Multi-touch is a wonderful thing. But sometimes, the act of creating is done with a tool, like a drumstick or a stylus. It turns out, it's easy to make a set of drumsticks for a modern capacitive device (like an iPad). You just need a few special things.
Here's a video of the sticks using my iSteelPan application:
The sticks work in any application since they send the same sort of signal your hand does. I made a few iPad apps that are being submitted to the Apple store...till they become available, the Magic Piano is super fun with them: http://magicpiano.smule.com
Here's a video of the sticks using my iSteelPan application:
The sticks work in any application since they send the same sort of signal your hand does. I made a few iPad apps that are being submitted to the Apple store...till they become available, the Magic Piano is super fun with them: http://magicpiano.smule.com
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This is a short but critical list of what you'll need to make a iPad drumstick.
Conductive fabric
This is how the magic happens. Conductive fabric makes a finger like surface to trigger the touch sensors on the iPad or iPhone. It's not too expensive, but you can't go to Hancock Fabrics and pick it up. Thank you Internet:
http://lessemf.com/fabric.html has the most selection. In this instructable I've used their "Pure Copper Polyester Taffeta Fabric". You'll need about a 3.5" square piece for each stick you want to make.
In case thats too confusing, SparkFun has some too: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9770
Metal Dowel
This is the second half of the magic. The metal rod will make the connection from your hand to the fabric. It's not as spooky as you might think. I bought a 4 foot 3/16" diameter rod at my local hardware store for 2 bucks.
String
You'll need some kinda cotton or poly string.
Cotton Pads
I bought some cotton pads from the drug store. You could use cotton balls, but pads are easier to work with, firmer, and stronger. This will give your stick a better feel and lessen the risk of the metal rod poking out and tearing conductive fabric.
Stuff to cut metal
You can do this as you like. A hack saw or a Dremel will work. I used a Dremel. If you're going to use one too, get some eye protection cuz sparks are gonna fly.
For more info on conductive fabrics: http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?p=376
Conductive fabric
This is how the magic happens. Conductive fabric makes a finger like surface to trigger the touch sensors on the iPad or iPhone. It's not too expensive, but you can't go to Hancock Fabrics and pick it up. Thank you Internet:
http://lessemf.com/fabric.html has the most selection. In this instructable I've used their "Pure Copper Polyester Taffeta Fabric". You'll need about a 3.5" square piece for each stick you want to make.
In case thats too confusing, SparkFun has some too: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9770
Metal Dowel
This is the second half of the magic. The metal rod will make the connection from your hand to the fabric. It's not as spooky as you might think. I bought a 4 foot 3/16" diameter rod at my local hardware store for 2 bucks.
String
You'll need some kinda cotton or poly string.
Cotton Pads
I bought some cotton pads from the drug store. You could use cotton balls, but pads are easier to work with, firmer, and stronger. This will give your stick a better feel and lessen the risk of the metal rod poking out and tearing conductive fabric.
Stuff to cut metal
You can do this as you like. A hack saw or a Dremel will work. I used a Dremel. If you're going to use one too, get some eye protection cuz sparks are gonna fly.
For more info on conductive fabrics: http://www.kobakant.at/DIY/?p=376
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The other site is okay though.
Whats the risk of braking your ipad with this XD
It really takes a light touch to trigger (essentially less hard than some games I've played). The textured cotton pads are pretty solid but soft. I'm barely tapping - its all in the conductive fabric.
That said - I wouldn't go all Lars Ulrich on it. :-P
Yeah. Well it would be cool. Could you port this to android for us mac-dislikers? I would sure like to do this on my android.
Makes me want to get an iPad just to try it!