We wanted to build something that would let the family make music at any moment‚ even with just a wave of their hands.

This is a pretty simple Infrared Harp. The sensors work like on/off switches to trigger various sounds when they are plugged into your computer's music program. With the MidiTron you can use any type of analog or digital input device, from temperature sensors to regular switches, to trigger your sounds. Get creative, it's really fun to think about all the things you could play!

MATERIALS:

* Epoxy
* 8 - 10 Infrared Sensors
* MidiTron
* 22- 24 gauge wire in red, black, and yellow
* Needle nose pliers
* MIDI to USB converter
* Two 4 - 6' aluminum u- channels
* Two 4 - 6' of 2 x 4 wood
* Large SPST On/Off Switch
* Wood Screws
* Drill
* Stepper drill bit for drilling through metal
* Zip ties (small)
* Zip tie mounts
* Wire Butt Connectors (small 26 - 24)
* Crimper for the connectors
* Multimeter for testing connections
* 9V 300mA power supply with connector
* Solderless Breadboard
* Box of jumper wires
* Jewelry screwdriver set

SOFTWARE:

* Music software like Garage Band
* MidiTron Software
* USB Driver software

The USB software driver should come with the MIDI to USB converter.

Guru Alison and I performed some, uh, innovative 2.0 surgery on an old childhood friend. The result: a real-time Twittering, talking, live-streaming social media phenomenon. I worked with my team at the Drexel Music and Entertainment Technology Lab to develop Teddy’s text-to-speech software.

MATERIALS:

* Animatronic Teddy Bear
* USB Bluetooth Adapter
* Programmable Circuit Board
* Programmable source code
* USB Cable
* Bluetooth music adapter
* An H Bridge Integrated Circuit Chip
* 5V Voltage Regulator
* LM386 OP AMP
* Mono Mini Jack Socket
* Mini to Mini Jack Cable
* DC 6V Power adapter
* Power adapter Socket
* 4 AA batteries
* Text-to-speech software
* Twitter Account
* Internet Connection (FiOS recommended)
* Common Screwdriver
* Needle Nose Pliers
* Wire Strippers & Cutters
* Bread Board
* Solid Core Wire
* Led, Capacitor & Resistors
* Soldering Gun & Solder (Optional)

Plug this baby into your FiOS-powered computer and simulate the real-time climate of any location in the country -- rain, lightning, fog, sunshine.

Get creative -- got any new weather effects you've figured out how to add to your Personal Weather Machine? We'd love to hear about 'em on the forums!

MATERIALS:

Weather Window
* Submersible fountain pump (for rain)
* 120-volt relay board
* Safety strobe light (for lightning)
* 1/2” diameter copper pipe
* 2 feet of vinyl tubing (1/2” inside diameter)
* Fog mini-diffuser
* Plexiglas
* Silicone glue
* 18"x24" wood case and wood picture frame

Relay Circuit (to control weather changes)
* 8 Solid State Relays (SSRs)
* 10' bulk wire (14 gauge - 5' of white, 5' of black)
* 14-3 wire (we prefer rubber coated)
* Pig Tail (14 gauge)
* Crimp connectors (optional)
* Machine bolts with nuts
* 120V Indicator (optional)
* 5-10 1/2" wire clamps
* 2 4x4 electrical boxes
* 4 outlets
* Project box (to hold SSRs)
* DB-25 Wire
* Internet connection (FiOS recommended)

I'll show you how to stay safe while working with sensitive electronics and circuitry.