hi all.

I'm building a simple mechanism to play a drum. I've got a 555 timing circuit to control the speed of a motor. first i built it like this (beware it's noisy):

YouTube - Drum Video

but, i don't like how erratic the mechanism is.

so i rebuilt it with a roughly 4 inch cam i made out of cardboard mounted directly to the motor. the drumming is less erratic now, except that the motors are burning out (i think). My guess is they're cheap motors, AND it's an off center load. Also, in both cases, I have to turn the PWM way up to get the motor going, then turn it down to where i want it. So, do i just need higher torque? or a different mechanism entirely? I like the cam because it allows gravity to come into play, but I'd also be willing to try some linkages to make linear movement instead. Unfortunately, I don't know how to make linkages without a prototyping machine. Also, I'd super love some worm gears that would fit my situation, again, don't know where to get them, or how to decide which ones I need. Anyone have any advice? I'd really love it.

no, i've got that already on another instrument. I really want mechanical things. thank you though.

i agree, it's not that difficult, as long as i can get my hands on the parts. anyone know a good place to get either worm gears or linkages that will fit hobby motors?

I have a bunch of solenoids, but they hold a charge for too long and won't release when the electricity turns off. I don't really know how to rate them, maybe these just aren't the solenoids I need? but as they stand they won't work for what I need.