Update

Thanks to all that supported us so far. We are advancing this technology and we'll keep you informed of our progress. Next updates on Facebook will focus on something very fresh and exciting. We didn't come this far to give up, so stay tuned. See "SoulPedal" on Facebook for the latest.

Sincerely,

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Summary 

Using SoulPedal Patented technology, it's now possible to control musician effects from anywhere on stage because it is in your shoe. Controlling things with foot pressure and gestures is very natural - just bend your knees, lean slightly, or stomp as you wish. 

Initial feedback from user trials at the Tempe Guitar Show last month was overwhelmingly positive thanks to a generous introduction from Az Central. 

Here's what it will do for Musicians Today:

• Control Effects from anywhere on stage*
• MIDI Controller, Classic Wah, Expandable
• Comfortable, Light, Vibration Feedback, and Data Out 

We believe the foot can do a lot more than what you see here, and you will get our Fifth Generation pedal technology. So what better way than to kick this off with musicians like myself who love to jam. And put your unique demo or jam on-line (wearing your SoulPedal T-Shirt) for a great chance to win your money back (odds are 1/101). 

Nothing until now slides into your shoe, is so flexible, controls things, and weighs only 3 Oz. "This just keeps getting better - been using it for over three years now" - 21

Please understand, this radio is set for allowance in the America's at present. If you have interest from other Continents, please contact us.

For Musicians - Don't hide behind your pedals, or limit what you can do with just your hands. Instead, get out there in the crowd and move around more, sound familiar? And for the Keytarists or other creative MIDI users, imagine having an expression pedal anywhere on stage. 

For Makers - And for the hacker types, easily tap into your foot data and control whatever you want through the open standard I2C bus. In fact, we already did it with Arduino as an example.

Made in USA - This will be 100% Made in the USA, including boards. We might actually be molding the pedals ourselves as a member of TechShop where we've learned some of what’s needed here, and planning more. 

Who are we? - John is a Maker of the first SoulPedal™ in 2011, dual citizen (US and Canadian born), and a former Engineer at Intel for 23 years in Chandler Arizona. The team includes seven members of CleanStage LLC, a majority of whom are also senior Intel Engineers supporting design and funding for more than two years.

Goal and Pricing is expected to only meet our costs to build 100 units + the prototype. We have no plans to sell more until this technology is righteous. Then we will introduce many other capabilities which is why you should also get the Upgrade Kit which is included in the limited Early-bird SoulPedal packages. We are closely following Google's process for new technology introduction, but we obviously don't have Google leverage.  So this is a break-even proposition in exchange for your feedback, and still no salaries or bonuses for any member. We need your support for this sweat equity, so please share with everyone you know and help a start-up. 

Thanks for the opportunity, and follow "SoulPedal" on Facebook and Twitter.

The SoulPedal Team 

For the Visual Folks

Here's the basic system. Save if you purchase the first few Early-bird packages. 

MIDI is currently on Controller 20 Channel 1. We've been playing with the note/velocity parameters - very interesting. This is a development area and we think we can get something out through the Upgrade Kit. There will be extra switch positions for "Future" on the Controllers. 

The Wah is on the magic bus. It will grow. We've got a few ideas here...

Oh, and there's this contest. T-Shirts are free with any system offering only. Don't forget to wear it to have a chance at getting your money back!

FAQs 

Q: Analog with Digital Control?

A: Oh, this is my favorite part, and the genesis of the idea really. I couldn't find a bulb replacement for my old Morley Wah pedal, so I decided to replaced the light receptor with a pressure sensor (FSR), and wired it into my shoe. Later, the wireless version employed a digital potentiometer (like the rotary pot in pedals today) to control a classic Wah circuit. It's much like a Cry-Baby including the famous Red Fasel Coil (love that toroidal coil with self cancelling fields). This approach made me think of the many hybrid amps that use transistors and tubes - a technology advantage with that classic sound. The one I use has an opto-isolator between the digital and analogue (like the old Morley principle with light and sensor). We are also exploring other isolation methods for speed and range enhancements. I mostly play a Telecaster clean through a VOX AC30, so noise is not allowed on those Tom Petty songs.

Q: How much Radio power and will it affect my foot in any way?

A: In comparison to a cell phone, SoulPedal™ emits much less radio power, runs way cooler (just milliamps on average). We make no claims as an orthotic device. If you already have foot problems, you should exercise caution and consult a Podiatrist as necessary. If you still want one, we could do custom and this is a possible service being considered. 

