MIDI Handbells by Robert Penfold
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EPE Online May 1999

This project was primarily designed with children in mind, 
and was actually produced in response to a request from a 
reader who required the gadget for a group of handicapped
children. 

However, it is capable of providing hours of fun for 
"children" of all ages! It could be regarded as a modern
equivalent to a set of handbells. It is really a form of 
MIDI interface, and is incapable of making any sound
without the aid of a MIDI equipped synthesiser, sound 
sampler, or other MIDI instrument. 

The output of the interface connects to the MIDI input of 
the instrument, which is set to produce a bell sound or 
any other sound you like. Up to 11 pushbutton switches 
can be connected to the inputs of the interface.

The general idea is for each player to control one or two 
pushbutton switches. By operating the switches in the 
correct sequence and with the correct timing the desired 
tune can be produced. In other words, the melody is played
in much the same way that it would be produced by 
traditional handbell players. What a marvellous idea! 

Requires PIC 16C84 or 16F84 (pre-programmed or program 
your own). Simple to build on stripboard -- all details
included in the article. The latest version of the 
software is available from the EPE Online Library at
www.epemag.com

Last updated 2nd April 1999