[sdiy] optical retrofit for minis?

[Kevin Lightner]

>
>I wouldn't do this. I don't see how laser modulation would tell you 
>which key was pressed unless you had some kind of optomechanical 
>scanner, and if you go down that route you might as well just use 
>individual LEDs.

I'm not planning on doing this, but if a string of pulses was 
modulated on the laser, a keypress could indicate at which point, 
relative to the frequency and count of the pulses, which key it is.
A missing pulse set up.

>
>There are also issues with diode life (5000 hours, or 10,000 if 
>you're lucky) and also possible problems with using the system on a 
>smoky stage.

I've tried putting an incense right next to it and it still works fine.
Can't imagine a club THAT smoky. The audience wouldn't find the stage ;-)
But the life of the diode is a point well brought up.  Thanks.

>
>A more conventional multi-LED based system makes a lot more sense to me.

Are there photointerruptors available with standard LEDs?
Making them would be a real task.

>
>>So here's the deal: I need some help. Programmer, engineer, board 
>>person, financer.



>How about bundling up a collection of projects - I'm sure you have 
>more ;) - and going in search of venture capital?

I have no experience at obtaining investors.
I know lots of rich folks, but it's not the same thing.
Any advice would be appreciated though.

Thanks!

-- 
Regards,
Kevin Lightner

Myself: http://www.synthfool.com
Service and sales: http://www.moogmusic.com/service.php
Sales: http://www.cluboftheknobs.com