This video shows the style I have, there are a few different configurations. The quick answer is that you can think of them as a little cathode ray tube, there is a florescent material inside the tube that glows. As the grid voltage varies, the glowing material varies so they can basically be used a a visual VU meter. I put them on an amp I built just to win a bet, I had one for each channel. Some were made years ago with just a circle at the top and they were used as tuning indicators on radios, thus the magic eye name.
This video shows the style I have, there are a few different configurations. The quick answer is that you can think of them as a little cathode ray tube, there is a florescent material inside the tube that glows. As the grid voltage varies, the glowing material varies so they can basically be used a a visual VU meter. I put them on an amp I built just to win a bet, I had one for each channel. Some were made years ago with just a circle at the top and they were used as tuning indicators on radios, thus the magic eye name.
I did not know ORT then. I will have to look for videos of the tubes. That amp may go into production and I had to sign a non disclosure agreement so I cannot go into a lot of detail. I can show this one, I was goofing around with different finishes but kept it all shiny copper when done. The blade switch controlled the magic eye tubes but those are hard to come by so most likely It will just have a toggle switch.
I have parts for 2 more coasters and could easily get the few parts I don't have for a third. If anyone wants a kit with all the coaster parts or a completed coaster please PM me. If demand is high I'll look into doing orders for more parts (which may require a couple subs due to some parts non-availability) to make more kits or coasters available.
I finally got the chance to test 2SA1163's in place of 2SA1312 transistors. I have had them running for a few hours and they seem to be a good replacement part. Digikey has them and show them as a feasible substitute.
Here are the early stages of a coaster amp build, a flying saucer whose lights will respond to music. Under the red cup is a plastic dome that will cover the coaster. I am running the headphone outputs into headphone drivers whose sound will trigger the lights. What will also be fun is the fact it will respond to conversation, or a coffee cup being set down, or basically any sound within ten feet without music being present. That part should annoy my son but my granddaughter should love it. I will do the wiring tomorrow, lights are activated by remote control.
I just have the one but she is pretty incredible. There is not much voltage involved and more than likely I will seal everything up so it is safe. The amp will just supply tiny speakers so I can leave it at full volume and it can be controlled by a DAP I will connect.
I need to look through my music for Star Wars theme, Close Encounters of the Third Kind music, and maybe some of War of the Worlds.
I just have the one but she is pretty incredible. There is not much voltage involved and more than likely I will seal everything up so it is safe. The amp will just supply tiny speakers so I can leave it at full volume and it can be controlled by a DAP I will connect.
I need to look through my music for Star Wars theme, Close Encounters of the Third Kind music, and maybe some of War of the Worlds.
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I did not know ORT then. I will have to look for videos of the tubes. That amp may go into production and I had to sign a non disclosure agreement so I cannot go into a lot of detail. I can show this one, I was goofing around with different finishes but kept it all shiny copper when done. The blade switch controlled the magic eye tubes but those are hard to come by so most likely It will just have a toggle switch.
with LED's engaged.
with LED's engaged.
