a project I've been asked to build...

[Rowena Larkins]

>  A more
> elegant solution might be to run it out to an opto and use it as the trigger
> for one of those beat-triggered strobe kits that Duck-Smut use to sell.
> Assuming you can get a Duck Smut kit to actually work of course. I figure
> you probably need something hard to mis if a drummer's involved. :)

I have one of those things. 

I handle it cautiously.
It is a very simple diy circuit.

It takes mains, (240 here in Aus), rectifies it, and uses that to trigger the
strobe.

Mounted in a metal box the image of a wire inside coming loose ...

ouch!

Actually maybe if there was a loose wire inside you could get the drummer to 
hold the box!!
(jolt jolt, ......,jolt,.....)

Rowena