DIY eurorack touch controller build

Ever wanted to build a eurorack touch sensitive controller? Well so have I, so lets build one today.

[@TheGrrson]

Nice work! May try to build one.

[@noahms456]

Awesome!

[@HeavyDutyModularSynths]

can we please be given a place to buy some of your PCB's to build ourselfs ???

[@jenskuhnemann1241]

Hi, great channel. Makes me want to build a lot mire than I do. What specs does a laser cutter need to be able to cut the panels? I suppose for removing the paint from the pcb's there isn't as much power needed as cutting the panels.

[@Recklessexperimentationaudio]

I have a 45watt 12 by 20 inch laser cutter. Full Spectrum Laser is the brand. It cuts just fine. More power will cut faster and thicker parts, but for what I do, I have plenty of power. The real cheap 5W and 10W laser cutters probably won't cut it.

[@jenskuhnemann1241]

thanks a lot for helping

[@TheGrrson]

I don't suppose there is a github repo for this project or anything? I am super interested in building one of these and would love more insight into your design. I have access to a laser-cutter so it's definitely within reach.

[@Recklessexperimentationaudio]

Use the contact form on my website, and I will be glad to send you all the files I have for this project this weekend. recklessexperimentationaudio.com

[@yatenuhog8921]

Would it have worked to get force sensitivity only and not position? What needs to be changed for that?

[@Recklessexperimentationaudio]

You got the right idea. Have 12 individual touch buttons, one for each note on the scale, and measure the touch force on each one independently.

[@justinblanchette6]

would this work through glass like a TTP223? or does it rely on physical touch?

[@Recklessexperimentationaudio]

It relies on touch. You complete a circuit by touching it. You can build your own touch circuit that works through glass. Simplest way is a 'relaxation oscillator' where a conductive martial on the far side of the glass is used as part of the capacitor in the circuit. Then when you touch the glass, you change the capacitance, and the frequency of the oscillator changes, which then can be read by a micro controller. Chips like the TTP223 simplify all of this greatly.