Matrix Carillon: Reply to Carl

>
> Don't mess with MIDI. Direct electric connection is better, unless
you've
> got a lot of money to spend.
>
>

OK. So other than the cost, what is the disadvantage of using midi? I can
think of several advantages --particularily the ability to compose with a
software sequencer where compositions could played on a timer, or a
compositon could provide a background for live improvisation with the
carillon or other instruments.

> >I was planning to use old computer keyboard switches. Any thoughts on
this
> >type of switch?
>
> Don't use it.
>

What type of switch would you use? I have tactile switches that have a
very short throw, but they feel kind of stiff and unresponsive. This may
not be the case once they get wide keycaps.

>
> >If you looked at the keyboard arrangement. the changes should be
apparent.
>
> I did look. It seems you've put the the interval classes into rows.
This
> is a pretty minor change.

Yes, Im not claiming any innovation. Basically what I have done is lined
up three octaves of the 8 X 8 matrix and removed the pitches of lesser
frequency than the 1/1 and greater frequency than the 4/1. One reason I
have done this is that I have 122 solenoids to work with. I could
manufacture more, although I find it helpful to impose certain limits on
the project so that it does not remain in the status of vaporware ad
infinitum. Also, the keyboard layout provides for 128 switches -- one midi
channel. I could go to two midi channels, but this again provides a
limiting factor to keep the project down to earth.

>
> >I'd rather have a three octaves of straight diamond than two of enriched
> >diamond.
> >
> >Why?
>

Well, this is essentially what I have done, except I have chopped off the
upper and lower ends to accommodate my limitations. Your three octaves of
straight diamond provides all the resources of the diamond as a complete
scale in two octaves. I will work on the voice leading advantages of using
the diamond in this way. You are turning me into a theorist, thanks for
the challenges! A carpenter metamorphises into a theorist.

>
> The idea is very simple. I am coming to Gainesville in the next month
> sometime. Perhaps we could get together? I'd love to see how the work
is
> coming. I'm sure you could teach me a lot. Maybe you know a place I
could
> crash for a night or two? Pat has a cat, which I am allergic to.
>

Cool -- I will work on the crash pad for you. I have a cat also. Monzo's
coming to. I would
definitely be intersted in getting together.

Darren
SEJIS, Gainesville