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.