Playing racing games with a controller is okay, but playing them with a steering wheel and pedal setup really adds another layer of immersion. The peak of this concept would be controlling the virtual vehicle with your actual car, but that’s impossible. Or is it?
Using the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a Macchina M2, and a clever breakout board, it’s entirely possible to play a realistic racing sim like Forza Motorsport while sitting in the front seat of your car.
The breakout board in particular gives you a 3.5 mm trigger output, which interfaces with the Adaptive Controller. We covered this amazing design back when Microsoft released it, and this is one example of what can be done with it.
Using a Macchina M2 with this breakout board and the aforementioned controller, you can use the CAN bus signals from your car to actuate both the throttle and brake. It’s really something when you see it in motion, so check out the video below to see this concept in action!
It’s been another storming year for synth releases, and here at Tindie we like to celebrate our talented creators by bringing you a list of the best gear they released in 2019. From head melting synths to audio effects units, we’re proud to have so many independent creators, beating the big manufacturers at their own game from their homes, garden sheds, and workshops.
Join us as we run down what took our fancy this year in the Tindie Sound: Gear Of The Year 2019!
Drum Synth by Rakit
Rakit are a superb little company based in Cambridge, England. Their audio boxes and synth goodies are wonderfully made, designed, and packaged with the Rakit Drum Synth being their flagship unit. Based on the super-rare Amdek PCK-100 with added modifications, this Drum Synth gives you a VCO which can be modulated, swept, pitched and triggered to your heart’s content.
The Drum Synth is available fully constructed or as a kit, and will deliver those 80s synth drum effects which are synonymous with electronic music.
DAFM FM Synthesizer by Kasser
The DAFM (not to be confused with the Moog DFAM) represents the dawning of a new era in re-living classic video game synth sounds. It houses legendary FM sound chips (YM2612/YM3438) used in the Sega Megadrive/Genesis and SoundBlaster Cards – making it a hugely playable MIDI unit destined for use way beyond 2020.
With its sleek design, tough build quality and touch-sensitive keypad, the DAFM really does look and sound the part – with two chip options, depending on the lo-fi flavour you need.
Super Smash Button by midierror
Hailed as a `genius` device by SonicState, the Super Smash Button is based on a simple yet highly effective concept – plug something into one side, and it comes out the other when you press (or smash) the arcade button!
Perfect for synths, guitars, drums, drones, vocals, and foley sounds, it excels at giving sporadic rhythm to any sound, while evoking memories of nostalgic arcade button bashing at the same time. It also comes with options to have a gorgeous customised finish!
Noise-X by Madlab
Looking and sounding like a device from another planet, the Noise-X packs 6 oscillators of undulating waveforms into one compact PCB module. It has built-in FX and a myriad of modulation possibilities and modes, making some of the strangest and most expressive drones you can imagine.
You don’t often get sliders on synths, and the superb idea which resulted in Noise-X is a wonderfully ergonomic way to control sound. The Noise-X is available as a kit and a completed unit, and sounds like nothing else you’ve ever heard… on this planet!
ROT8x MIDI Controller by Velorum Project
As MIDI controllers go, the Rot8.x MIDI Controller has it all – with 32 assignable control knobs to create tactile control changes, parameter changes, pitch bends, and effects sends! It’s USB powered and ideal for controlling your DAW, VSTs and outboard gear from one convenient place. The difference between clicking with a mouse and tweaking real-world controls is unparallelled. And now it’s affordable for all. It comes in a glorious matte black aluminium case, suitable for gigging and is re-programmable through the onboard Arduino.
Pocket Operator Adapter by Hanz
Pocket Operators are some of the most compact and characterful devices we’ve ever seen – but what if you could control them via MIDI? Well, the Pocket Operator MIDI Adapter does exactly that – simulating button presses from an on-board Teensy microcontroller for full MIDI control over all buttons.
This indie magic allows you to make chord progressions, FX sequences, and sound selection super quick and automatable. This device is like nothing else on Tindie, or elsewhere!
CVTab for ARPIE by SixtyFourPixels
The ARPIE should need no introduction; the hardware MIDI Arpeggiator housed in the studios of the biggest names in the industry got an add on in 2019! The CV Tab adds CV Gate. Pitch and Clock to the already formidable machine, opening up numerous possibilities for use with classic analogue gear from pre-MIDI days.
Hook it up to your modular synth for a host of continually updated Arpeggiation modes, it’s now on Firmware Version 6, which is shown in full in the video.
Stage Bro 2000 by Krystal State
For live musicians and singer/songwriters, a high-fidelity backing track is essential for playing fully produced sets without having to take the London Sympohony Orchestra on the road with you. The Stage Bro 2000 allows you to playback high-quality WAV or MP3 recordings everywhere you go and trigger them using just your feet.
Load the sounds from a USB flash drive, and select your track using the simple interface. Originally built to perform a function for the inventor, the Stage Bro 2000 is happily now available to everyone!
