Assignment #10
Applications and Implications

The tenth Fab Academy assignment is about applications and implications. We have to define our final project by answering a series of questions.

1 – What will it do?

My final project is going to be a really special MIDI controller that will turn its position into MIDI Control Change values to send to a musical instrument. I aim to create a flexible and reliable interface that will help musicians better express their art.

2 – Who has done what beforehand?

There’s a whole story of MIDI controllers (MIDI is one of the oldest protocols still in use). The most basic ones consist of simple keyboards, but there are many more elaborate MIDI controllers (like the AlphaSphere by Nu Desine).

3 -What will you design?

The electronics, the casing and the code.

4 - What materials and components will be used?

I will use PLA for the top and bottom shells, pine wood for the handle, and FR1 + electronic components for the board.

5 - Where will they come from?

Most parts will come from the lab’s stock, with a few additions from online shops such as Amazon, eBay, and Farnell for electronic components.

6 - How much will they cost?

The total cost of the device will be around €30: €20 for the electronics and €10 for wood and PLA. See the spreadsheet below for more detail:

7 - What parts and systems will be made?

All (see question 2)

8 - What processes will be used?

I will use 3D printing for the shells and CNC milling for both the wooden handle and the circuit boards. I will then use the Arduino IDE to write the code and program the electronics.

9 - What questions need to be answered?

What gestures and sensors will create a new and interesting way to interact with electronic musical instruments? What is a shape that is nice and ergonomic? How can I program sensors to work efficiently with MIDI?

10 - How will it be evaluated?

I will evaluate the success of my product by testing it myself and by giving it to some musicians to collect feedback.