How 2.0: Digital Wall Harp

Use infrared sensors to make off-the-wall music!

This is a pretty simple Infrared Harp. The sensors work like on/off switches to trigger various sounds when they are plugged into your computer's music program. With the MidiTron you can use any type of analog or digital input device, from temperature sensors to regular switches, to trigger your sounds. Get creative, it's really fun to think about all the things you could play!

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MATERIALS:

Epoxy
8 - 10 Infrared Sensors
MidiTron
22- 24 gauge wire in red, black, and yellow
Needle nose pliers
MIDI to USB converter
Two 4 - 6' aluminum u- channels
Two 4 - 6' of 2 x 4 wood
Large SPST On/Off Switch
Wood Screws
Drill
Stepper drill bit for drilling through metal
Zip ties (small)
Zip tie mounts
Wire Butt Connectors (small 26 - 24)
Crimper for the connectors
Multimeter for testing connections
9V 300mA power supply with connector
Solderless Breadboard
Box of jumper wires
Jewelry screwdriver set

SOFTWARE:

Music software like Garage Band
MidiTron Software
USB Driver software

The USB software driver should come with the MIDI to USB converter.

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Step 1Test the Infrared Sensors

Attach the wires to each of the IR sensors. Snap the red, black, and yellow wire into the connector and attach it to the sensor. Avoid any direct light on the sensors.

Place the wires from the sensors into the corresponding channels of the breadboard. Use jumper wires to connect the yellow wires to the MidiTron. Now connect the power supply to the MidiTron. Then, using a jumper wires, connect the MidiTron to the vertical channel of your breadboard.

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