First off, lets settle this question:
THIS is a laser harp
It works by playing a specific note when a laser beam is interrupted.
and MIDI, without getting technical, is a computer language used on MANY instruments, meaning that, if i can play a (musical) keyboard and output it in MIDI, I can drive a computer to play different sounds by using a (musical) keyboard.
My plan is to disassemble a (musical) keyboard, and rig the laser harp to make a connection on the switches that would normally be played with keys... Kinda like this.
It seems simple, one (times however many keys you need) switch that operates when a beam of light is broken...
This is the one and only obstacle.
I have VERY little electrical sense, but i have good solder/assembly skills, and i am willing to learn about this to build it
And since i have no current design, and i am willing to work for a LONG time to build this, I will welcome any designs
And finally, "cheap" means in the range of 100s of dollars (laser harp sell for over 5000, thats why im building one)
Some Ideas?
-Using the reflection of the laser to trigger the switch
-Using some photosensitive sensor up high, and having the switch trigger when the sensor doesnt detect light (this setup would mean a large rig to hold the sensors, so unless this is signifigantly cheaper than the reflection idea, i would rather not do it)
Any Help?
THIS is a laser harp
It works by playing a specific note when a laser beam is interrupted.
and MIDI, without getting technical, is a computer language used on MANY instruments, meaning that, if i can play a (musical) keyboard and output it in MIDI, I can drive a computer to play different sounds by using a (musical) keyboard.
My plan is to disassemble a (musical) keyboard, and rig the laser harp to make a connection on the switches that would normally be played with keys... Kinda like this.
It seems simple, one (times however many keys you need) switch that operates when a beam of light is broken...
This is the one and only obstacle.
I have VERY little electrical sense, but i have good solder/assembly skills, and i am willing to learn about this to build it
And since i have no current design, and i am willing to work for a LONG time to build this, I will welcome any designs
And finally, "cheap" means in the range of 100s of dollars (laser harp sell for over 5000, thats why im building one)
Some Ideas?
-Using the reflection of the laser to trigger the switch
-Using some photosensitive sensor up high, and having the switch trigger when the sensor doesnt detect light (this setup would mean a large rig to hold the sensors, so unless this is signifigantly cheaper than the reflection idea, i would rather not do it)
Any Help?
