Hi, I want to make a device to use at work and I am wondering if Arduino is capable of doing what I have in mind. I've never built anything like this before and am just in the planning stages. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
I work in live sound for concerts and other events. One of my main responsibilities is hanging the array of speakers that the audience will listen to. I have prediction software on my computer that allows me to map out the room and set the height and angles of my speakers to ensure that everybody in the audience will be able to hear the performance.
I want to create a device with multiple sensors to detect the up/down tilt of the bar the speakers hang from, a laser (or some other way) to measure the distance from the flybar to the ground, and measure the air temperature and humidity. I would also like to mount a laser that can be turned on or off remotely to show me where in the room I'm actually aimed (just as a double check to make sure my prediction software matches what is actually in the room).
I would also need a way to view all these measurements remotely from the ground while the array is in the air. I'm thinking bluetooth. I would also have to write an application to display the readings.
Obviously this could get complicated very quickly so I plan to design a simpler version of this to build and write the code for and make more complex versions later.
Does this sound possible with Arduino? Is there anything I am missing?
Interesting idea but..... Do You intend to place one such device on each speaker?
Else You would spend a lot of time moving the measuring device from speaker to speaker.
The range of Bluetooth is some 10 meters but other methods can be used if needed.
Good question, I should have mentioned: Most shows I do I only hang two arrays so I would need two devices. Just one for each column of speakers. Most of the time I never hang more than 50 ft. off the ground (usually 25-30ft.) so I think it should be within range of bluetooth. For larger arrays we use two chain motor hoists to lift the speakers. I can measure the angle of the flybar while it's still close to the ground but by the time I get the speakers up to their trim height the angle will change. Different factors can affect the speed that both motors lift the speakers. (mostly weight distribution between the two motors)
I am open to other ideas as well. I've considered using a cat5 cable that connects to a network switch/router on the ground. I already have cables for power and signal to the speakers coming down from the array so I could easily add a network cable. I would also run a cable up to power the device but I think I already have that part figured out.
Someone who is very comfortable with electronics and Arduino coding might be able to build that device and get a prototype working in a couple of full time weeks. If the right parts were immediately available.
For an inexperienced beginner it would be an incredibly challenging, learning experience.
The problem here is that without some experience building, you have no practical basis for the planning. Start small, examine and experiment with each aspect of the project separately, and refine your ideas as you go.
For example, will Bluetooth range be adequate? Get an Arduino and a Bluetooth module, learn how to use the setup, and in a typical setting, answer the question for yourself in a matter of an hour or two.
Some of the advice I offer on this board appears to be controversial But at least it's based on experience and seeing how & where beginners struggle.
First order of business is you just have to get an arduino and play with it to see if you're comfortable enough with coding for it before you get too deep. This project will require some sort of wireless communication and I find that Wi-Fi is far easier to get working than BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). So that means starting with an Esp8266 or ESP32 board. Either will support Wi-Fi.
Next, sensors. Out of all the sensors you'll need, I think detecting the angle will probably provide the most interest, so find a cheap accelerometer board, or even a full IMU board like the MPU6050 or 6060 although those are overkill for this.
So you have an arduino and a sensor that can measure orientation. Now learn how to do the basic "HelloWorld," learn how to output data through the serial port and read the sensor and watch the data change as you move it around.
That should be enough of a start so you (a) don't spend too much, (b) have something usable for your end goal and (c) is probably interesting enough to hold your attention through the inevitable nights of total frustration!
What's double-floats? Sorry I am very much a beginner when it comes to all this.
My usual max height for the top of the speakers is about 30 ft. and that should be within the normal range for bluetooth but I am starting to lean towards using a network switch or router to connect my phone/laptop to the device I'm making
I believe so. I very much doubt it's possible that those angles could be so critical in such an environment. You could probably place some coloured dots and a plumb line of some kind on the speaker, eyeball the angle from the ground, and be 1000% more accurate than you need to be.
When you are flying multiple arrays it is very critical that each pair is angled as closely as possible. When things are not the same you start to get phase cancellation and other issues. More accuracy will help me to do my job better/more easily. Trust me, I do this all the time in high pressure environments with limited time to get it right. This is what I do for a living.
Currently I use a laser distometer to measure the front lowest point and back lowest point of the speakers to determine my angle and it is a pain to keep making minor adjustments to get it just right because every time you move the front or back it also moves the other end.
There are simpler ways to do what I am trying to accomplish. there are products that I could buy that would do some of the same things that the device I want to make will do but they cost thousands of dollars. Way more than I am willing to spend.
I'm looking for a way to make my job on site easier. If Arduino can do it then great.
I’m thinking that if I had to tackle this, I’d put an ESP plus sensors in each cabinet.
Run it as a web server on wifi, and use my tablet to walk around and display/visualise the attitude / tilt params I’m looking for.
There are some extra things that could be done, but that would address 90% of what you’re looking for.
I really just care about the angle of the bar at the top. If I know that the bar is where I want it then I know what each speaker cabinet will be after that. The speakers use a pin system to set the angle (usually 0-9 degrees of down tilt, but it depends on the specific speaker).
But at least it's based on experience and seeing how & where beginners struggle.