A new Plug and Make Kit challenge! A game of rhythm and creativity

The Arduino Plug and Make Kit is all about unleashing creativity while simplifying the process of turning ideas into reality. It enables everyone to focus on the fun of creating with the power of the UNO R4 WiFi and a user-friendly, modular design – bypassing the complexities of traditional circuit building. 

Case in point: the kit’s intuitive features inspired Loris Bottello to create a project that combines his passion for music with playful interaction. A project he kindly shared with us – and all of you! – with this great step-by-step guide on Project Hub.

Meet Loris Bottello, Plug and Make Kit Star

Bottello worked for years at Arduino as a Senior Product Designer, focusing on Arduino Cloud and Project Hub. An expert at creating user-friendly tools and platforms that empower makers, he was excited to participate in our role-reversing Make Tank – where colleagues from different teams joined efforts to put the Plug and Make Kit to the test. 

It was during one of these in-house sessions that some experimentation with Modulino nodes led to Sync a Song. The concept of syncing music and lights came naturally to Bottello, who is also a singer and guitarist in a rock band.

Sync a Song

Sync a Song is a game for one or two players, reminiscent of vintage reel-to-reel tape recorders: the challenge is to spin two reels at the same speed. When in perfect sync, you’ll see LEDs light up green and hear a song as your reward. Want a new tune? Simply press the buttons on Modulino Buttons to switch tracks!

While you’ll need two Plug and Make Kits to complete this project, assembly is straightforward: just use two Modulino bases connected by Qwiic cables – you can even top them with 3D-printed reels for an authentic retro look. 

And have fun customizing your own version! It’s easy to add a favorite song or tweak the visuals to create your own interactive, creative experience, mixing playful nostalgia and modern tech.

Less (complexity) is more (fun)

For Bottello, the Plug and Make Kit’s biggest strength lies in its simplicity and flexibility. “In the past, I spent a lot of time figuring out circuits and debugging hardware. With the kit, I can dive straight into coding and focus on building an interesting experience,” he explains. By eliminating the need for breadboards, wires, and resistors, the kit allows creators to dedicate more time to refining their ideas and exploring new possibilities.

“The Plug and Make Kit is perfect for experimenting and learning by creating a variety of projects without overthinking the technical setup. It’s a true enabler of creativity.”

So, grab your Plug and Make Kit and check out the full tutorial to recreate Sync a Song: you’ll be bringing your own ideas to life in no time! 

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Project Hub or email creators@arduino.cc to get in touch: we can’t wait to see what you build.

The post A new Plug and Make Kit challenge! A game of rhythm and creativity appeared first on Arduino Blog.