Magnet Amplifier (new info)

CivicProtection · 10:38 AM

I read about this a long time ago. Development in amplification didn't jump from vacuum tube then to the transistor, there was something in the middle......the magnetic amplifier.

WWII Germany perfected the device, and I read that one of their V-2 rockets crashed in England and didn't explode. When it was salvaged and analyzed the scientists there pieced together a magnetic amplifier used in its construction.

I have a couple of books on them, and I heard that it could be used to amplify sound. I did a quick search before making this thread and the subject is a little dead.

Just today I found this awesome site:
Homemade Magnetic Audio Amplifier.

http://sparkbangbuzz.com/mag-amp/mag-amp.htm

This is a tantalizing bit from the first site I listed site:
"The mag amp is true amplification without the use of tubes, transistors or IC's but it does require the use of an AC power source. While most ac oscillators require the use of transistors, this amp could conceivably run using an AC power signal from a carbon arc or maybe even a zinc oscillator or similar."

I wonder if the experts here could build on this and make something really well performing.

I hope somebody is interested in this stuff as much as I am, it looks neat.

CivicProtection · 29th April 2010, 12:39 PM

I am currently moving forward with this with full force, and designing a MUCH more advanced audio amplifier based on this basic circuit and decades old principle.
It currently has a few more features and additions. I'll be prototyping it in the next few days and I possibly might share the final schematics and plans with the world.

_-_-_Adam · 29th April 2010, 12:50 PM

That'd be great.

not sure how efficient the end result will be, probably some cooling of the core will be needed.

godfrey · 29th April 2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CivicProtection

Just today I found this awesome site:
Homemade Magnetic Audio Amplifier.

Homemade Magnetic Amplifiers.

I haven't tried a mag amp, but I love that site.
Homemade CRTs, flame triodes, TEA lasers, FETs etc etc etc.
That guy takes DIY to another level.

miklos · 29th April 2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CivicProtection

I read about this a long time ago. Development in amplification didn't jump from vacuum tube then to the transistor, there was something in the middle......the magnetic amplifier.

WWII Germany perfected the device, and I read that one of their V-2 rockets crashed in England and didn't explode. When it was salvaged and analyzed the scientists there pieced together a magnetic amplifier used in its construction.

I have a couple of books on them, and I heard that it could be used to amplify sound. I did a quick search before making this thread and the subject is a little dead.

Just today I found this awesome site:
Homemade Magnetic Audio Amplifier.

Homemade Magnetic Amplifiers.

This is a tantalizing bit from the first site I listed site:
"The mag amp is true amplification without the use of tubes, transistors or IC's but it does require the use of an AC power source. While most ac oscillators require the use of transistors, this amp could conceivably run using an AC power signal from a carbon arc or maybe even a zinc oscillator or similar."

I wonder if the experts here could build on this and make something really well performing.

I hope somebody is interested in this stuff as much as I am, it looks neat.

The second link showing the useful application of a magnetic amplifier, controlling hi currents. I don't think it is for audio.

sdman · 29th April 2010, 02:05 PM

This technique was used in welding and Plasma machines years ago.

In fact I think it is still being used in some industral control applications.

The plasma cutting machine we had used this technique and you could

control hundreds of amps with a few amps.

CivicProtection · 29th April 2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miklos

The second link showing the useful application of a magnetic amplifier, controlling hi currents. I don't think it is for audio.

I included the second link because it has a bunch of useful information on the technology and has a bit of an introduction.

CivicProtection · 29th April 2010, 02:16 PM

This technology was used on the V-2 rocket. I also hear that it is used in some consumer computer powersupplies.

CivicProtection · 29th April 2010, 03:00 PM

I'd love to see a magnetic amplifier section open up next to the tube amplifiers, and solid state amplifiers here.

CivicProtection · 29th April 2010, 03:01 PM

Here is a video from the same guy. YouTube - Homemade magnetic amplifiers made from common materials.

29th April 2010, 10:32 AM	#1
CivicProtection diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Magnet Amplifier (new info) I read about this a long time ago. Development in amplification didn't jump from vacuum tube then to the transistor, there was something in the middle......the magnetic amplifier. WWII Germany perfected the device, and I read that one of their V-2 rockets crashed in England and didn't explode. When it was salvaged and analyzed the scientists there pieced together a magnetic amplifier used in its construction. I have a couple of books on them, and I heard that it could be used to amplify sound. I did a quick search before making this thread and the subject is a little dead. Just today I found this awesome site: Homemade Magnetic Audio Amplifier. http://sparkbangbuzz.com/mag-amp/mag-amp.htm This is a tantalizing bit from the first site I listed site: "The mag amp is true amplification without the use of tubes, transistors or IC's but it does require the use of an AC power source. While most ac oscillators require the use of transistors, this amp could conceivably run using an AC power signal from a carbon arc or maybe even a zinc oscillator or similar." I wonder if the experts here could build on this and make something really well performing. I hope somebody is interested in this stuff as much as I am, it looks neat. Last edited by CivicProtection; 29th April 2010 at 10:38 AM.

29th April 2010, 02:05 PM	#6
sdman diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southwest	Magnetic Amplifiers This technique was used in welding and Plasma machines years ago. In fact I think it is still being used in some industral control applications. The plasma cutting machine we had used this technique and you could control hundreds of amps with a few amps. __________________ Sam

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29th April 2010, 12:39 PM	#2
CivicProtection diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	I am currently moving forward with this with full force, and designing a MUCH more advanced audio amplifier based on this basic circuit and decades old principle. It currently has a few more features and additions. I'll be prototyping it in the next few days and I possibly might share the final schematics and plans with the world.

29th April 2010, 12:50 PM	#3
_-_-_Adam diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010	That'd be great. not sure how efficient the end result will be, probably some cooling of the core will be needed.

29th April 2010, 02:16 PM	#8
CivicProtection diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	This technology was used on the V-2 rocket. I also hear that it is used in some consumer computer powersupplies.

29th April 2010, 03:00 PM	#9
CivicProtection diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	I'd love to see a magnetic amplifier section open up next to the tube amplifiers, and solid state amplifiers here.

29th April 2010, 03:01 PM	#10
CivicProtection diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2009	Here is a video from the same guy. YouTube - Homemade magnetic amplifiers made from common materials.

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