Archive for the 'Animatronics' Category

Several “makers” at the recent Maker Faire Detroit demonstrated projects that incorporate Highly Liquid MIDI decoders.  For more photos, see the new Highly Liquid Photostream at Flickr.

Chip Flynn (Apetechnology) brought several robots, including an MSA-R controlled string instrument (background left):

Dana Dolfi demonstrated the MSA-T controlled Great American Horn Machine:

Dave Kadlitz performed with his MSA-R & MSA-T controlled mechanical drum machine, the “Waits-o-Matic 9000″:

Michael Una performed with an MD24-synced DIY sequencer:

Steve Averill’s robot drummer first appeared in this blog as a pair of disembodied plywood forearms.

The “Spruce Deuce” has since become a sophisticated android drummer brought to life by 11 RC servos.  Servo control signals are generated by a single MD24 MIDI Decoder:

Compare to Steve3PO, an MSA-T driven MIDI robot drummer.

Other MD24-based MIDI percussion projects are underway and are being discussed at the Highly Liquid Forums.  Have you joined the forums yet?

Steve, a robot drummer based on the MSA-T MIDI decoder, built by Texas Central Positronics.

Video here, here, and here:

Komega’s MD24-based Musifore MIDI visualizer:

MIDISpeak / Speak & Spell controlled by Ableton Live.  Video here and here:

A Yamaha CS01 with an installed CS01-MIDI kit, controlled by an x0xb0x:

The latest suitcase SK-1 from The Umbrella Company, with installed UMR for MIDI control:

Steve Averill’s robot drummer, using the MD24 for MIDI servo control:

Atari 2600 + MIDI2600 + Synthcart + Ableton Live + Modular Synth demo (SYNCHRO):

Bob Lloyd’s animatronic Halloween program, which uses MSA-T MIDI decoders for MIDI lighting control:

A MIDI retrofit of the Synare Percussion Synth using the MSA-P (the simulacre):

A vintage Ace Tone Rhythm Ace drum machine, MIDI retrofitted by Kerry Bradley using a MIDI2600 kit (Note: the new MD24 is a better choice for this type of project):

The new MD24 MIDI decoder accepts MIDI input from a keyboard, sequencer, or other MIDI controller and in response generates up to 24 independent output signals.

Each output can provide either a general-purpose on/off trigger or a PWM servo control signal.

Features include:

• 24 x Independent 5V digital logic output
• Control via MIDI note, CC, program change, and other messages
• User-configurable MIDI response and PWM signal characteristics
• Compatibility with RC servos
• Standard MIDI IN and MIDI THRU ports
• PCB-mount MIDI connectors or optional remote connectors
• Output solder terminals with optional solderless terminal blocks
• Standard 26-pin output header for connection via ribbon cable

The MD24 is available either as a kit or fully assembled.  PDF documentation is available at the product page.

Michael Una documented the creation of MSA-R based MIDI-controlled robotic percussion instruments for an article in the new Make Volume 15.  “Drumbot Activate!” begins on page 60.

MIDI kit user projects on the web:

• MSA-T-controlled MIDI animatronic Halloween skull quartet (Mindshaft Music)
• MSA-R-controlled MIDI circuit bent Pikachu (Kaseo)
• Rock Band MSA-P MIDI drum mod demo using a Simmons SD7K
• Modified Casio SK-8 with VCF and SKM MIDI retrofit (Graham Meredith)
• Wii controller-triggered MIDISpeak & SKM (Bill Byrne)