DIY Electronic Drumkit - Just Making Sure

Projects General Guidance
1

Hey all, I'm working on creating a DIY electronic drum kit that uses USB-to-Serial to send MIDI signals to a virtual drum brain in a music production software called Reaper. I am starting on the final form of the interface that connects the piezos to an Elegoo AtMega2560, and I wanted to be sure that I have a good setup with the hardware before I go soldering a bunch of parts together.

I am not at all versed in circuit creation or electronics, and I have scoured the internet for solutions for months. What I have is an attempt to synthesize everything I've seen to the best of my capabilities. It works, but I want to know if there is a better way to do it.

Here is (my attempt at) the schematic for a single piezo, ignoring the TS cables and jacks:

schematic
schematic322×499 4.85 KB

The top is the "buzzer," i.e. the piezo. The 1M resistor is typical in these designs, but I added in a variable resistor to adjust sensitivity to some degree if needed... it doesn't really make that big a difference, but I digress. The zener diode is just for overvoltage protection.

This is my first schematic (and really project) ever, so try not to rip into me too hard... thanks!

2

On the contrary a good first effort.

I have made many such sensor circuits and I find that there are problems with the standard stuff.

Consider what I use for long term stability.

Drum sensor schematic
Drum sensor schematic1076×479 44.1 KB

Note the correct symbol for the sensor, and lack of capacitor. Also it is buffered through a FET.

1 Like
3

Thank you. Coming from a reputable member like you I appreciate it. I will look into modifying this as you described.

4

I was just told by others that you're being way too kind because my circuit is way off :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: so I will definitely use your schematic instead. Most DIYers had very simple set ups, often just placing a 1M resistor in parallel and nothing else. The other items - the capacitor and the zener diode - were one offs that I came across in my search.

Can't thank you enough! This project has been my baby for some time now.

5

It is not perfect, but given your current state of knowledge I still think it is a reasonable first attempt. Epically given all the flaky information that is out there.

1 Like