Keyboard

CPU

Generator Electronics

Speaker

Belt/Gear

Generator

Keyboard

This keyboard is a row of 10 switches.  They can be programmed to do anything, but the standard setup

is a pentatonic or major scale. 

These switches were chosen because they have a nice springy action to them, but future keyboards may use

capacitive sensing (like a theremin!) for even faster action.

CPU

The Electric Eels use a chip similar to the Arduino - the Atmega32 microcontroller.  This one has more pins and runs faster than the Arduino.  What CPUs would you like to use?  Old sound chip?  Voice synthesizer? 

Generator Electronics

This circuit conditions the generator's output so that it can run the CPU and amplifier. 

This version uses two phases of the motor to drive voltage doubler circuits.  It rectifies and smoothes the generator's energy with diodes and capacitors.

Speaker

This speaker was chosen because it was small and cheap.  Since then we've learned that larger speakers are usually more efficient.

Belt/Gear

These make it so that a side-to-side strumming motion, almost like writing, spins a rotating generator.

Generator

This generator provides 0-50V to drive the amplifier, CPU, etc.

Typically, motors with neodymium magnets are preferred.  The stronger field results in more volume. 

Assemblage * Aufbau * Construction

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This is the resonator body with it's printed jacket.  These tulips were chosen because they represent life.  You can see where it was cut out in three places:

1) top: the top opening of the Eel's body is curved, so the contour of the jacket matches it.

2) center: a slot in the middle allows the keyboard to go through

3) right: on the body, a mount holds the strap.  This slice was cut out to allow the jacket to fit around the body. 

The vertical seam is not perfect, but it doesn't affect the sound :)

This jacket was printed out on a largish color printer and attached with F77 spray.

The body was chosen because it was free, recycled.  You could design a much more complex body for it if you like.  This website is hoping to go in that direction :)

Here, the six major electrical components

 are ready to mount into the resonator body.

Everything is in place, now to screw it back together.

Ready to play.  Actually, it was ready to play even while disassembled, just a little less convenient :)