Open hardware means the ability to create exactly what you want. But it doesn’t have to intimidate the newcomer – not so long as you’re up for a project and a little creativity. The monome grid controller, long a sensation with digital musicians, finally sees a major update in its kit version. The “kit” isn’t built from scratch; instead, it includes the major components largely pre-assembled. A US$60 logic board contains the brain and USB port, with all surface-mount soldering done for you. (You don’t even have to upload firmware to make it run). A $40 driver operates the grid. $120 buys you the main guts – just add LEDs yourself (allowing you to pick a color) – and put the grid and pads into a housing.
Specs on the new version from the monome folks:
- USB bus powered
- supports up to four 8×8 keypad grids, for a total of 16×16
- auxiliary ports for additional digital or analog i/o, such as knobs, joysticks, accelerometers, rotary encoders, switches, LEDs
- boot loader for easy firmware updates and customization, no external programmer needed
- open source firmware and schematics
we’ve designed a modular system which allows scalability and customization. the individual parts are:
- logic: hub which communicates with the computer and other connected modules. easy user firmware updates allow extended functionality.
- driver: helper electronics which light up the grid and collect keypad data. connects to the logic section with a single ribbon cable.
- grid: 8×8 keypad surface, connects to the driver board directly. customizable LED color (not included).
- one driver is needed per grid. for a full 8×8, you’d need 1 logic 1 driver 1 grid. a full 8×16 would require 1 logic 2 driver 2 grid. etc.
Why use the kit? With those additional ins, you could add controls like accelerometers or even the knobs the monome is missing. You can add your own custom enclosure, made from whatever materials you like, so that you have a one-of-a-kind, unique creation no one else has. And you can change the colors of the LEDs, too. Just decide your favorite color. (“Red … no, blue! Aaaaaaa…..”)
I asked co-creator Brian Crabtree to offer some insight into the new kit.
CDM: How is the mk different from the previous kit?
- expanded capabilities while remaining bus powered: up to four 8
