Electric Violin
4/20/2024
Work Complete:
- I sanded the battery holder so that it could fit inside the viola’s body.
- Once the metronome case was printed, I started mapping out what holes need to be drilled where, as well as where the components should be soldered. Since it’s not done yet, I’ll wait before posting the final product on this log until it’s done)
To-Do List:
- Solder the circuit together on a perf board and mount the user-interface components to the case. (and post a picture of the final product here)
- Complete the project report
4/13/2024
Work Complete:
- I realized the metronome wasn’t outputting the intended tempo, so I fixed that problem.
- I also was able to figure out how to get the display working.
- I added a battery so the circuit doesn’t need to be connected to the laptop.
- I added a switch so that the circuit can be turned off or on.
- I updated the schematic with the new components on EasyEDA.
To-Do List:
- Solder the circuit together on a perf board (not including the user-interface components like the display and potentiometer) while I’m waiting on the housing for the circuit.
- Drill the necessary holes in the housing and mount the user-interface components on it before soldering them to the board.
4/6/2024
Work Complete:
- I fixed the driver problem with Arduino IDE, so I can now upload code to the Nano
- I got the Arduino code to compile on the Arduino IDE, but something was wrong with the drivers or ports.
- I updated the schematic with the Arduino Nano instead of an Uno.
To-Do List:
- The metronome part of the circuit functions properly, but I need to figure out how to get the display to show the current tempo.
- Try to use a different type of display to see if there are any other results. (and update schematic as needed)
- Add in a switch to the circuit so the metronome isn’t constantly on.
- Solder the circuit together on a perf board and check functionality when the display works.
3/30/2024
Work Complete:
- I wired the circuit together on the breadboard.
- I got the Arduino code to compile on the Arduino IDE, but something was wrong with the drivers or ports.
To-Do List:
- Figure out the Arduino IDE driver problem.
- Code the Arduino on the breadboard and ensure the circuit functions properly.
- Solder the circuit together on a perf board and check functionality.
- Fix the schematic on EasyEDA so with the updated parts.
3/23/2024
Work Complete:
- I completed the bill of materials for the metronome and saw what exactly we had in the lab.
- I met with Georgia to talk about what needs to be ordered for the metronome as well as the tuner since we’ll order the parts together. The order is expected to arrive Tuesday.
To-Do List:
- Finish the first draft of the Arduino code while I wait for the parts to arrive.
- Breadboard the circuit as soon as it arrives and test it to see if the circuit and code work.
3/16/2024
Work Complete:
- I discussed with Georgia and Lauren what metronome option we should go with and decided together.
- I created a first draft for the metronome circuit using EasyEDA (pictured below).
To-Do List:
- Finish the Bill of Materials before the end of the weekend. This includes finding components already in the lab to find what we already have access to.
- Meet with the group early next week to discuss the Bill of Materials before making purchases.
- Start writing the Arduino code.
3/9/2024
Work Complete:
- I talked to Dr. Shane about options to create CAD models for the fingerboard and bridge.
- Georgia, Joey, and I presented the OSHE lab to girl scouts and discussed a couple of projects.
To-Do List:
- Make a 3D model for the bridge using Inkscape (or some other scanning software).
- Meet with Dr. Shane to use the 3D scanner to make a 3D model of the fingerboard.
- Compile a list of ideas to do for the metronome in a more organized fashion. Discuss with the group what ideas I come up with for the metronome.
Concerns:
- Shane brought up that the fingerboard’s color may absorb the light from the scanner so it may not work. I will brainstorm ideas to overcome this hurdle before I meet with him.
2/24/2024
Work Complete:
- I did a bit of preparation for CDR and I helped out with Enterprise Day setup.
- Presented the piezo configuration and placement (shown in the images below) in CDR and no major flaws were brought up, which finalizes our design until testing with the actual electric viola.
To-Do List:
- Work with Georgia to make the more permanent piezo connections on the electric viola if she needs assistance.
- Compile a list of ideas to do for the metronome in a more organized fashion.
- Research ways we can power the module(s).
- Discuss with the group what ideas I come up with for the metronome.
2/17/2024
Work Complete:
- I wired/soldered two different types of connections with the pickups to the audio jack. One was with three piezos in series and the other one was three piezos in parallel.
- I met with Georgia to test the above configurations to see which one worked better and where we will want to place the piezos on the actual electric viola. The test conducted was trying out the piezos on her non-electric viola and hooking it up to an amplifier. The test was successful and we determined that will want a total of four piezos in series, two on each side of the bridge.
To-Do List:
- Work with Georgia to make the more permanent piezo connections on the electric viola.
- Get ready for Critical Design Review.
- Research more ideas and possible connections for the metronome.
2/10/2024
Work Complete:
- I researched some options we could do for the metronome.
To-Do List:
- Everything we ordered showed up so I will wire the pickups and solder connections from the pickups to the standard mono audio jack.
- Research more ideas and possible connections for the metronome.
2/3/2024
Work Complete:
- I researched pickup options and decided with the group what we want to try first. The current plan is to wire the pickups straight to the audio jack and test it with three pickups located on and in front of the bridge.
- I helped make the shopping list with the group.
To-Do List:
- Wire the pickups when they arrive.
- Solder connections from the pickups to the standard mono audio jack.
- Research ideas for the metronome while we wait for parts to arrive.
Concerns:
- We might need to create and install a preamp circuit in between the pickups and the audio jack depending on the sound quality.
1/27/2024
To-Do List:
- Get more comfortable with modeling in freeCAD
- Research options for pick-ups
- Research connection options from pick-ups to standard audio output
- Compile a shopping list with the team
