MIDI Handbells by Robert Penfold
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Everyday Practical Electronics/ ETI  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
ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/pub/PICS/handbells

Please refer to the EPE web site for details of ordering back issues, subscriptions etc.
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk

Last updated 30th March 1999