[kida] has a highly innovative set of 3D-printable, musical fidget toys that play classic video game tunes. Of course there’s the classic Super Mario ditty, but there’s loads more. How they work is pretty nifty, and makes great use of a 3D printer’s strengths.
To play the device one uses a finger to drag a tab (or striker) across the top, and as it does so it twangs vertical tines one-by-one. Each tine emits a particular note — defined by how tall the thicker part is — and plays a short tune as a result. Each one plays a preprogrammed melody, with the tempo and timing up to the user. Listen to them in action in the videos embedded just under the page break!
There are some really clever bits to the design. One is that the gadget is made in two halves, which effectively doubles the notes one can fit into the space. Another is that it’s designed so that holding it against something like a tabletop makes it louder because the surface acts like a sounding board. Finally, the design is easily modified so making new tunes is easy. [kida]’s original design has loads of non-videogame tunes (like the Jeopardy! waiting theme) as well as full instructions on making your very own versions.
Fidget toys are a niche all their own when it comes to 3D printed devices. The fidget knife has a satisfying snap action to it, and this printable linear toggle design is practically a fidget toy all on its own.
This is among the cleverest things I’ve seen on hackaday, ever. What a great design.
+1
This is really clever.I could see this being used by a fast food franchise as a prize to pair with their hot garbage kids meals. Hopefully Nintendo doesn’t have an issue with the super Mario being used.
Very fun idea! Thanks for sharing.
But we are not buying fast food anymore?
Good for you?
Not unless “we” represents something other than normal humans. Most normal people do buy fast food. You need to find people who make concrete judgements, not based on truth, to find radicals who will boycott normal things. That or the easily brainwashed…
“You need to find people who make concrete judgements, not based on truth, to find radicals”
You’re right, I do. They sound cool.
The speed with which this thread went from “Clever, here’s a business idea!” to divisive politics is absurd.
The “truth” fast food is bad for you? Lol you don’t have to be a commie to be healthy.
Fidge Liet Motifs… I wonder if you could do the whole Ring Cycle on enough of them. Intertubez, make it so!
I wonder how hard it would be to make these wind-up to play at a consistent speed, still fully 3D printed.
This is seriously cool, I’m printing my first one and can not wait to mess with it!
I want the music box intro to “Flaming Telepaths”
It even plays Doom!
I see what you did there!
But can it run Crysis?
Love it! This is what 3D printing was meant to be for! Clever stuff that’s just not worth making a die for
Very creative build. Lots of places to go with it!
How long until the first 3D printed Rickroll?
That’s a part of the first collection: https://youtu.be/haJ2kTk7gSo
This hack really made me smile. Brilliant!
Now let’s print a cylinder with the tines sticking out radially, in a gentle spiral. The cylinder could be mounted to a horizontal shaft with a crank.
If a plectrum, adjacent the cylinder, was mounted to a lead-screw, such that it would advance linearly as the cylinder rotated, you might be able to play a whole song… or even one with with a simple bass line or 2-note chords.
Nothing new under the sun. You just described a music box!
I’d say they described something closer to an Edison cylinder player, which had a stylus mechanically synchronised to a helical track – music boxes typically play a bunch of parallel circular tracks (at much lower speed) and repeat each revolution.
Change it up with the tuned comb hanging down, and a drum underneath with nubs sticking up on drum to tick the comb for different notes (or a couple for a cord) as the drum is turned with a crank. Music box…
Above is nice and simple idea that would be easy to print. Thumbs up from me!
They’ve missed a perfect opportunity to Rickroll a bunch of nerds in a brand new way.
Still really cool though.
this is the best! This needs to win some kind of prestigious design award. It’s elegant and simple and awesome and sturdy. It’s perfection.
Who’ll be the first to design one that plays a Grateful Dead riff?
Takedown notice incoming in 3….2…..1…..
I want a double-long. And a cylinder version with a repeating tune.
Really wish I had a 3D printer for these kinds of projects.
Check if any of your local libraries have a Maker Space. They may have a 3D printer available for public use, you just have to set an appointment, and it’s all free.
What a waste of plastic…. I’m off to check my print 😂
The definition of only to use once, then it’s a plastic waste.
It’s a waste of plastic, but it’s fun while it lasts.