From Breadboard to Toy: A DIY Kid-Friendly Step-Sequencer Synth

Read Articleadded Nov 17, 2025

A parent with no prior hardware experience built a portable, four-slider step-sequencer synth for his daughter, learning Arduino, PCB design, and 3D printing along the way. He evolved from a MIDI breadboard prototype to a robust PCB-based device with an onboard SAM2695, OLED, and improved power design. While the final build is fun and durable, scaling to a product faces certification and manufacturing hurdles; he’s considering an open-source or small Kickstarter approach.

Key Points

  • Built a four-slider, looping step-sequencer synth with onboard sound, OLED feedback, and a custom 3D-printed enclosure and PCB.
  • Progressed from Arduino MIDI breadboard prototype to an onboard SAM2695 synth and an Elegoo Nano, using Wokwi for simulation.
  • OLED graphics on the Nano hit RAM limits, necessitating partial updates that caused occasional musical lag.
  • First hand-wired build proved fragile; a PCB designed in Fusion 360 and made by JLCPCB delivered robustness and easier assembly.
  • Power redesign moved from unstable 4xAA via VIN to 3xAA with an Adafruit Miniboost for stable 5V; future plans include ESP32 and potential productization tempered by certification/manufacturing challenges.

Sentiment

Overwhelmingly positive, enthusiastic, and supportive. The Hacker News community expresses strong admiration for the project, finding it inspiring and encouraging the author to explore its future development and potential commercialization.

In Agreement

  • The project is highly inspiring.
  • Commenters are keen to see the project evolve further and receive updates.
  • A Kickstarter is considered a good idea for the project's potential future development, aligning with the author's own considerations.