Arduino Tinfoil Piano

by Frugha in Circuits > Arduino

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Arduino Tinfoil Piano

Header2.jpg

In this Instructables I will explain how to make this Arduino Tinfoil Piano.

Supplies

  • Arduino
  • Breadboard
  • 10MΩ Resistor x8
  • Piezo Buzzer
  • Jumpers
  • Double Sided Tape
  • Tinfoil
  • Cardboard

Cut the Cardboard

Cardboard.jpg

To make the bottom of the piano I used a piece of cardboard that I cut to 18 x 7.5 cm. Since the tape I'm using is around 2cm wide I can easily fit 8 keys on the piece of cardboard.

Make the Piano Keys

Key1.jpg
Key2.jpg
Key3.jpg

To make the piano keys I first cut one end of a jumper cable and strip it. This will make sure the tinfoil won't rip.

After stripping the jumper you need to do is to cut a piece of around 7cm of double sided tape and stick the stripped side of the jumper on the tape.

Next stick the tape on tinfoil and cut the key out.

Repeat this step until you have the 8 keys.

Assemble the Piano

Keys.jpg

Once you have all the keys ready you need to stick the otherside of the tape on the cardboard. Also make sure the keys dont touch each other.

Assemble the Circuit

Schematic.jpg
Circuit.jpg

Assemble the circuit as shown in the image above.

You can change the sensitivity of the sensors by changing the resistor value:

  • You can use a 1 megohm resistor for absolute touch to activate.
  • With a 10 megohm resistor the sensor will start to respond 4-6 inches away.
  • With a 40 megohm resistor the sensor will start to respond 12-24 inches away (dependent on the foil size).

More info about Capacitive Sensors here.

Upload the Code + Demo

Arduino Tinfoil Piano

Upload the attached code to the arduino. You may need to change the treshold for the sensors if they aren't responsive enough.

And you're done!!!

Downloads