DIY Paper-Speaker Electromagnetic Audio Transducer
A challenging, hands-on discovery and STEM project designed for curious young minds aged 10 to 14.
Materials Needed
- • Strong neodymium disc magnet (grade N42 or higher) (1 unit)
- • Enameled copper magnet wire (30–32 gauge) (4 meters)
- • Sturdy paper party plate or paper cup (1 unit)
- • Old 3.5mm audio aux cable (cut to expose copper wires) (1 unit)
- • Clear tape and hot glue (1 set)
- • Sandpaper (1 square)
Pro Tips
- → Wind a smooth, tight 50-turn voice coil of thin magnet wire around a paper cylinder slightly larger than the magnet.
- → Glue the voice coil to the base of an upside-down paper cup or paper plate, which acts as the acoustic diaphragm.
- → Strip the enamel completely off both wire ends and connect them to the audio leads of an aux cable plugged into a phone or radio.
Safety First
Handle strong neodymium magnets with care to avoid pinch injuries. Keep magnets away from credit cards and screens.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Wind 50 neat turns of fine copper magnet wire around a small paper tube to create a voice coil, securing it with tape.
Step 2
Glue the bottom of the voice coil to the center underside of a paper plate or paper cup base.
Step 3
Sand the protective enamel off both wire leads and splice them to the left and ground wires of an aux cable.
Step 4
Position the voice coil directly over a strong neodymium magnet, play music from an audio device, and listen to the paper cone sing.