DIY Electrostatic Speaker

The biggest problem with ESL's in our environment is dust. Over time a lot of dust gets attracted and lodged between the diaphragm and the stators. It can lead to an arc over during humid days and burn holes in the film ( unless cleaned regularly ). Some people use an additional loose film outside the setup to keep dust at bay. This does affect the performance of the ESL though it could be accounted for in design.

There are a couple of good books on building your own ESL's. Written very well with all the details explained very clearly. Good to add to your book library even if you do not build an ESL.
Dedicated transformers will be far superior to mains transformers that are turned around. You can also power the speakers directly with dedicated tube or ss amps and eliminate the transformer. However you will be dealing with High DC Voltages and the potential to be KILLED is also quite high ! So it is NOT recommended for anyone who is NOT a stickler for adopting safe practices....many of us are not ! Bottom line is be very careful or you are dead !;)

The DIY ESL pictures shown earlier have a very thick frame. You might want to make it thinner.
 
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Hi,

I doubt if you have actually heard an ESL with and without the dust covers. I have and there is no difference to me. The only difference, I think can happen, is when you put dust covers or wrinkled film on either side. But this is from reading other DIY efforts and not by practice.
Yes environment dust can cause ionization of the air and hence break down any isolation it provides between diaphragm and stator.

If by books you mean the Roger Sanders cookbook, I only found his practical knowledge useful but the theory was slightly funny tbh.. i read that 2 years ago. May be I didn't know enough or may be I did :p .
I think builds online are more helpful coz they cut out the BS :D

And lots of helpful people too.

P.S> I got the frames for free and put together what I could.
 
Cool - please try it if you can. The maximum size I've seen here is about legal paper size (~11" along the longer axis). I think that's not a huge limitation, it still gives a pretty useful panel size. A thin copper wire can be routed in a zig-zag, non-inductive pattern to make contact with the conductive portion (either antistatic spray or black antistatic plastic film) between the laminates.

Guess what i found .. This is enough for 2 drivers of 50mm by 40mm

Regards,
A~
 

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You can probably get a new lamination film sandwich, with glue on one layer, at most photocopying/binding outfits.
 
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