Anyone interested in helping us build a Breath Controller?
I asked AI if it’s possible to build a Breath Controller with a 3D printer. The answer was yes, but obviously it needs to be designed.
I designed and printed the most delicate part, the membrane.
AI gave me the most suitable dimensions for printing it in TPU: 0.6 mm thick and 22 mm in diameter.
We could use an MPX 5010 module on an Arduino Nano via the MCP 4725 I2C interface (this will provide a voltage-varying signal for those who can use a 3.5 mm jack) or just with Arduino for MIDI signals. The problem (for me) will be designing the chamber. AI says it should be:
Chamber
Volume: 3 ml (excellent starting point)
Height: 6–8 mm
Internal diameter: 22–24 mm
With a 0.6 mm vent hole…
I’ve done the first tests…
Hi @Lanfranco
A few months ago I built a breath controller using this sensor
It’s a 6857 Pressure sensor and with a silicon tube at the top it works fine. I use a 10 kPa type (at AliExpress for a few euros).
The problem with breath controllers is not so much the sensor, but more the interpretation of the results. I find it hard to produce a credible flute or clarinet sound.
But of course it’s more fun to design one yourself than to buy one.
Kind regards,
Hans.
Thanks @HansR, the implementation isn’t that difficult if you use an Arduino board. There are example sketches for everything out there, and today you can ask the AI, which, after providing the necessary information, can write a starting sketch. Did you create your project yourself or did you find it online? Thanks.
Hi @Lanfranco ,
I created it myself. In fact, the breath controller was a sort of ‘side effect’. I initially wanted to create a ribbon controller. When that worked, I thought that a breath controller would be only a few lines of code extra. Both deliver a voltage that is measured the same way.
What made it complex, is that I also wanted an LCD screen. I wanted to be able to assign an arbitrary CC code to both devices. That way the breath controller could function as a velocity device, or send modulation/aftertouch messages (same as the ribbon can do relative/absolute pitch bends or aftertouch).
While I was at it, I also bought a couple of Logitech gaming pedals at the local thrift store, so now it is a fully customizable Ribbon/Breath/Pedal controller (and a MIDI thru box).
As an Arduino Pro Micro (the most likely candidate if you want USB MIDI) has not enough memory to serve both the sensors and the LCD display, I had to add another Arduino (a Nano) to do the UI and button/rotary devices. The comunication between the two proved a little tricky because I also wanted DIN 5 MIDI connectors.
All in all it was an interesting project.
Photos:
Schematic:
Ribbon-breath controller.pdf (51.0 KB)
Maybe this will give you some inspiration.
Kind regards,
Hans.
Congratulations! I’ll take a look and get some inspiration. Thanks for your help.
In my case, everything would be simpler. My Studiologic Acuna 88 master keyboard has a breath controller jack, so I’d have to create something that changes the voltage from 0 to 5V as the breath force varies…Bye.
I see. That is a totally different situation you are in.
The 6857 Pressure sensor does exactly that. Well, almost. I goes to half supply voltage in rest, when you blow it goes up, when you draw air it goes down.
So with just one component I’d already be close to a result… You tell me that aspirating causes a drop in output voltage… It will be difficult for me, who played saxophone and trumpet for 10 years, to mentally think about aspirating. Thanks for your help.