What will it do?

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

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/

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?

MDF 3mm depth

ATmega328p

LDR

Laser 5mW

Resistors

USB cable

Software MIDI RS232

Software Virtual Piano

Where will come from?

The materials will be obtained in the FabLab U.Continental and in local electronic stores.

How much will they cost?

The cost to develop the project will be 100.00 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