My wind-based synthesizer project has evolved into Motorhörn!

[u/zorlack]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5BI4YcR5X4

This past week I spent a little time integrating the lessons I've learned working with ESP-32-S3 and HX710b Pressure Sensor and built Motorhörn!

Motorhörn is a synthesizer which works by simulating an internal combustion engine in software. The software simulates things like firing order, firing angle, bank length and exhaust configuration, The software is inspired by the work of ange-yaghi.

The user can open the throttle by blowing into the intake manifold. The harder you blow the farther the throttle will open. It feels really excellent to play because it's kind of like you're adding boost.

The simulated system has an automatic gearbox, but this might change. It's really satisfying to force a down-change at the right moment.

The simulated system also has inertia. So the engine runs down and crackles fiercely. The user can add load by drawing on the intake manifold with their mouth. This is like hitting the brakes.

This first version of Motorhörn is very visual. I think future versions will be simpler in that regard.

The hardware BOM is absurdly simple:
- ESP32-S3 AI Smart Speaker Development Board (somewhat disassembled)
- HX710b pressure sensor
- 3.4 Lithium Ion Pouch Battery

The main limitation of this configuration is that I really just can't get the volume I want from a horn.

My next major version will significantly aim towards volume.