Keyboard Mechanical Design

[David Halliday (Volt Computer)]

Also, there are some books on Harpsichord making that go into good
detail regarding making your own keyboard.  Once you get a source of
decent wood, access to a table saw and build the jigs needed, it doesn't
seem that hard to do - just time consuming.

You could probably use either MicroSwitches ( brand namefor a common
sealed snap-action switch ) or some form of optical sensing for the
contacts...



> -----Original Message-----
> From:	rowenal at nimrod.itg.telstra.com.au
> [SMTP:rowenal at nimrod.itg.telstra.com.au]
> Sent:	Monday, August 25, 1997 5:51 PM
> To:	mrn8395 at unix.tamu.edu
> Cc:	synth-diy at horus.sara.nl
> Subject:	Re: Keyboard Mechanical Design
> 
> 
> > but I'm at a loss as to what to do about the physical keyboard
> > (i.e., the keys) itself.  Can you buy a mechanical keyboard, like
> you can
> > with computer keyboards or touch tone telephone keypads?  If so, who
> 
> > would carry these?  If not, then how do people generally build them
> (what 
> > kind of switches should be used,
> 
> I have had two experiences in this. 
> 
> 1. get some old tin cans. Cut them into strips. make sure there are no
> sharp edges on the strips. paint some of them black and others white. 
> get some veroboard and solder the tin strips at one end and solder
> contacts
> under the other end. The result  a cheap and nasty and ugly keyboard
> thing which
> works if used very slowly and carefully.
> 
> 2. Buy some keys from an organ manufacturer. buy some nichrome wire
> from a 
> wire shop (this is springy and has good electric capabilities). build
> a base to 
> mount the keys on and add suitable weights to the keys to allow them
> to bounce 
> back. Connect the wire so that it makes the appropriate contact (make
> and break)
> 
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