4/12/2020 - Initial Sketch

4/16/2020 - Stationary Bike Stand

The first step was to prop the back wheel of the bike up to allow the user to pedal without
moving. This was a simple matter of making a stand and fitting the props to the bike through trial
and error. I used standard 2x4’s, a miter saw, a bandsaw, and 2 ½” wood screws, fastened using a
drill.

4/18/2020 - Pulley Stand

Next I needed to make the structure to support the pulley and the sensor board. I knew I wanted
it to be around 6’ tall and I determined that it should be slanted to ensure a good connection
between the sensors and the connector. I extended one of the 2x4’s on the bike stand, and cut an
angle on a length of this extension to allow for a face joint of a ¾”x4”x4’ oak support, which I
fastened using 2-½” wood screws. I also cut the top of this support at an angle to allow for a face
joint with the main part of the sensor board, a recycled 2x4, which I fastened using 1-¼” wood
screws. I then added a 2x4 brace cut at the correct angles using the miter saw at the bottom to
hold the sensor board steady at the correct angle.

4/22/2020 - Stringing the pulley

I used 50 lb test braided fishing line tied to the gear of the back wheel of the bike run through a
hook screw to ensure it spools on correctly by staying in line. It then goes over a nail at the top of
the pulley stand and connects to a piece of wood that I glued aluminum foil over.

4/23/2020 - Beginning wiring and completing sensors

I ran one wire to the bottom screw of each pair of screws. I also wanted to clean up the look of
the sensor board while ensuring a smooth path of travel for the connector. I achieved this by
connecting paper clips to the screws, poking them through a long cardboard strip, and bending
them over so they would protrude enough to connect without preventing the connector from
sliding.

4/27/2020 - Finishing wiring

A connected separate wires to the top screw of each pair and ran them to the makey makey,
connecting them with alligator clips. I also ran wires from the brake to the space key, which will
function as a key to allow notes to sound, allowing for skipping notes and playing rhythms.

5/4/2020 - Decorating, troubleshooting

I added color and clarity by mimicking the color palette of a toy xylophone by covering
cardboard in colored paper and tacking it to the pulley stand with a tack gun.

The paper clip sensors ended up tearing the aluminum foil, so I used aluminum from two
aluminum cans to provide a stronger connector.
I wasn’t getting a good enough connection with the wood block because of the lack of pressure
on the sensors. I added a five pound weight by hanging it on a screw, which allowed for a better
connection.