What will it do?

Building a MIDI instrument, exactly a Laser Harp Midi controller. For musical production and teaching.

Here some examples of DIY midi instruments:

Who's done what beforehand?

The company Motionlasers.com has a complex Laser Harp MIdi Controller. https://www.motionlasers.com/us/en/products/software/laser-h-a-r-p-midi-controller/

Here some pics:

What will you design?

A structure of MDF to support laser transmitters and send data to a microcontroller in MIDI format. Using a PC can read those signals and produce sound of musical notes.

What materials and components will be used?

Where will come from?

The materials will be obtained in the FabLab U.Continental and in local electronic stores. But, if you want to replicate, in the previous table enter the name, quantity, price and link of the seller to make the purchase online.

How much will they cost?

The cost to develop the project will be 36 USD.

What parts and systems will be made?

1. MDF Structure Design

2. Laser transmitters and LDR Receivers 3D Mounting

3. Microcontroller connections

4. USB Midi Output

5. MIDI Software 

What processes will be used?

CNC Laser Cutting

3D Printing

Electronic Production & Electronic Design. 

What questions need to be answered?

Is the Laser power enough to activate LDR's?

Is the latency acceptable for musical production?

Is the number of lasers enough for playing a basic melody?

Is the structure stable enough for playing notes?

Is the polyphony acceptable?

How will it be evaluated?

The laser transmitters work well

The LDR sensors works well

The coupling is exact

The electronic board receives the program