For our Physical Computing class we were required to build a toy for use by toddlers. Having both been strongly influenced by music we wanted to build toy that provided audio feedback to the user. The device is powered by an arduino uno clone.
It uses 8 buttons to play a series of notes. 2 10mm LEDs display a corresponding color.
The brightness of the LEDs is adjusted by a 10k Linear Rotary Potentiometer. The tone can be shifted up or down by touching the soft potentiometer.
Enclosure:We used a wooden jewelry box that I had around the house for the enclosure. Its dimensions are approximately 8.5" x 8.5" x 1.5". The project could be replicated using a variety of containers of similar or larger size.
Drill 1/4 inch holes in the following locations on the top of the box so that the buttons, potentiometers, and LEDs can be mounted and so that the speaker is not blocked.
Another hole must be drilled along the side of the box so that the Arduino's power cable does not keep it from closing fully.
Solder wires onto the terminals of all 8 buttons as well as the rotary and soft potentiometers.
The buttons and rotary potentiometer are attached to the box using the nuts that are included with purchase. The speaker is taped under the holes drilled for it from the inside of the box. The soft potentiometer is attached by peeling the cover off of the adhesive backing and pressing it onto the box. The LEDs are attached using hot glue.
To pick our set of 8 notes we used http://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/freqtab.htm. The box plays an octave from A3-A4. Using the frequencies found via the link one could program many other sequences.
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