Basic Electronics for Artists & Game Devs: 1

A zine developed for Biome Collective workshops that explains how to use a Teensy LC microcontroller to connect a button to your computer. This is often the first step in creating alternative controllers or interactive physical installations.

As it was developed for workshops it's written on the assumption that someone will be present to answer any questions. So although it's reasonably comprehensive there may be some gaps if you're reading it outside of a workshop*.

This is (hopefully) the first of a series of basic electronics zines.

Alternative Options

The Teensy is a general purpose microcontroller; we use it at Biome because it can do a lot more than just connect a button to a computer (it can also accept touch inputs and analogue inputs, for instance). If all you want to do is connect a button (or multiple buttons) to your computer there are simpler options available, for example:

• Makey Makey - If you're in the UK you can buy them from Pimoroni, among other places.
• I-PAC - If you're in the UK you can buy them from Arcade World UK.

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* - One such gap is that it doesn't mention soldering. Most Teensy LCs require you to solder header pins onto the board. If you don't have a soldering iron handy, you can buy a pre-soldered Teensy from Robot Shop.