Zeusaphone
Encyclopedia
Zeusaphone is a trademarked term for singing Tesla coils
, high-frequency, solid state Tesla coil
, whose spark discharge is digitally modulated so as to produce musical tones. The high-frequency signal acts in effect as a carrier wave
; its frequency is significantly above human-audible sound frequencies, so that digital modulation is able to reproduce a recognizable pitch. The musical tone results directly from the passage of the spark through the air. The flexibility of the sound is limited by the fact that the solid-state coil produces square rather than sinusoidal waves; but simple chords are possible.
This is a variant of the plasma speaker
, designed for public spectacle and sheer volume rather than fidelity.
The first known public demonstration of the device was on June 9, 2007 at DucKon
16, a science fiction
convention. The performance was by Steve Ward, an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, who designed and built the Tesla coil he used. Since then there have been numerous other performances; e.g., "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," performed on September 8, 2007, at the 2007 "Cheesehead Teslathon," a.k.a. "Lightning on the Lawn," in Baraboo WI, by Ward and fellow designer Jeff Larson on matching 41 kHz Tesla coils.
The name "Zeusaphone" was conceived by Dr. Barry Gehm, of Lyon College
, on June 19, 2007, in a conversation with his friend Bill Higgins. It is a play on the name of the Sousaphone
, giving homage instead to Zeus
, Ancient Greek God of Lightning. The name was adopted by Ward on June 21, 2007. The alternative name "Thoremin" was suggested by Dan Butler-Ehle; it is a wordplay on "Theremin
" incorporating the name of Thor
, the Ancient Norse God of Thunder.
Singing tesla coil
The singing Tesla coil is a form of plasma speaker. It is a variation of a solid state Tesla coil that has been modified to produce musical tones by modulating its spark output...
, high-frequency, solid state Tesla coil
Tesla coil
A Tesla coil is a type of resonant transformer circuit invented by Nikola Tesla around 1891. It is used to produce high voltage, low current, high frequency alternating current electricity. Tesla coils produce higher current than the other source of high voltage discharges, electrostatic machines...
, whose spark discharge is digitally modulated so as to produce musical tones. The high-frequency signal acts in effect as a carrier wave
Carrier wave
In telecommunications, a carrier wave or carrier is a waveform that is modulated with an input signal for the purpose of conveying information. This carrier wave is usually a much higher frequency than the input signal...
; its frequency is significantly above human-audible sound frequencies, so that digital modulation is able to reproduce a recognizable pitch. The musical tone results directly from the passage of the spark through the air. The flexibility of the sound is limited by the fact that the solid-state coil produces square rather than sinusoidal waves; but simple chords are possible.
This is a variant of the plasma speaker
Plasma speaker
Plasma speakers are a form of loudspeaker which varies air pressure via a high-energy electrical plasma instead of a solid diaphram. Connected to the output of an audio amplifier, plasma speakers vary the size of a plasma glow discharge, corona discharge or electric arc which then acts as a...
, designed for public spectacle and sheer volume rather than fidelity.
The first known public demonstration of the device was on June 9, 2007 at DucKon
DucKon
DucKon is an annual science fiction convention held every June in the Chicago area. The name is a shortening of DUpage County KONvention....
16, a science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
convention. The performance was by Steve Ward, an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, who designed and built the Tesla coil he used. Since then there have been numerous other performances; e.g., "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," performed on September 8, 2007, at the 2007 "Cheesehead Teslathon," a.k.a. "Lightning on the Lawn," in Baraboo WI, by Ward and fellow designer Jeff Larson on matching 41 kHz Tesla coils.
The name "Zeusaphone" was conceived by Dr. Barry Gehm, of Lyon College
Lyon College
Lyon College is an independent, residential, co-educational, undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church . Founded in 1872, it is the oldest independent college in Arkansas...
, on June 19, 2007, in a conversation with his friend Bill Higgins. It is a play on the name of the Sousaphone
Sousaphone
The sousaphone is a type of tuba that is widely employed in marching bands. Designed so that it fits around the body of the musician and is supported by the left shoulder, the sousaphone may be readily played while being carried...
, giving homage instead to Zeus
Zeus
In the ancient Greek religion, Zeus was the "Father of Gods and men" who ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus as a father ruled the family. He was the god of sky and thunder in Greek mythology. His Roman counterpart is Jupiter and his Etruscan counterpart is Tinia.Zeus was the child of Cronus...
, Ancient Greek God of Lightning. The name was adopted by Ward on June 21, 2007. The alternative name "Thoremin" was suggested by Dan Butler-Ehle; it is a wordplay on "Theremin
Theremin
The theremin , originally known as the aetherphone/etherophone, thereminophone or termenvox/thereminvox is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without discernible physical contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor, Professor Léon Theremin, who patented the device...
" incorporating the name of Thor
Thor
In Norse mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility...
, the Ancient Norse God of Thunder.