3 posts tagged “kit”

Ok, if at first you don't succeed, try again. 
If you still haven't succeeded, try changing the goal.

I've established that the low price for just setting up to make M-Audio generic keyboard conversion kits via injection molding is in the $6-7K region*. Thereafter, I can make them for $50 each.
This is a bit much for me, given that' I'd have to sell a lot of kits to break even and that sounds like serious work ... but not entirely out of the question. Let's put this idea on the shelf for a while.

*For those newly coming to my blog, these keys will allow one to convert an M-Audio semi-weighted keyboard to a simpler-to learn and play jammer (Wicki-Hayden), Thummer, Janko, C-Thru Axis-64 design, also know as an Isomorphic keyboard or 6-by-6 keyboard. 

There are better possible alternatives. The one I'm most excited by is that of breaking the key into smaller shapes that I can make locally. For example, if you look at the key here:

You'll see that it could be split lengthwise into 2 halves, each of which would be simpler to build a mold to make, as one side would be flat. 
Cheaper still, note that the keys are actually 2 flat shapes, separated by 5 or 6 flat little cross-pieces.

Flat is excellent, as it can be cut out of sheet plastic with laser cutters (I've always coveted a laser cutter, but my wife just wouldn't let me get one), or a water cutter.

I've asked four companies for quotes.The setup cost will be much lower. the big question is the cost per key - will it be under $1?

Ken.

I once saw a $50 million (current prices) fur coat at the 1964 Worlds Fair in New York. it was being used as a rather dramatic painter's drip cloth, the point being that Du Pont's new paints were formulated to be drip-less, unlike older paints.
The $50 mil price tag was, of course, a bit of a gimmick. While that first one (a very nice coat by the way; it looked like finest mink) cost a bundle to make, the real value of the coat was in the learning how to make the coat, not in actual value of the first one.

Likewise, while I spent a wee bit over a thousand dollars on this pair of keys, the value of the keys is their potential children.
The keys aren't perfect - a number of small adjustments need to be made, then they need to be throughly checked out, and a plastics molding shop selected.

Then comes the big decision point

• what size order can I afford
• what size market is there?

I'm awaiting quotations with trepidation.
Ken.
Update: Kevin has pointed out the the keys actually cost $75 each to print, and that the key design cost $1000 & tax. (BTW, that $1k was well worth it - he saved my mucho grief) I still prefer to call them the thousand-dollar keys- it's much more dramatic

I've been asked a reasonable question: what's in a kit ... and by implication, what will it do?
The kit, as I currently visualize it, should allow any one with a screwdriver and (gulp) a hacksaw, to convert an M-Audio keyboard into a generic (some call it a 6 x 6) keyboard, a advanced Piano 2.0 keyboard. The transformation will even be nearly (except for the keyboard splitting, which should not hurt it much) reversible, believe it or not.

To restate for clarity, I should supply a nearly complete kit to make the second, larger keyboard you can see in the picture below, (not the smaller, wearable one I first built), from a M-Audio 88es, 61es, or possibly the 49 keyboard. (I may also provide converted units, but they will be much more pricey). Below is a movie pan of it for you to click on:

To wit, the kit should have:
- 88 /66/49 key-bases to replace the standard keys
- 120 / 100 / 70-odd clear acrylic key caps, for either Janko [square] or jammer layout (The color comes from paint on the underside.).
- Sides for the new case, like the black ones you can see
- the bottom of the case - I make or may not pre-drill the keyboard assembly mounting holes.
2 top panels for the new case
- an extension cable to link the 2 halves of the keyboard assembly.

We (as a group) may extend the design further to add  optional thumb-controls. I have not delved that far yet.

You will have to supply the hacksaw, screwdrivers, paint and M-Audio keyboard, BTW, I have struck a deal for a discount from M-Audio. Total cost? stock Keyboard: $300, kit, $200 (I hope).

All in all, with this kit, keyboard conversion will become, instead of a 6 week project, a single -week-end do.

Ken