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Piano Stairs/Floor
Hi all!
Just saw the infamous "piano stairs" video by Mitsubishi (see
below), and I couldn't help but think there would be a relatively easy
way to do this yourself without a ridiculous budget.
Any ideas on how this could be done? I thought some sort of
infrared sensor would be cheaper than a pressure sensor like in the
video, and could be connected to a computer or device with speakers, or
maybe a speaker for every stair with a simple circuit. Then again, I
haven't a clue about anything DIY.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Comments
5 years ago
Our company ( http://www.thePianoStairs.com ) is developing piano stairs in all over the world. We recommend neither infrared sensors nor pressure sensors.
Reply 5 years ago
What do you recommend instead?
11 years ago
Using infrared sensors instead of pressure triggers is a great idea --less wear and tear, especially in that high-traffic setting. Perhapshouse them in transparent cases in a recess in the wall, to protect theelectronics. You'll probably want to consult an Instructable about usingan Arduino to read the infrared interrupts as notes, like on an electrickeyboard. Reverse-engineering it shouldn't be that difficult.
Reply 10 years ago
. +1. Trip hazard problems would be much less without the sensor pads. If the IR sensors can be embedded in the walls, there will be zero trip hazard.
10 years ago
Depends what you use for pressure sensors. You could put cheap strain gauges under the stairs, if you have access for example.
10 years ago
I am actually thinking about finding a casio keyboard and just adding the needed wires to shock sensors in the florr. then they can turn it off/ on and change the sounds as well. My mom loves to play the piano and will undoubtedly use my stepfather to help her play chords(that sounds wrong when i type it but oh well..)
11 years ago
Search instructables for the many DDR video game dance pad footcontrollers. That should give you some ideas for large scalepressure switches on the cheap. I have always wanted to make thegiant piano they played on the movie BIG with Tom Hanks at FAOSchwartz. Good luck.
Reply 10 years ago
good i dea, i made a joke about getting a set for my mom in thier new home ad now she and my step father wants one. So i am going to have to deliver.