SVAC Drum Tuning System

Abstract

The SVAC Drum Tuning System is a device that allows users to tune a drum automatically with minimal input. The system can be implemented on different types of drums, but in this case, a snare drum was employed. The objective is to provide a quick, accurate, and efficient alternative to the tedium of conventional drum tuning, which requires individual adjustment of eight or more tension rods. The system only requires users to select a desired fundamental note and strike the drum membrane a few times for frequency measurements. Piezoelectric sensors then automatically detect vibrational modes for accurate frequency readings. In response, an Arduino controlled DC motor coupled with a rotary encoder that is mounted to the drum drives a cable through a series of pulleys which precisely tightens or loosens the drum heads. The drum tuning system was illustrated with CAD models of the drum, pulley system, spool which winds the line fed through the pulleys and connects motor to encoder, and motor-encoder mount. To implement the device, tension rod lugs were removed from an existing snare drum and replaced with pulleys affixed to the drum rim. In addition, the system was coded to perform Fast Fourier Transform tuning algorithm and PID control was effectuated to manage outputs.