Product Overview: Makey Makey
Makey Makey is an innovative invention kit designed to bridge the gap between everyday objects and computer interactions, enabling users to turn virtually any conductive material into a keyboard key or mouse input.
What it Does
Makey Makey allows users to transform mundane objects into interactive tools that can control computer programs, websites, and games. By using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, the device detects small electrical signals from conductive materials and sends them to the computer as keyboard or mouse inputs. This functionality makes it compatible with any program or webpage that accepts keyboard or mouse inputs.
Key Features
- Conductive Object Conversion: Makey Makey can turn a wide range of conductive materials into keyboard keys, including fruits, vegetables, coins, pencil drawings, Play-Doh, tap water, and even parts of the human body.
- Plug-and-Play: The kit is easy to set up and works out-of-the-box on both Windows and Mac OSX. It includes a controller, USB cable, 7 alligator clips, and 6 connecting wires.
- Creative Freedom: Users can create various projects such as musical instruments (e.g., banana pianos, kitchen drum sets), interactive storybooks, and even home automation devices. The possibilities are limited only by the user’s imagination.
- Safety: Powered by a USB connection, Makey Makey is safe to use, with a voltage similar to that of 3 AA batteries. It is FCC compliant and uses resistive touch sensing, making it safe for a variety of creative projects involving water and other conductive materials.
Functionality
- Circuit Completion: When a user touches a connected object, they complete a circuit, and Makey Makey sends a signal to the computer, performing actions like pressing a key or moving the cursor.
- Compatibility: The device can be used with any computer program or webpage that accepts keyboard or mouse inputs, allowing users to play games like Super Mario Bros. with unconventional controllers or create interactive art and music.
- Programming: For advanced users, the original Makey Makey boards can be programmed using the Arduino IDE, although later versions (like REV 1.2) have limited this capability to keyboard and mouse emulation only.
Additional Capabilities
- Integration with BBC micro:bit: The Code-a-Key Backpack allows users to combine Makey Makey with the BBC micro:bit, enabling key presses to be triggered by motion, temperature, light, and sound. This integration enhances projects with features like image displays, sound effects, and servo motor control.
Makey Makey is an inventive tool that encourages creativity, learning, and experimentation, making it an ideal resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of technology and everyday life.