Until now, I’ve been thinking of doing the majority of the software work in Processing. But I think I’ve found a better solution for myself. It’ll take more work to get it working, but once I have the foundation done I’ll be able to rapidly get it functioning. I’ve run across Arduino USB — a firmware for Arduino that allows it to function as a USB HID device. Even though arduino uses a usb cord, it’s actually a serial connection. I’ll have to make a usb shield.

Hopefully mine ends up looking like this one

Using a usb shield and the Arduino USB firmware, I’ll be able to trigger keystrokes as if it was a keyboard. The huge advantage that gives me is being able to interface with Construct. I’m very familiar with Construct and it’ll make it much easier for me to create a good software component of the Digital Wind Chime. I’m ordering the components now and will be trying to build the shield asap.

edit: Scratch all this. I’ve found a much better solution for my needs. GoBetwino is a generic software proxy. Arduino sends it commands via serial, GoBetwino can launch programs and simulate keystrokes. Using this, I already have my arduino talking to Construct and the software infrastructure is mostly done now — in terms of software, just need to do the arduino code (relatively simple) and make all the music. With this accomplished, I’ll be concentrating on the hardware side the next few days. So stay tuned for upcoming updates where I’ll hopefully have some hardware progress to show and I’ll explain more of the Digital Wind Chime’s functionality.