas please?

Question

Hi,
Can you guys please suggest some alternatives for an amplifier? - saving money is my most important criteria. Obviously, i will have to ask a electrical technician/ technologist as well, but can you please give me some ideas to approach them with.

I am in the process of building a simple electronic device to produce sound. I am trying to save as much money as possible.

I am using a piezoelectric ceramic disc as a transducer. This probably won't cost me more that $100, even from a good company.

The other part of this device is an amplifier. From what i understand at the moment about piezo, i should be able to use a simple linear amplifier - still have to check this to be sure. I understand that by not using a high quality amplifier specially designed for piezo, i may experience some noise and distortion near maximum output, however in the case of the device i am building this is acceptable. By avoiding a purpose built lab amp, i should save a lot of money (thousands).

I understand that the piezo discs may require 200volt, 500volt or maybe a different power level to drive them, and i am searching for some alternative amplifiers. Also, I will assume the piezoceramic disc i use will be under 200 watt. A cheap linear amplifier like a standard audio amplifier (like on my stereo at home, or even a professional audio amplifier) has relatively low voltage rating, and is designed to drive 8 ohm speakers (although they can drive speakers with higher electrical resistance), so in most cases i don't think it will be very useful with the piezo.

Ideas could include 12 volt dc options, as i know that siren amplifiers for emergency vehicles are obviously 12 volt, operate at 60 volt output, and have a relatively high power output of 100 watt.

But what i am really looking for is some ideas, on how the technician/technologist can build a relatively cheap amplifier circuit for me from scratch. Alternatively, maybe you can suggest where they could buy some inexpensive prebuilt amplifier circuits, in a variety of high voltages which could drive the piezo. Maybe they could adapt siren drivers from burglar alarms, or some other option, these things i know are "as cheap as chips" and in most cases the circuit can probably be bought for under $50.

Again, sound quality is not a concern, so just any suggestions on how i can reach the voltage and power level required, as cheaply as possible please. I definitely want to avoid a situation where i would have to waste a lot of money on a scientific laboratory amplifier, which is purpose build to be highly accurate, with very high sound quality. This would be a huge waste of money, considering my application.

Answer 1

One way would be to use a conventional amplifier designed for 4 or 8 Ohm speakers and an Audio Transformer to match your Piezo device. This kind of transformer is used in large audio systems.

See http://www.ticcorp.com/70v_guide.htm

You would use one of these transformers backwards by connecting your amplifier to the 8 Ohm side and your Piezo to the high voltage side.

Answer 2

Hi and congratulations: 1. Keep things as simple as you can. 2. Have a small wedding party. 3. Have a small guest list. 4. If you can't have a small guest list, then possibly do a cake, punch and coffee reception. 5. Enlist HELP! If someone offers to make the cake, let them. If someone knows how to arrange flowers....let them. 6. Print your own invitations using "boxed sets" that you can buy a Target and other discount or craft stores. 7. Do everything simply.......a bowl with floating candles for centerpieces is one idea. 8. Another idea for simplicity is to have the bride carry just a few nicely arranged flowers - tied with a nice satin ribbon. The same for the bridesmaids....have them carry 1 or 2 flowers instead of a big huge bouquet....you can save tons by doing that. 9. Don't waste money on a limo OR favors. 10. Go "outside the box" when it comes to a reception venue. Banquet halls and hotels can be expensive. Look around at other options....VFW halls, church halls. Because the reception is the biggest chunk of a wedding budget, this could be a substantial savings. Good luck!

Answer 3

In general any ordinary amp with the rated power output, RMS not Peak, and an output transformer, should not cost thousands. Second hand under K100.

Only problem I can forsee is if you are trying to obtain Ultra high Frequency, most std amps will not deliver max output at ultra high frequency. And std transformers have high losses at those frequencies.
Think you should reallybe more spesific about the type of output you are designing for. If its for a specific frequency then it is best to purpose build for it. Any reputable electronics hobyist would be able to help you out and put a 200W amp together for well under $200.

Answer 4

it the 50's electrostatic tweater speakers had similar characteristics, with high voltage and impedence. they could be run from a tube/valve directly without benefit of an output transformer. this would be cheap except tubes that can handle more than 10 watts may be hard to find.

Answer 5

I think for your voltage requirements, a transformer designed to drive electrostatic speakers might work. Search the web under "electrostatic speaker transformers". Too many results for me to list a single source. Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 6

UK boot sale £1.55 sorted :::!!!