While 2.0 is a big improvement over 1.0, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Here’s my goals for the next iteration:
- More compact form factor. I’d like to be able to throw this in a backpack or squeeze it into my suitcase so I can work on SW or play it when I’m on the road.
- Better valves, the micro switches are pretty delicate, which contributes to the portability problem.
- Improve pitch controller. The bike throttle is cool, but it’s a pretty long throw, which also contributes to the portability problem.
- Wireless. Hey, why not! Midi over BLE to an iPad will make for a very simple setup.
So here’s what I’m looking at:
- Build the enclosure from thin plywood or hardwood, with the electronics in a central core that’s about the size of a trumpet valve assembly.
- Select a micro controller with BLE support, such as this one: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2995.
- Use a low profile joystick for pitch controller and the current joystick, such as https://www.adafruit.com/product/444.
- Experiment with a valve button sized disk glued to a normal pushbutton.
I’ll update the blog as I make progress.