Tiny Hacks

Over time I’ve found “tiny hacks” that can be used to provide new functionality or enhance an electronic device. So far this has mostly related to small music devices, but I hope to publish other “tiny hacks” that I’ve made as well.

“tiny hack” defined

A “tiny hack” to me is one that is simple and reproducible without much knowledge and/or experience with electronics. I try to limit these hacks to simple components (passive components like resistors and switches) and try to avoid using PCBs or something that requires lots of soldering.

A “tiny hack” to me also denotes that I’m doing a hack on a tiny thing. I don’t want to promote hacking your car or your $5000 dollar synthesizer because most often these hacks will void the warranty and I don’t want to put anyone out of a lot of money in case things go awry.

To make that last point more straighforward: these hacks are use at your own risk. They all work well for me and I enjoy them, and I’m happy to help you to utilize them, but beware the inherent risk of tinkering with your electronic device. It may cause damage, it may cause bouts of fun, or a mixture of the two.

Latest tiny hacks

Use an ATTINY85 chip to convert or multiply or divide clock signals A tiny hack using a cheap IC and some potentiometers to convert clocks between synthesizers. Convert Korg Monotron into drone synth A tiny hack using a couple of diodes and a resistor can instantly turn the Monotron into a drone synth. Teenage Engineering PO-32 hands-free mute groups The PO-32 drum machine excels at hand-on beat-making, but a few switches can free up your hands for something else!