Assignment
Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered, answering the following questions.
What will it do?
The drum machine will be a modular machine capable to hit a surface to produce sound. In the future I would like to add other capabilities to produce sound such as shaking or scratching, but I still need to identify the best ways to achieve that. The good thing about the modularity of the project is that newer versions can be connected to old versions into a single larger drum machine kit.
Who's done what beforehand?
Many artists or musicians have experimented with self playing instruments. I believe what is different in my sound machine is that the surfaces that are played are easy to remove and change so it's very open to experimentation. Also, the modular aspect of it and the fact that it uses the skeleton of a multi-purpose box means that it can be built in together with other projects that could complement this one, such as a light and lamp project that can be hosted in a similar structure.
What materials and components will be required?
The construction of the box is done with 1/8" masonite, 1/8" plywood, cardstock, 3/4" screws, normal nuts and wing nuts. There's also a need for a servo motor per machine and for the four of them a SatshaKit board, a power board and cabling. A 3D printed adaptor for the Servo Motor is also important in order to attach a drum stick to the motor head.
Where will they come from?
The components and materials to build the SatshaKit board are available in the Fab Lab inventory. The masonite and the plywood, the screws and nuts were bought in a local hardware store. The 3D printer filament was available at the fab lab.
How much will it cost?
Estimaded cost per box right now is around 15 dollars, but I should be able to make them cheaper if I make more. This way I can buy larger pieces of masonite and plywood and cut them down to required laser cutter machine sizes with the ShopBot.
What parts and systems will be made?
The multi-purpose box, the panels, the SatshaKit board, the 3D printed adaptor. The box for the servo motor, the power board...
What processes will be used?
A lot of laser cutting and 2D design, 3D printing and design, PCB milling, soldering, programming, board making using Eagle (for the power board), among others.
What tasks need to be completed?
Now that the project is made I would like it to have them networked each one having its own board and connection, this way they can be more autonomous, but also more compatible with each other and the interaction with other musical instruments could be easier.
What questions need to be answered?
What other motors or activators could I use to produce other possible sounds? What is the best way to hold a material to magniy its sound?
What is the schedule?
The project was finished by the presentation deadline.
How will it be evaluated?
This first version should be evaluated by knowing if it is capable of reaching its goal. Are the boxes modular indeed? Are they strong enough? Do they make sound?