wimsMidiFootboardForCello

The user needs to be able to:

• Get feedback on the status of the device
• Edit the settings and presets of the device

Feedback on the device can be achieved with single LEDs and some 8x8 LED matrix modules that I already have.

The changing of settings and presets will be done via a combination of foot switches, extra buttons/switches, sysex messages and computer based editor software.

For the switches the best choices are the already existing heavy duty guitar foot stomp switches.

For the moment a microcontroller development board is the choice for the brains of the footboard. For this I have chosen a Teensy 3.2 development board. This is for two main reasons:

1. All the inputs have Interrupt capablities ( instant switches )
2. It has a built-in Generic USB MIDI Device setting ( plug'n'play MIDI footboard )

Taking into account all the first points, it becomes clear that several concepts need to be explored.

1. Curved casing
2. For both feet or just one side
3. Whether to incorporate a spike holder
4. Wireless communication

I am familiar with guitar pedals and footboards, both audio and MIDI, so I am aware that my main design influence comes from those devices. However in designing for a cellist, the first item that must be taken into consideration is that the cellist generally performs seated and only occasionally stood up, but always the cello is rested on the ground via it's 'spike' and the cellist has limited movement of their feet. In contrast a guitarist is generally just as happy stood up as sat down and their feet have a large range of movement. The common design of guitar footboards is basically an oblong box because it doesn't need to be anything more, the user can reach every switch. The design of a footboard for a cellist needs to take into account that the cellist cannot move their feet far. The cellist sits, feet on the floor, the cello spike rests on the floor between and just in front of the feet, whilst the knees grip the cello. The cellist can move their feet insofar as their knees retain their hold on the instrument.