How To Make a DIY Piano LED Visualizer

Tutorial: How to Make a DIY Piano LED Visualizer

Overview:

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating a DIY Piano LED Visualizer for your keyboard piano. This project involves using a Raspberry Pi Zero, a Waveshare LCD display HAT, WS2812B LEDs, a micro SD card, and a 5-volt power supply. By following these steps, you will be able to add an awesome light show effect to your piano playing experience.

Materials Needed:

• Raspberry Pi Zero
• Waveshare LCD Display HAT
• WS2812B LEDs (at least 2 meters)
• Micro SD card
• 5-volt power supply for LEDs
• Soldering equipment

Step 1: Setting Up Raspberry Pi Zero

1. Download the latest Raspbian Lite image.
2. Flash the image onto the microSD card.

Create two files on the SD card

• ssh (blank file with no extension)
• wpa_supplicant.conf (configure Wi-Fi settings)
3. Boot up the Raspberry Pi Zero and connect to your home Wi-Fi network.
4. SSH into the Pi using default credentials (username: pi, password: raspberry).
5. Update the package manager and install necessary packages.

Step 2: Setting Up MIDI Communication

1. Create a script for USB MIDI device detection.
2. Set up services to start at boot.
3. Clone the GitHub repository for the LED visualizer.
4. Install dependencies listed in the requirements.txt file.
5. Configure the visualizer script to run at boot.

Step 3: Connecting the Hardware

1. Solder the power input wire to the 5V pin on the Raspberry Pi.
2. Connect the ground pin to both the LED strip and power input jack.
3. Solder the data pin (e.g., pin 18) to the LED strip.
4. Test the setup by pressing a key on the keyboard to light up the LEDs.

Step 4: Assembling the Components

1. Install the LCD display HAT on the Raspberry Pi.
2. Close the case and secure it with screws.
3. Use double-sided sticky tape to mount the electronics on the keyboard.
4. Design and print a rail to hold the LED strip at an angle over the keys.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Adjust LED colors using the LCD display menus.
2. Start and stop MIDI recordings for creating light shows.
3. Optionally, consider adding an LED diffuser rail for a cleaner look.

Step 6: Powering Up and Testing

1. Use the correct 5-volt power supply to avoid damaging the Raspberry Pi.
2. Power up the setup and enjoy your DIY Piano LED Visualizer light show.

Additional Tips:

• Double-check the power supply voltage to avoid damaging your Raspberry Pi.
• Consider using Arduino for future projects to simplify setup and reduce boot time.

By following these steps, you can create your own DIY Piano LED Visualizer and enhance your piano playing experience with a mesmerizing light show effect. Enjoy impressing your friends and family with your customized LED setup!