GladysRev1.pdfProduct Overview
The Gladys Hydrophone Kit is a complete underwater audio capture solution designed for hydrophone recording, environmental monitoring, and piezoelectric sensing applications. It uses a piezoelectric cylinder coupled with a high impedance buffer circuit to capture acoustic pressure variations in water.
The design is based on iterative improvements and real-world use, with a focus on ease of assembly, durability, and signal clarity.
What’s Included
- P48 Hi-Z Piezo Buffer PCB
- Piezoelectric cylinder
- 5" copper grounding wire
- 3D printed mold for casting
- 3D printed endcaps for sealing and fixturing
- 1.5" 24AWG hookup wire
Key Features
- High impedance buffer optimized for piezoelectric hydrophone elements
- Phantom powered (P48) operation for use with standard audio equipment
- Wide frequency response, extending into ultrasonic range
- 3D printed mold system for repeatable waterproof construction
Applications
- Underwater audio recording
- Environmental and wildlife monitoring
- Ice, aquatic, and structural sound capture
- Experimental and scientific acoustic sensing
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is intended for builders and experimenters interested in underwater sound, as well as engineers and researchers working with piezoelectric sensing systems. It is well suited for both field use and custom measurement setups.
Technical Description
Hydrophones operate by converting pressure variations in water into electrical signals. The cylindrical piezoelectric element used in Gladys is well suited to this application, but requires a high impedance buffer to prevent signal loss and preserve low-frequency response.
The included circuit provides this buffering function, allowing the hydrophone to interface with standard recording equipment via 48V phantom power. The design also incorporates grounding and mechanical considerations necessary for stable underwater operation.
- High Input Impedance
Preserves signal from the piezoelectric transducer. - Extended Frequency Response
Capable of capturing both audible and ultrasonic content. - Robust Construction Method
Designed for casting and sealing in waterproof enclosures. - Optimized for Hydrophone Use
Incorporates grounding and shielding considerations for underwater recording.
Build & Demo Resources
Video Overview:
Gladys Hydrophone Demo
Build Guide:
Step-by-step build instructions on Instructables
Sample Recordings:
ToadFish
Humpback
Iceberg
What Else Is Required
Assembly requires casting the hydrophone in a suitable waterproof material (such as silicone or resin). A phantom-powered audio interface or recorder is required for operation.
Helpful Pairings
For related electronics and components, see our DIY microphone parts and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydrophone?
A hydrophone is a type of microphone designed to capture sound in water by detecting pressure variations rather than air movement.
Is this a complete kit?
Yes. This kit includes the electronics, transducer, and mechanical components required to build a working hydrophone.
How difficult is assembly?
Assembly involves soldering and casting the hydrophone in a waterproof material. The included mold simplifies this process.