Q: Why not ship outside the Americas?

A: We will expand Internationally later this year if all goes well at home. We know there are a lot of followers in the EU and other countries. If demand in other regions is high, we can accommodate.

A: We use a DPDT Reed Relay and the digital signal controls the LED. Reed Relays are extremely reliable because they use inert gases so no oxygen ever touches the contacts. 

Q: What the range?

A: Goal is over 50 ft but we believe 100 ft radius is possible. The prototype was way more, but that's because I was only sending Pressure data in the beginning. Right now it sends about 10x that data each packet (everything) and therefore the reliability of transmission goes down. For control, we're going back to just pressure and status. For the hackers, we'll explore some whitening features to get all the data through, but the range may not be as good. FYI, I'm the benchmark at 200 lbs, size 11 US running shoes. If you have thicker feet, it's logical that the transmission will be dampened slightly. Likewise, smaller feet - go long! 

Q: How long will it last on the battery?

A: Good enough for a full concert and then some. I've been using this for the past 3 years (sending way more data than needed and constantly - good all night). It uses a standard CR-2032 battery, and truth is we're killing it faster than it could last if we used a super-cap, but don't think we need it. Keep in mind, there's a vibration motor in there, so you could kill the battery in probably an hour if you constantly turned it on and off, but that's not a likely scenario. If it is, we've even considered an option to disable the motor based upon a minimum power that we can monitor. Many ways to manage this. 

Q: Is there a warranty? 

A: Yes and No. The short of it is no, but you have my word that we will do the best we can to get this right, or I just wasted four years. We're also introducing brand new hardware into all pedals to expand our market. We have a plan to upgrade software through the early adopters, and will try our best to do so for the rest if there's something stupid or annoying. 

Then there's wear and tear on the pedal in general. We can't say how this will last, but the latest is a solid rubber over-mold and it's very tough! 

Finally, I've never had an issue with any of the boxes and I've hooked them up every wrong way you can think of possible. A lot of German Engineering went into the electronics so consider that like the BMW parts. 

If you're not happy then I'm not happy and we'll make it right. Looking forward to knowing each and every one of you!

SoulPedal to the Metal,

Q: Left Version?

A: Ya I'm a Lefty too, born in a right handed world. We'd like to do a left version or a dual version. We'll need one eventually, eh? 

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Specifications

Pedal:

• Power: 3V CR-2032 Battery
• Battery life: Over 6 hrs typical or 2-3 Hrs of continuous controlling
• Radio: 902-928 MHz (Americas, Region 2),  +12 dBm
• Range: 50 ft Radius, but improving!
• Sizes: Men’s US 9 or 11 (will fit +/- 2 sized shoes)
• Vibration Motor: On/Off Feedback in your shoe
• Mini USB: JTAG Programming Port for upgrades
• Top Cover: Thin rubber/cloth fabric
  

Controller:

• Power: 9Vdc external only, center ground, same as Boss Pedals
  
• Dimensions: 125mm long x 70mm wide x 57mm high
  
• Antenna: Internal ¼ wave wire
  
• Feel Knob: Adjusts sensitivity of SoulPedal pressure.
  
• Selection Knob:
  
•    MIDI Controller
  
• Effect Pedals (Wah-wah and future)
  
• Arduino compatible data out (Sketch available on website)
  
•    Other (who knows)
  

Wah-wah:

• Discrete through-hole for all analog components - mods
  
• Coil: Red Fasel 500mh Toroidal from Italy
  
• Power: 9Vdc external, center ground, same as Boss Pedals (not included)
  
• Dimensions: 125mm long x 70mm wide x 57mm high
  
• Drive Knob: Adjusts Wah Gain
  
• Range Knob: Six tone options , from Bass Guitar to very high
  
• True-Bypass using a DPDT Reed Relay – complete isolation
  

* Notes:

• Controlling "Your Effects" is possible. Convince us this is important, it was actually like the first prototype. 
  
• Continuous triggering will degrade battery life more quickly due to the vibration motor. 
• For use in the Americas (Region 2) only using the FCC accepted ISM frequency, very low power.
  
• Our Product contains FCCID Z64EXP4F5137R9. This device is for Engineering development and cannot be used in an end product.