Let’s build a drum(ming) machine! Using some basic circuitry, making an automated drumming machine is not too difficult. In this class, students will learn how to read a schematic, how to use different electronic components, how to control the speed of a motor and how to design a simple gear mechanism.

A 555 oscillating chip allows you to control the speed of a motor, which controls a mechanism that strikes a drum. A 555 timer is a small integrated circuit (IC) that sends a pulsed frequency to, in this case, a motor. The repeated on and off from the circuit allows the motor to slow down or speed up, when prompted by a potentiometer. In the case of a drumming robot, the beat can be made faster or slower, depending on the pulse rate of the 555 timer.

No previous experience is required. Anyone interested in robotics, sound, electronics, or automated design should start here. The circuitry used in this class has many applications including flashing LEDs and generating audio frequencies.

Check out the Drumming Machine in action!

Instructor
Amanda Ervin

Location
573 Metropolitan (btw Lorimer & Union), Brooklyn

SECTION 1

Date
Sunday October 4

Time
2:30pm - 5:30pm

Registration Deadline
September 28