Our first project involved using digital or analog input & PWM or tone output. One of he suggestions was to create a musical instrument, which I really liked. My inspiration was "singing glasses". When you touch the glass with your finger you could play a tone and play a whole sonata.
Initially my idea was to use proximity sensors that turn on the guitar chords via the speaker. I play the guitar myself and know that more than a hundred songs use the same 4 or 5 chords. Hence, I wanted to play a mix of songs. I wanted anyone who doesn't own a guitar or doesn't know how to play to be able to do that without even touching the strings! I also though about those who had low ability to move their arms, so I though it would be an incredible idea in terms of accessibility.
I created a code and then formed the circuit, but unfortunately, it didn't work. I couldn't figure out why, so I had to abandon this idea. So my sketch changed: I used the light sensors and the "Happy Birthday" melody.
Initial and final sketches of project made in Figma
Video showing playing the music box (it's VERY QUIET, so please use the headphones)
Video showing the working circuit
My reflection on work:
I had at least two meltdowns because of this projects, but I was able to go through them and finish my work that I ended up liking. The hardest thing was to find sensors' threshold just because it is different under various lightning. I also had a lot of fun colouring the box, but C++ is just the worst. Honestly. Well, for me. A lot of times Arduino software would just give me an error message just because it wanted to reset the microcontroller.
Photos of the box and breadboard
Problem: And I still don't know how to connect the amplifier, as I tried but it didn't work. I'm guessing I have to do soldering or something. But I don't want to risk the roof over my head, so if you
have any other suggestions please contact me!
The code for the project
Summary: That was a very emotional week for me, and I spent lots of time and nerves on it. I realise now that it could have been avoided. I want to thank Yeseul Song, August Luhrs, Arnab Chakravarty and Luisa Pereira for the help and support they provided.
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