Timelime

Wednesday and Thursday (11/28-29)
Since the transistor array cannot support the amperage output of the solenoids, we will be building arrays of TIP120s.

Friday (11/30)
Having issues with Piezo moving around. Need to determine a way to keep it beneath the Xylophone plates and maintain it's vibrati-ness.

Saturday-Sunday (12/1-2)
Working on the X-port to see if we can get two to communicate with each other.

Monday-Wednesday (12/3-5)
Debugging

Thursday-Friday (12/6-7)
Make it pretty!

Saturday-Sunday (12/8-9)
Open

Monday (12/10)
Presentation

Piezo and Solenoid testing code

boolean keyHit = false;
int val = 0; // value coming from the Piezo

void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
for(int x=0;x<=5;x++) { pinMode(x, INPUT); } for(int y=8;y<=13;y++) { pinMode(y, OUTPUT); } } void loop() { for(int i=0; i<=5; i++){ val = analogRead(i); if(val > 40 && keyHit == false) {
Serial.println(i);
Serial.println(val);
keyHit = true;
digitalWrite(i+8, HIGH);
delay(50);
digitalWrite(i+8, LOW);
} else if (val == 0) {
keyHit = false;
}
}
}

Mounting Sensors and Actuators

Mounted piezos onto the xylophone. Tested with simple processing code.



Mounted solenoids onto plexi glass.

Testing Components

We are still waiting for the xylophones, but we can pre-test the components to see if they are feasible.

Ledex Miniature 12VDC Tubular Solenoid

We powered up the solenoid and the shaft pops out when powered and drops when the power is removed. It appears that it will work with our system if we mount them on the underside of the the mallets.

To sense when a xylophone key is struck, we are testing piezos and FSRs.

FSR

Gets good readings but relies on the user hitting sensor directly, which means the sensor needs to be mounted on top of the keys and be touched by the mallet.

3 Lead Piezo Disk

The piezo seems to work better. The piezo picks up vibrations. It's drawback is that there appears to be a 3-5 seconds delay between hitting keys.