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Tap-Tempo Metronome

Tap-Tempo Metronome

See it in action!

Introduction

The Tap-Tempo Metronome is a tap-controlled or tap-tempo metronome and “beat looper.” “Syncopation machine.” “Metronome with an attitude.”

You tap the piezo speaker to set the rhythm. The display shows the beats per minute, and the two buttons adjust the speed.

“Ehhh.” “Boring,” you say. Not so fast!

You can tap patterns into it, currently up to 12 beats long. As long as you tap the pattern in three times, it jumps in and continues beeping in that rhythm. If you hold one of the buttons while turning the metronome on, the pitch of the beep will be higher or lower, so you can play with more than one at a time.

Features

  • Easy to assemble kit makes for a great learning experience. All parts are easy-to-solder through-hole, with no tiny surface mount parts.
  • Fully open-source design means that everything is freely available and ready to be hacked, including the circuit schematic, PCB layout, part list, and microcontroller firmware.
  • Piezoelectric speaker is used as the pattern input, by simply tapping in the tempo or pattern. Once the metronome learns your pattern, it starts beeping with the same piezo element.
  • Seven-segment displays provide feedback in the form of beats-per-minute (BPM) readings.
  • Custom, professionally-made PCB provides a solid base for happy tappers. All circuit connections are routed on two layers without the use of vias, reducing confusion while assembling.
  • A Pre-programmed Microcontroller means you don’t need a specialized microcontroller programmer to get started with the Tap-Tempo Metronome. If you want to experiment with modifying the firmware, an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header is provided to enable easy re-programming.

Technical Information

Requirements

The Tap-Tempo Metronome Kit requires a soldering iron, solder, and a pliers. All the soldering is through-hole, and it isn’t difficult. It may take a soldering newbie around 30 minutes, and an experienced solderer 15 minutes. It’s a great kit to learn to solder with.

Don’t like to solder? Interested in the kit but soldering just turns you off? Why don’t you contact us and let us know.

Buy a kit!

Buy a Tap-Tempo Metronome Kit at the Wayne and Layne online store, or from one of our distributors, like Spikenzie Labs or Maker Shed.

Support and Contact Information

For troubleshooting and other support issues, take a look at the troubleshooting page, or just contact us.