Make Controller Kit

Programmable controller by MakingThings

What is the Make Controller Kit?

MakingThings has released a new group of products in collaboration with MAKE Magazine. This next generation of controllers is fully programmable and runs on a much more powerful processor, while still providing a simple interface to a variety of desktop programming environments such as Max/MSP, Flash, and Processing.

The kit includes the Controller Board, the Application Board, and a USB cable. This is sufficient to power, program and communicate with the kit.

Created for artists, educators, hobbyists, engineers and design professionals, MakingThings' products are designed to support both beginner and expert users. First time users of electronics can achieve instant gratification, and people with more technical experience find this off-the-shelf functionality instrumental in decreasing development time for their projects.

Uses for the Make Controller Kit

Following are just a few examples of Make Controller Kit uses:

  • Poly Mode: Several simple functions are available by configuring the switch on the board - no programming required. To get this mode working, upload the Heavy bin file into the kit using the MC Helper application.
  • Stand Alone Mode: Write code for the Controller, and load it onto the board. A large and growing library is available to make this easier. To start programming in this mode, download the toolchain, the code base and the MC Helper application. Consult MakingThings' API here.
  • Connected Mode: The board can also act as an interface between your computer and sensors and actuators. The computer communicates with the board either via USB or Ethernet using the very popular OSC protocol. OSC libraries exist for most programming environments including, Max/MSP, Adobe Flash, Supercollider, Pd, Processing, Java, Matlab, PHP, C and C++ and others.

For more detailed information including Guides, Downloads, Patterns, Resources and FAQ, visit MakingThings' website.

Max Development with the Make Controller Kit

MakingThings has a webpage devoted to use with Max (and other software applications. Find the Max-related page here.

Features and Compatibility

  • runs with Mac OS X and Windows XP
  • connects to the computer via USB
  • easy to use Max objects
  • control motors, valves, servos from Max
  • read sensor information into Max
  • network based - co-ordinate complex machines
  • wide range of examples for different purposes
  • helpful downloadable manual

Pricing and Purchasing

The Make Controller Kit is $149 and is available from the Cycling '74 online store. Or, you can order directly from MakingThings.

For More Information...

Contact the MakingThings sales department, if you have any questions about their products. To ask technical questions, join the MakingThings Forum to or email info@makingthings.com.