Archive for the 'Robotics' 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?

Larry Cotton’s 3-octave “player marimba” was featured in MAKE, Volume 4.  Larry added two MD24 MIDI Decoders and the marimba can now be controlled by any MIDI sequencer or keyboard.

Larry’s other contributions to MAKE are listed here.

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:

Forum member GoatBoy used the MSA-R to provide MIDI control for an array of solenoid-activated bells.  (Note: The MSA-T and MSA-P may be better choices for solenoid-based projects.)

Spunky Toofers used an Akai EWI 3000 to trigger a MIDISpeak and effects.

Siempre La Luna documented the MIDISpeak assembly process and installation process.

Thomas S. photographed his MIDI Xbox controller for use with music games.

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):