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on December 21
TurboHarp
Posted project update #6Update #6: What I So want for Christmas...
Update 12.21.11
Well, final grades have just been turned in and this semester, from hell, is history.
Onward to more rewarding pursuits!
Although it was difficult to find time, we did make forward progress. Briefly:
1. Circuit boards - The mistake has been corrected and will go to production any day now. In the process of revising the board we made a couple additional improvements that will improve the signal to noise ratio and possibly lower cost a toy bit.
Regarding the stereo/ mono debate; I finally made up my mind. We are going to produce all the boards in stereo, and allow the user the option to switch to mono by adding an adapter to the phone plug. Elegantly simple.
2. Housing - I completed a few modifications to improve mold-ability, and possibly reduce cost. We'll see. Also added a backstop to prevent the lid from opening head 90 degrees. Downpayment sent to injection molder and should receive first samples in 4-8 weeks.
3. Cable -Finally made up my mind and have completed first batch. Awaiting quote for 200 more.
4. Effects box - have not yet chosen a final set. But scheduled to meet up with a couple local musicians after Christmas to brainstorm.
5. Power supply - Done! We will provide customer with splitter cable to draw off effects box. Also 9V battery adapter for emergencies.
6. Wireless. I experimented today with a belt-worn transmitte, and it worked like a charm! Will work on sourcing next week.
Thanks again to beyond for your patience and encouragement.
Happy Holidays!
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on November 19, 2011
TurboHarp
commented on a project updateThanks for asking, Jim. If time and money were not object, what I'd like to do is provide a remove-able cover so that you could have it both ways. I might still reconsider this. However, if I do go ahead with the closed-off end, it really will not have much of a negative effect on practicing. There are plenty of air leaks that you would never notice the backpressure. I can be so confident because on the side I'm working on a "practice harp" analagous to the trumpet mute you allude to. Thanks again for your interest. Jim.
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on November 18, 2011
TurboHarp
Posted project update #3TurboHarp/ELX - Update #3
Thanks everyone for your continued patience. In spite of being cash-challenged, we've managed to make forward, albeit slow progress. Briefly, here is the update on the five3 main components:
1. Circuit boards - first five sets are done and have been tested. There is a slight mistake on the draw board causing the sensors not to align with the reeds. This is however correctable with a little machining - which I will do on the five sets. But I'm going to order a new stencil for the subsequent 200 sets.
Another thing with the boards is the circuitry for stereo operation. I designed the board to permit them to be set up for either monaural output or stereo - so as to send the blow notes to one channel and the draw to the other. The neat thing about this is the separation effects you can achieve, causing the sound to move left and right as you draw/blow. But on the other hand, I am uncertain whether musicans will appreciate or ever use this effect. So, I've changed my mind slightly. Instead of reconfiguring the board, I'm making it so that the choice of cable determines the output: four conductor gives stereo, three conductor, mono. Again, I will leave the existing boards as-is, but will modify the next batch accordingly.
Otherwise... everything seems to be working well!
2. Housing - in general, the housings are working out well. There are just a few modifications I need to make to improve mold-ability, and a couple more to improve function. For example, I plan to close off the "grille" on the rear to squelch the acoustic sound projected out of the harp. I also need to put a "stop" on the hinge to prevent it from opening beyond 90 degrees. Then there are a couple of places that need to be carved out to allow room for electronic components on the circuit board. The only issue I'm still fussing with is the design of the hinge.
3. Cable - because I've been so indecisive about the mono/stereo option, I've yet to finalize the cable design. However once I do, I can easily make the first batch by hand; and I already have a supplier lined up for the next batch.
4. Effects box - this is the item I've been fussing with the most. The good news is that the new design allows you to use whatever effects box you choose. But I'm hoping to provide a small selection to our customers that work particularly well. One issue is that they are are generally *expensive* and the inexpensive ones arent that great. But I think I've found a few middle of the road ones, which I am pairing down now.
5. Power supply - because the new design draws much less power than its predecessor, it can actually run on a 9V battery for several hours. However there is no space in the harp itself for the battery, so it needs external power. I'm trying to decide whether to provide a separate supply or to split the power to the effects box.
and
6. I know, I said there were five, but I forgot about wireless. Again, due to the low power requirement, it is feasible to use a belt-worn transmitter. I'm working on this, but on the side.