Quadtech 101 by CCTV
With a myriad of modular panels and kits to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to see why products like the QuadTech 101 stand out. Simple! This eurorack module goes beyond the standard mono/stereo outputs, to offer FOUR assignable outs for what the makers call QUAD PANNING!
This mystical technique allows for movement between outputs, as well as steady simultaneous output at the turn of a knob – from 2 on-board digital VCOs. The Qudtech 101 could be used to simulate the Leslie speaker effect of Hammond organs, or a host of other creative sonic crazyness.
Headmelter by Mindburner
Any product with a name like Headmelter is guaranteed to evoke a certain amount of enigma, interest, and let’s be honest, terror! Don’t be afraid, this PCB synth has 2 oscillators intent on making electric drones, spaced out sweeps and angular sync’d sounds you’ll drool over. With robotic sounds and odd controls entitled Confusion, Relapse, Hyper Boost and Medicate, you’ll be in for a sonic adventure beyond the boundaries of your imagination.
Cheers to the Year that Was 2019!
We think you’ll agree, it’s been a very good year for gear at Tindie! With new products on the proverbial horizon, let’s hope that 2020 brings even more sonic joy, synthesized landscapes, and otherworldly effects to our tabletops. A sincere congratulations to everyone who made the list this year, let’s raise a glass to the independent makers of the past, present, and future!
Like any gamer, I have opinions on which controller is best. Many will say mouse and keyboard wins the battle every time, but the PS2’s Dualshock controller is still one of the best designs of all time.
If you’re working on a robot or any sort of RC car project, the prospect of controlling it with something familiar and efficient like a Dualshock probably sounds amazing.
That’s why this Arduino Shield kit caught my eye. Beyond my personal affection towards anything PlayStation, there’s no denying that the sheer number of inputs makes it a great fit.
Originally designed as a way to control a robotic arm with a PS2 controller, this board feeds the signal from a Dualshock to the Arduino. The headers are stackable, allowing you to add on a motor shield as well.
The kit comes with the PCB, headers, stackable headers, and a power connector. You’ll need to solder and assemble everything yourself, but trust me when I say that you’ll never want to use any other input when you’ve seen what a Dualshock can do for your project.
The next generation of engineers, scientists, and makers will all need to understand the intricacies of technology that is growing and maturing all around us today. STEM education is a growing movement, and within that is the need to understand robotics, because like it or not, they’re going to be a big part of the future.
Thankfully, the ROBOSTEP kit has us building something less complicated than a T-800. The kit features an open source hardware design based on the Arduino platform, and easy coding through the Playbotix Studio.
The manual includes twelve chapters that range across a variety of topics that an instructor could use to create lesson plans surrounding the robot and its functions.
The aforementioned Playbotix Studio also allows students to program the robot using a drag-and-drop interface with block-based graphics. Altogether, ROBOSTEP is a comprehensive kit for those who are teaching or learning about the wide world of robots.
With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday behind us, only one day remains. Cyber Monday is a special sales event for us here at Tindie, since the marketplace we know and love exists in the digital space.
Skip the lines, fill your cart, and grab anything else you want or need for those holiday projects before they’re gone! Let’s take a final look at this year’s exceptional sales.
Grab These Cyber Monday Deals Before They’re Gone!
Raspberry Pi prototyping
USB-C Power breakout
BLE 5.0 Breakout
As always, you can check Tindie.com/Sale for the latest price drops, but we like to offer a little inspiration on where to begin your adventure, so here are some of the best pieces of unique hardware currently available:
Turn your old USB-C chargers into something more useful with this handy compact breakout board.
Treat yourself to a new prototyping board for Raspberry Pi. The Wombat features a bunch of bells and whistles that any aspiring maker needs for their prototyping.
Check out the smallest BLE 5.0 breakout board on the market, and save 40% off the standard price when you buy now!
Thanks to all of our fellow Tindarians and our wonderful community. Enjoy your new hardware, and have a great holiday season!
Open hardware is a large part of what makes Tindie and all of its products so unique. Many of the products you’ll find across the catalog are open source, allowing you to change, modify, or dive deeper into the design without fear of repercussions.
When we work together, everyone benefits from the results. This year, our Black Friday sales are hotter than ever, but let’s highlight some of the products that pride themselves on being open source.
The Best Deals on Open Hardware This Side of a Soldering Iron: Tindie.com/Sale
joule thief
i2c key
vinduino
You can keep your eyes on all the latest deals over at tindie.com/sale, but if you’re looking for support Open Hardware, here are some of our top picks:
This Joule Thief can illuminate an LED with even the most drained of batteries, but for this price you’ll feel like you’re the one getting a steal!
Create the ideal HMI without using precious resources. The I2CNavKey is a small board that includes a joypad with 7 total functions, including four directional keys, a central button, and a rotary ring.
The story of Vinduino is one of my favorites in the history of Tindie, and it’s an excellent platform for anyone who wants to optimize their irrigation and save water in the process.
It’s open hardware and open season for deals here on Tindie! Show your support to fellow Tindarians for Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday as well!
