S518 Mouse Theremin

Product Description

 

(This module is included in the System B)

 

A Theremin is an electronic musical device invented back in around 1928 by Leon Theremin. Usually has two antennas that sense the performer’s hand position in the air (without touch) and produces voltages that control pitch and volume. Here is a video of Leon playing his invention: https://youtu.be/w5qf9O6c20o

 

Obviously such a physical thing is impossible in software. However, the S518 is a mouse Theremin!! It will track the mouse movement and produce CV that can be used to control other modules. It’s basically a mouse tracker. Calling it a Theremin with the antenna art work is just for fun.

 

The X output produces voltages that track the horizontal distance between the mouse and the Hot Spot (The base of the antenna). The Y output produces voltages that track the vertical distance between the mouse and the Hot Spot. The distance output tracks the strait line distance between the mouse and the Hot Spot.

 

By default, if you place the mouse at the center of the Hot Spot all outputs will give the highest value of 1V. The more the mouse moves away from the Hot Spot the less the output voltage is. If the switch was put to Invert. The outputs will have a value of the 0V when the mouse is at the Hot Spot and higher or lower everywhere else. Notice that X and Y can output negative voltages but distance is always positive.

 

The antenna can be moved and is actually functional. It affects the bias of X and Distance outputs. When moved to the right it’s as if the Hot Spot it self was moved to the right. And like wise when moved to the left.

 

Tip: The best way to figure out how these outputs work is monitoring them through the SE10 Dual Volt Meter or SE15 Signal Analyzer