Thomas will be showing off (and playing) the electronic drum @ Maker Faire, he writes…
A guitar string is suspended above four strips of aluminum tape. When struck with a drum stick, the string touches the aluminum tape, closing an electric circuit that triggers an electronic drum. Foam covering the PVC pipe softens the blow and provides a nice bounce.
The switch closure is extremely fast so a pulse stretching circuit (resistor and capacitor) is necessary to lengthen the pulse to trigger a drum machine or computer keyboard.
Carlos is an engineering student at the National Hispanic University (NHU), San Jose, CA and is the teaching assistant for the Electronic Drum class.
Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly event that celebrates the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset May 3rd and 4th at the San Mateo Fairgrounds, CA (Upcoming.org). It’s for creative, resourceful people of all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make things. Buy tickets now and save, discount ticket sales end on April 25th, 2008.
If you’re in the Bay Area, or plan to attend Maker Faire add “makerfaire” to your Twitter, we’ll be giving away tickets and will have updates before and during Maker Faire!
ADVERTISEMENT
