[sdiy] Kinda OT: electro-mechanical instruments/ solenoids

[Ken Stone]

My advice, for what it is worth-

do not use a rigid set-up for striking. I used 1/8" cane with 3/4" wooden
beeds glued on the end for strikers. When the solenoid is in its activated
position, the bead is above the metal bar, not touching it. When the
solenoid is activated, the momentum of the bead causes it to hid the metal
bar, and the flex of the cane will lift it clear. It sure beats trying to
electronically time the drive pulse to prevent the striker from damping the
bar after it hits.

Ken 

>Hi!
>
>
>I'm planning to build electro-mechanical instruments; xylophone etc. 
>Not really a synth, but close enough (?)
>
>Background:
>In Sweden (a small country) the cheapest solenoid seems to be about 12 
>USD/ EUR. In the US some companies offer solenoids for less than 1 USD:
>http://www.mpja.com/category/Solenoids/Solenoids.asp
>
>The above company wants me to shop for at least 100 USD to ship 
>overseas. This in itself is OK, I could always buy a soldering station 
>or whatever. But how do I know that the solenoids are going to work in 
>my project? I need about 30 of them, but it would be nice to check one 
>out before ordering. Needless to say, the same brands don't exist 
>here...
>
>Question:
>What should I look for in a solenoid? Do some solenoids have too slow 
>response times? Could they be too weak? Why are some so cheap compared 
>to others?
>
>
>any input appreciated
>-Andreas
>
>
_______________________________________________________________________
Ken Stone   sasami at hotkey.net.au or sasami at cgs.synth.net
Modular Synth PCBs for sale <http://www.blaze.net.au/~sasami/synth/>
Australian Miniature Horses & Ponies <http://www.blaze.net.au/~sasami/>