Makey Makey

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Microcontroller

ATmega32U4

USB Interface

USB 2.0

Power Consumption

500mA (maximum)

Dimensions

3.5 x 3.5 x 1.25 inches (89 x 89 x 32 mm)

Weight

6 ounces (170 grams)

Applications

The Makey Makey has a wide range of applications, including

Education

The device is an ideal tool for STEM education, allowing students to learn about electronics, programming, and innovation in a fun and engaging way.

Art and Design

The Makey Makey can be used to create interactive art installations, prototypes, and products.

Assistive Technology

The device can be used to create custom interfaces for people with disabilities.

Prototyping and Product Development

The Makey Makey is an ideal tool for prototyping and developing new ideas for IoT projects.

Conclusion

The Makey Makey is a powerful and innovative tool that enables users to create custom interfaces and interactive projects using everyday objects. Its ease of use, versatility, and open-source software make it an ideal tool for education, art, and product development. With its wide range of applications, the Makey Makey is an excellent addition to any maker's toolbox.

Pin Configuration

Makey Makey Component Documentation
Overview
The Makey Makey is a popular DIY invention kit that allows users to create custom interfaces and controllers for computers and other devices. It's a simple, yet powerful tool for makers, educators, and innovators. The Makey Makey consists of a main board with various pins that can be connected to various objects, sensors, and other components to create custom interfaces.
Pinouts and Functions
Here's a detailed explanation of each pin on the Makey Makey board:
1. Ground (GND) Pin
Function: Provides a ground connection for the circuit
Description: This pin is used as a reference point for the Makey Makey's circuitry. It's essential for completing the circuit and allowing the device to function properly.
Connection: Connect this pin to a conductive object or material, such as a metal clip or a copper wire, to create a ground connection.
2. Up Arrow Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate an "Up" arrow key press on a keyboard
Description: When a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a keyboard input signal to the connected computer, simulating an "Up" arrow key press.
Connection: Connect a conductive object, such as a banana or a metal clip, to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
3. Down Arrow Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate a "Down" arrow key press on a keyboard
Description: Similar to the Up Arrow Pin, when a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a keyboard input signal to the connected computer, simulating a "Down" arrow key press.
Connection: Connect a conductive object to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
4. Left Arrow Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate a "Left" arrow key press on a keyboard
Description: When a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a keyboard input signal to the connected computer, simulating a "Left" arrow key press.
Connection: Connect a conductive object to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
5. Right Arrow Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate a "Right" arrow key press on a keyboard
Description: Similar to the Left Arrow Pin, when a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a keyboard input signal to the connected computer, simulating a "Right" arrow key press.
Connection: Connect a conductive object to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
6. Space Bar Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate a Space Bar key press on a keyboard
Description: When a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a keyboard input signal to the connected computer, simulating a Space Bar key press.
Connection: Connect a conductive object to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
7. Click Pin
Function: Detects conductivity to simulate a mouse click
Description: When a conductive object is connected to this pin and the Ground pin, the Makey Makey sends a mouse input signal to the connected computer, simulating a mouse click.
Connection: Connect a conductive object to this pin and the Ground pin to create a simple button.
8. VCC Pin
Function: Provides power to external components or devices
Description: This pin supplies 5V power from the USB connection, which can be used to power external components or devices.
Connection: Connect this pin to an external component or device that requires 5V power.
9. USB Pin
Function: Connects to a computer via USB for data transmission
Description: This pin connects the Makey Makey to a computer via a USB cable, allowing the device to communicate with the computer and send keyboard and mouse input signals.
Connection: Connect a USB cable to this pin and a computer to establish a connection.
Connection Structure
To connect the pins, follow this general structure:
Connect a conductive object (e.g., a metal clip, banana, or a copper wire) to the desired pin (e.g., Up Arrow Pin, Space Bar Pin, etc.).
Connect the other end of the conductive object to the Ground (GND) Pin.
Repeat this process for each pin you want to use.
Tips and Precautions
Always connect the Ground pin to a conductive object to complete the circuit.
Use caution when handling the Makey Makey and connected components to avoid electrical shock or damage.
Keep the Makey Makey and connected components away from water and other liquids to prevent damage.
When connecting external components or devices, ensure they are compatible with the Makey Makey's 5V power supply and operate within the recommended specifications.
By following this documentation, you should be able to create your own custom interfaces and controllers using the Makey Makey. Happy inventing!

Code Examples

Makey Makey Documentation

Overview

The Makey Makey is an invention kit that allows users to turn everyday objects into touchpads and create custom interfaces for computers. It's a simple, intuitive, and fun way to explore the world of DIY electronics and programming. The Makey Makey consists of a main board, cables, and alligator clips that connect to various objects, enabling them to act as input devices.

Technical Specifications

Input: Up to 18 keys or objects
 Output: USB plug-and-play
 Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, and most web browsers
 Power: Bus-powered, no external power required

Code Examples

### Example 1: Basic Keyboard Emulation in Scratch

In this example, we'll use the Makey Makey to create a custom keyboard interface in Scratch, a popular visual programming language.

Hardware Setup

Connect the Makey Makey to your computer via USB.
 Attach an alligator clip to a conductive object (e.g., a banana) and connect it to one of the Makey Makey's key inputs (e.g., KEY 1).

Software Setup

Open Scratch and create a new project.
 Create a sprite and add a keyboard event block to respond to the "Space" key press.
 In the Makey Makey settings, set KEY 1 to emulate the "Space" key.

Code
```scratch
when space key pressed
say [Hello, World!]
```
In this example, when the user touches the banana (connected to KEY 1), the sprite will respond as if the "Space" key was pressed, and display "Hello, World!".

### Example 2: Advanced Object Detection in Python with Raspberry Pi

In this example, we'll use the Makey Makey to detect objects using a Raspberry Pi and Python.

Hardware Setup

Connect the Raspberry Pi to the Makey Makey via USB.
 Attach an alligator clip to a conductive object (e.g., a metal ring) and connect it to one of the Makey Makey's key inputs (e.g., KEY 2).
 Connect a resistor and an LED to the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins.

Software Setup

Install the Python library for the Makey Makey (e.g., `makey-makey-python`).
 Import the library and set up the Makey Makey object.

Code
```python
import makey_makey

# Set up the Makey Makey object
mm = makey_makey.MakeyMakey()

# Set up the LED and resistor on the Raspberry Pi
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT)

while True:
    # Check if the object is detected
    if mm.is_key_pressed(2):
        print("Object detected!")
        GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH)  # Turn on the LED
    else:
        GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW)  # Turn off the LED
```
In this example, when the user touches the metal ring (connected to KEY 2), the Python script will detect the object and turn on the LED connected to the Raspberry Pi.

Additional Resources

Official Makey Makey documentation and project ideas: [https://makeymakey.com/how-to/](https://makeymakey.com/how-to/)
 Scratch tutorials and resources: [https://scratch.mit.edu/](https://scratch.mit.edu/)
 Python library for Makey Makey: [https://github.com/makey-makey/makey-makey-python](https://github.com/makey-makey/makey-makey-python)

By using the Makey Makey, users can unleash their creativity and bring everyday objects to life with code!