This guide will show you how to build miniature percussion instrument which can be controlled via MIDI over USB. The example project is intended to serve as a jumping-off point for your own designs. Read about how I built mine, then experiment to make a unique instrument you can control with your computer.

What you'll need

1 x Feather M0 Basic Proto

microcontroller to run project code

1 x Crickit Featherwing

allows Feather to control solenoids

1 x 5V 2A Power Supply

provides power for the Crickit board

4 x 5V Solenoid

strikes the drums!

1 x JST-PH Battery Extension Cable - 500mm

connects solenoids to the Crickit board

1 x USB Micro Cable

for programming the Feather

1 x Small phillips head screwdriver

for securing wires to Crickit's screw terminals

1 x 5-wire Block Connector

connects Crickit power to solenoids

1 x Mounting board

Something to mount your drumkit on

8 x #4 screws

for mounting solenoids

8 x #4 washers

for mounting solenoids

4 x DIY drums

any small objects that make cool sounds when struck

1 x Hot glue gun and glue sticks

for mounting drums

This guide was first published on Sep 09, 2018. It was last updated on Sep 09, 2018.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Sep 05, 2018.

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