Project title

K-12 PUPNIK Controller

Description

I was inspired by Arturia’s MicroFreak to make a minimal resistive-touch MIDI keyboard. Of course, I had to add dogs to it, and a simple and sustainable wooden case. Multiple units can chain together for a multi-octave keyboard. The project was partially funded by Hack Club’s OnBoard grant.

Category

Electronics / Product

Client

Grant / OnBoard

Start and end date

Dec. 2023 to Jan. 2024

PUPNIK devices chain together, acting as consecutive octaves of a MIDI keyboard.

The top layer preview. The electronics are all on the back side of the board, and the resistive and capacitive touch interface is in front.

The fab print - this was my first successful custom PCB!

The evolution of the project on paper

I laser-cut the layered case from plywood and scrap cork. It’s held on with two machine screws.

PUPNIK integrates USB MIDI and TRS MIDI, as well as CV and gate output for analog synthesizers, driven by a boost converter.