Mel-Auto-Ca

Abstract

Advancement of mechatronic components has allowed the feasibility and affordability of self-playing instruments to be greater than ever before. Our goal is to demonstrate this by creating a proof of concept self-playing melodica which utilizes MIDI files to play music. The solution must remain within budget, be safe to handle, and capable of playing the melodica's full 32-note range for 30 minute increment demos during the Design Expo. We plan to combine two subsystems, the air supply mechanism and key actuators, with Arduino and a 120 volt wall outlet to assemble the final version of our self-playing melodica.