After acquiring an Arduino Opta micro PLC, together with the brand new Arduino Professional Ext D1608S solid-state relay (SSR) growth module for an on-line class, I made a decision to have somewhat enjoyable and create a robotic drum set. This auto-drummer options an exterior solenoid that hits a small hand drum, alongside a second solenoid that hits the system’s metallic energy provide to ting out an extra beat. A 3rd little bit of percussion comes from the Opta’s 4 inner mechanical relays. These all hit collectively to output a quick “hi-hat” that pulls every little thing collectively within the video beneath.
The system’s exterior solenoids are held in place by way of a pair of friction arms–usually used for digicam gear – together with a 3D-printed zip-tie adapter. This allowed for a fast mechanical setup and simple adjustment to get the drumming motion excellent.
Electronics-wise, the Arduino Opta’s relay output setup signifies that wiring was a matter of offering energy to the Opta/growth module, in addition to the relay outputs by way of screw terminals. The exterior solenoids have been screwed into the suitable outputs and related to floor. Floor and energy banks have been made out of lever nuts, making for fast wiring work with out the necessity for solder.
Energy for the construct is thru a variable voltage provide. 12V is the nominal enter right here, however this may be various up or all the way down to differ the beat depth. In fact, one may argue an enclosure and DIN rail setup can be acceptable – and that larger or decrease than 12V is out of spec per the mixture of Arduino and solenoids used – nevertheless it labored properly sufficient in my carefully monitored testing. Code is discovered right here, however you’ll want to take the right precautions if you happen to strive one thing comparable!