Hey guys
I have a player piano I want to add midi functionality to, aka play midi files through the pre existing pneumatic system, I have read the gentlemans thread who made amelia mouse piano.
but want to do it a little differently with electronic setup but not sure how feasible it is as I'm new to arduino capability...
I am thinking
ethernet shield or wireless 8266
2x mega 2560's just straight pinned out of the digital i/o controlling 88x solid state relays connected to 88 solenoids - this approach with SSR's seems to be cheaper and easier than mosfet,diode,resistor setup to control the load side, also running 2 megas in tandem (this is doable right? - I want to have the first mega doing 44 keys the second doing the other 44 keys but them acting as one unit with 88 outputs ?) is cheaper than running 11 shift register circuits to control the 88 solenoids from one mega..
this above plan saves me money in PCB design printing and shipping which is why its attractive to me.
The solenoids are 12v 250ma or so
the solid state relays I was looking at were these up to 60vdc 500ma load rated, 5v dc 5ma control circuit rated pcb mount panasonic SSR's
thanks for any thoughts on this...