Here are detailed instructions for how to assemble and setup the d-touch drum machine and d-touch sequencer. It involves some real world cut-and-paste, with paper and cardboard. Two versions, fast and fun are described. Please let us know on the forum if you have any question or comment regarding these instructions, or share your alternative ways to construct the d-touch drum macine!

Ingredients

You will need:

  • a computer running Windows, OS X or Linux
  • a webcam
  • a printer (ink-jet for best results)
  • A4 paper
  • paper & cardboard cutting tools (scissors or knife)
  • paper & cardboard glue
  • adhesive tape or masking tape
  • the d-touch drum machine or d-touch sequencer software downloadable for free from the download page
  • a network connection (this is for our research)

For the fast way you need:

  • a desk lamp to be used as a webcam stand
  • small items (walnuts, chocolates, ...)

For the fun way to build the d-touch drum machine you need:

  • 5 or more A4 sheets of thin printable cardboard (e.g 180 g/mm2)
  • 4 pieces of size A4 or bigger of corrugated cardboard 3-4 mm tick; this can be obtained from used cardboard boxes
  • lentils or other small beads

The fast way

  1. download and print the d-touch drum machine or sequencer markers pdf document on standard paper
  2. cut the individual markers along the dashed lines
  3. take some small objects such as walnuts or chocolates, eat some of them if appropriate
  4. glue one marker on each small object
  5. print the d-touch drum machine or sequencer board on standard paper
  6. attach the webcam to a desk lamp so that the entire the entire drum machine board is in view, while keeping it as close as possible to the paper.

Congratulations for building the physical part of the sytem. Please proceed to the setup page to learn how to setup the software.

The fun way. Part 1 — Making the blocks

  1. download the d-touch drum machine or sequencer blocks pdf from the download page and print them on the thin cardboard
  2. cut along all dashed lines, paying attention to the small segments
  3. fold each block along the solid lines
  4. glue the flap and close each block
  5. fill the blocks with lentils to make them more heavy (this step also augments the blocks sound making potential)
  6. if you feel you need more blocks, go back to step 1 and repeat
Perfectionist tip: make the blocks out of wood.
Luxury tip: ask your trusted jeweller to make the blocks out of precious metals and stones.

The fun way. Part 2 — Making the camera stand

  1. download and print the d-touch camera stand pdf document on standard paper
  2. glue each page on a piece of corrugated cardboard, note that pieces are repeated deliberately, you need a total of 6 pieces
  3. cut the cardboard along the dashed lines on the printout
  4. make a half cut along the solid lines, so that it will be easier to fold along these
  5. assemble the camera stand as shown in the photos

  6. place two heavy books or other heavy objects on the flaps at the bottom of the stand to make it more stable
  7. attach the webcam to the stand using an elastic band
Perfectionist tip: make the stand out of wood

The fun way. Part 3 — Board and camera

  1. Print the drum machine or sequencer board on standard paper
  2. adjust the webcam on the stand so that the entire board is in view, while keeping it as close as possible to the paper.

Congratulations for building the physical part of the sytem. Please proceed to the setup page to learn how to setup the software.