SAOs have taken on a life of their own in the badgelife phenomenon. I have seen my fair share of brilliant and artistic designs, but this one is truly diabolical.
I am, of course, referring to the ATtiny85 Capture The Flag SAO Challenge. As you can surmise from the name, it runs on an ATtiny85 and communicates via I2C.
To finish the challenge, you’ll need to complete four milestones. It begins with turning on the LED connected to pin PB1. From there, you’ll need to find the “flag,” which is a string embedded in the firmware.
Next, persist code that will blink the LED to the ATtiny’s flash, and finally replace the flag with your own name (without bricking the firmware in the process).
That may sound easy, but there are a few more rules. For starters, you can’t reprogram the ATtiny. You’re only permitted to upload the firmware if you brick it. You cannot use debugWIRE, and your solution has to be repeatable, which requires you to explain how it works.
According to the creator, the ATtiny85 datasheet will also come in handy, along with the on-board reset button. Care to take on the challenge?
With the Hackaday Superconference in our rear view mirror, it’s time to shift our focus towards the season of savings. As is tradition each year, Tindarians are bringing the heat with big price drops on the kits, components, and adapters you know and love.
From November 26th to December 7th, we’re hosting our biggest sales of the year. Stay tuned to our sales page for all the latest bargains. In the meantime, let’s take a look at a few early bird specials.
The Best Sales of The Year, No Bones About It
As the week goes on, pay special attention to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday so you don’t miss out on the year’s biggest deals.
Here are a few products we recommend you keep your eye on:
Who doesn’t love LEDs? After selling out insanely fast, these Giant LEDs are back by popular demand and on sale to boot!
Nothing says holiday fashion quite like these geek chic LED earrings. Grab them at a sweet discount, and enjoy fast USB charging, thanks to a supercapacitor-powered design!
The best way to stay up-to-date on the latest product highlights is to follow us on your favorite social media platforms. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Make sure you fetch your wallet, and let us know which sales caught your eye!
This year’s Hackaday Superconference was our biggest yet! With a massive Hackaday Prize on the line, a larger Tindie meetup, and more attendees than ever, it was an incredible gathering of like-minded hackers and hardware enthusiasts.
There’s a lot to recap for those who weren’t able to make it this year, so let’s dive right in!
FieldKit Takes Home The Hackaday Prize 2019
First and foremost, we have to congratulate the FieldKit team for winning the grand prize this year: a sum of $125,000 to be exact. FieldKit itself is an open-source modular sensor system for conducting critical research in harsh environments.
You can check out all the other category winners here, but we would be remiss to not mention SmallKat, which took home $10,000 for winning the “Best Communication” category. It also just so happens to be a Tindie product, but who’s counting?
We had more than a few Tindie friends on stage this year. You can check out their talks online as well if you weren’t able to attend in person. While not all of the talks are online as of this writing, you can stay tuned to the Hackaday YouTube channel.
Several more Tindarians also presented over at the Supplyframe DesignLab stage. They were recorded but need to be edited before the videos can be published. Be sure to check out their talks when the recordings go up on Hackaday’s YouTube!
What’s in the Bag?
Those who attended the Hackaday Superconference this year found something a little more substantial than the usual conference swag. This year, we partnered with multiple Tindie sellers to offer hardware that you can find right here on Tindie.
Here’s a shot of what I got in my bag, courtesy of TwinkleTwinkie:
We would like to extend an extra special thank you once again to the Tindie sellers who helped make Tindie Surprise possible:
During the conference, we also had an amazing Tindie panel, hosted by our own Jasmine Brackett, which offered some excellent insight into the challenges that sellers face when they try to get their products out into the world.
After the panel came the Tindie Meetup, which this year featured a hardware swap! Here are some highlights from the event:
Alex Glow brought a whole bunch of boards people were excited about:
Even Hackaday’s Editor in Chief, Mike Szczys took notice of the turnout:
The first annual @tindie swap meet is a hit! Grab the cool stuff from your parts bin and make some trades… I'm sure this will be back again at the next #supercon. pic.twitter.com/mcT0nyb4Z1
All-in-all, this year’s supercon hosted over 40 Tindie sellers and a massive number of people from the broader community. Thank you to Hackaday, Supplyframe, the Tindie crew, and to all of the amazing people in our community for another awesome supercon!
Some of you may remember a Pika Pin Badge that came out roughly a year ago on Tindie. Well, it’s back again with a special edition 1st anniversary version!
The Pika Pin Badge SE is smaller and features an optimized circuit, improved aesthetics, and all the other features you loved about the original. With the press of a button, you can see a thunder shock effect run through the LEDs.
It also gets that golden color from the exposed copper with an ENIG finish. It looks like the Pikachu you know, but it also has a great retro pixel art look.
Pin it on your shirt, your backpack, or anywhere else, and let the world know that this maker is also a nerd, and proud of it!
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During the conference, we also had an amazing Tindie panel, hosted by our own Jasmine Brackett, which offered some excellent insight into the challenges that sellers face when they try to get their products out into the world.
