Introduction: Make Your Own Launchpad

About: Awesome Electronics Tutorials, Projects and How To´s

In this episode of DIY or Buy I will be showing you how I created my own launchpad. That means I will show you how I combined a design idea with 3D Prints, WS2812 LEDs, tactile switches and an Arduino to create a proper MIDI instrument. While building I will also tell you a bit about a keyboard matrix and in the end determine what advantages the DIY Launchpad offers. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information you need to create your own Launchpad. But you can find additional information in the next steps.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

WS2812 LEDs: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ4jWrV

1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVfsX8b

36x Tactile Switch: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTzDwtt

36x 1N4002 Diode: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTzf787

Ebay:

WS2812 LEDs: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

36x Tactile Switch: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

36x 1N4002 Diode: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x Perfboard: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

WS2812 LEDs: https://amzn.to/2V2L5WR

1x Arduino Nano: https://amzn.to/2X5ADQb

36x Tactile Switch: https://amzn.to/2TQBJxb

36x 1N4002 Diode: https://amzn.to/2IcPXqN

2x Perfboard: https://amzn.to/2EdUwNH

Home improvemet store:

M3,M4,M5 bolts and 0.75mm wire

Step 3: 3D Print the Enclosure!

Here you can find all the design files for the 3D Print. Open them with 123D Design and export them as .stl files.

Step 4: Build the Launchpad!

This step is pretty self explanatory. Just follow the steps from the video and use my reference pictures to build your Launchpad.

Step 5: Program the Arduino Nano!

Here you can find the wiring scheme and the code for the Arduino. Also don't forget to use the given libraries and the MIDI software.

Keyboard library: https://playground.arduino.cc/code/keypad

FastLED library: https://github.com/FastLED/FastLED

Hairless MIDI<->Serial Bridge: http://projectgus.github.io/hairless-midiserial/

loopMIDI: https://www.tobias-erichsen.de/software/loopmidi.h...

Step 6: Success!

You did it! You just created your own Launchpad!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects: http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab