A "theremin" server for a Raspberry Pi 4.
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2025-06-28 18:04:12 -07:00
fluidsynth Initial commit. 2023-05-09 03:32:09 +00:00
motion Add random phrases when an optional pi camera detects motion. 2023-05-24 03:08:39 +00:00
theremin Add random phrases when an optional pi camera detects motion. 2023-05-24 03:08:39 +00:00
gem.deps.rb Initial commit. 2023-05-09 03:32:09 +00:00
README.md Add youtube video link. 2025-06-28 18:04:12 -07:00

RPi Theremin

This is a quick-n-dirty "Theremin" daemon for use on the RaspberryPi.

It is designed to be used with a couple of these distance sensors:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/4007

Use 'raspi-config' to configure your default sound output (HDMI, 3.5", etc).

This is intended to be run from daemontools or runit. Quick setup as root:

# apt install ruby espeak fluidsynth runit motion netcat
# systemctl stop/disable/mask motion
# gem install -Ng
# ln -s /etc/service /service
# ln -s /path/to/here/theremin /etc/service
# ln -s /path/to/here/motion /etc/motion
# ln -s /path/to/here/fluidsynth /etc/service

For this project, there was an available Pi camera (v2). After enabling it in raspi-config, I also fired up 'motion' with the included configuration file, to capture people using the theremin and to say hello.

# ln -s /path/to/here/motion /etc/service
# (enable motion support in the config file)

It will save images for 2 weeks with the current motion.conf. Season to taste.

This was mounted on a manniquin named "Maude" (the bod), as a goofy/fun interactive instrument.

Video!