And there you have it. If I could only work full time on this project, I'd say I could finish everything in a week. But due to my day job and the end-of-year obligations, its anybodys guess when it will be done.-
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Jim Longley on November 18, 2011
Jim, why squelch the analog audio? I have two issues: First, maybe I would like to practice acoustic without setting up my amp? And second, won't closing off the grille actually have a negative effect by cutting airflow, kind of like a mute on a trumpet.
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TurboHarp on November 19, 2011
Thanks for asking, Jim. If time and money were not object, what I'd like to do is provide a remove-able cover so that you could have it both ways. I might still reconsider this. However, if I do go ahead with the closed-off end, it really will not have much of a negative effect on practicing. There are plenty of air leaks that you would never notice the backpressure. I can be so confident because on the side I'm working on a "practice harp" analagous to the trumpet mute you allude to. Thanks again for your interest. Jim.
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Post Comment -
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on October 7, 2011
TurboHarp
backed a project
PointScribe for the Apple Mac & iPad Platforms by Kevin Maher / UltraThera Technologies
PointScribe teaches kids of all abilities to hand write on a PC-platform. It's time to develop a Mac / iPad version to meet demand.
Funding Unsuccessful (11/11/2011) -
on October 7, 2011
TurboHarp
Posted project update #5Update for stalwart supporters
Post CommentFor those of you still keeping vigil for success of this project, you might be pleased to know that we have finalized the circuit board design - and included the stereo option. We also have finalized a supplier who will produce the first 100 boards for us... once we approve the short run of 5 prototypes ...due by the end of October.
We also have an injection molder ready to produce 1000 sets of housings. But we need to save up to afford the tooling costs. In the meantime, we have made 10 prototype housings that just need to be sanded and painted.
In summary, our to-do list looks like this:
1. Complete revisions to circuit diagrams (modify sensors, add stereo option, reduce power consumption) - DONE
2. Send PCB layouts to fabricator for quote-DONE!
3. Place order for prototype PCB's (5 sets) -DONE (9.14.11)
4. Order 1O sets prototype covers. - DONE (9.14.11)
5. Source carry case - DONE (10.5.11)
6. Assemble 5 prototypes - awaiting PCBs. (end-October.)
7. Tune, debug, ship. Enjoy!
PRODUCTION RUN - 100 units
8. Place order for 100 sets PCBs-awaiting funding
9. Source injection molder - DONE (9.1.11)
10. Place order for Injection Molded covers.-awaiting funding
11. Receive quote for cable assemblies - due any day now.
12. Order power supply and cable assemblies.-awaiting funding
13. Assemble and debug first batch of 100 units.
14. Give the Lord thanks and praise!
Again, Thanks to all of you who have been following along for your continued encouragement.
Jim
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on July 20, 2011
TurboHarp
Posted project update #2ELX inching forward.
Post CommentHello, Everyone. For those interested, here is current our to-do list:
1. Complete revisions to circuit diagrams (modify sensors, add stereo option, reduce power consumption) - DONE
2. Send PCB layouts to fabricator for quote-ongoing.
3. Place order for PCB's
4. Place order for Injection Molded covers.
5. Order power supply and cable assemblies.
6. Assemble and debug first batch of 50 units.
7. Pray for success. -
on July 12, 2011
TurboHarp
commented on a projectI appreciate your compassion, Jim. You might be able to feel a glimpse of what I've been going through since the inception of this project, over 20 years ago! If I can remain optimistic, anyone can! Thanks again.
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on July 11, 2011
TurboHarp
Posted project update #1"Plan B"
Post CommentGreetings harmonica enthusiasts. I am sincerely grateful for all your support!
Well it looks like we are not going to reach our funding goal. But I'm not ready to give up just yet. We've come this far on faith, and by faith we will press on. Just not as fast as hoped.
Stay tuned to our website for future updates. www.turboharp.com
Sincere thanks
Jim "Turbodog" Antaki
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on June 6, 2011
TurboHarp launched a project
TurboHarp ELX: "I Sing the Harp Electric" by TurboHarp
The TurboHarp/ELX is the world's first truly electric harmonica -- with the potential to revolutionize music of the 21st Century.
Funding Unsuccessful (07/13/2011) -
on May 29, 2011
TurboHarp
Posted project update #4ELX born again
For backers only
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TurboHarp
Pittsburgh, PA
Jim Antaki, PhD the inventor of the ELX, is a biomedical engineering professor by day. His accomplishments include developing the first maglev heart-assist pump for infants. As a labor of love, he has devoted 20+ years to the technological advanceme... view more
Thank you for the progress report. My best wishes for a successful outcome........Henry