Making Music with a Lego Guitar and Capacitive Touch -- Episode-637

In this latest episode of element14 presents, Katie and John embark on the challenge of transforming a Lego guitar into a fully functioning musical instrument. The duo starts by connecting a Raspberry Pi 3A to a robot mini-amplifier, which is then linked to a speaker. The primary challenge is incorporating functional buttons into the guitar without compromising its aesthetics. 

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Making Music with a Lego Guitar and Capacitive Touch -- Episode-637

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Initially, physical buttons were considered, but concerns about protrusion through the strings led them to explore an alternative solution. Katie introduces a Seeed Studio 12-key capacitive touch sensor (MPR121), allowing for touch-sensitive buttons. The team contemplates placing these buttons on the back of the guitar neck, making them invisible from the front while the guitar is in its stand. 

The capacitive touch solution appears promising, offering a more discreet approach compared to physical buttons. Challenges arise in finding the right material to conceal the wiring. Katie experiments with conductive paint and tape, ultimately opting for copper tape covered with vinyl sheets to achieve a seamless integration.  

Another critical aspect is the programming of the Raspberry Pi to interpret signals from the capacitive touch sensor. Katie describes a Python program she developed that plays various guitar chords at the push of a button. The Pi is connected to the touch sensor, enabling chords to be triggered from the guitar. 

The final reveal showcases a Lego guitar that not only looks like the original, but also functions as a musical instrument with touch-sensitive controls. The team discusses the challenges they faced, providing valuable insights into the technical aspects of programming and problem-solving for electronics enthusiasts combining Lego builds with functional components. 

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element14 presents  |  About Katie Dumont |  Project Videos