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! 1 2 3 4 go le ’s CONNECT BATTERY TURN IT ON. PINK MODULES GREEN MODULES 18 AND CABLE TO AFFECT MODULES DO SOMETHING. BITS BLUE MODULE. AFTER THEM. WARNING VERY IMPORTANT NOTE RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE SEND US YOUR LOVE • This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can • Several projects in this kit involve the use of a box This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Contact [email protected] with any questions stick together across intestines causing serious infections cutter, grill skewers and/or a hot glue gun. the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part or comments. and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are • These tools should be used ONLY under direct adult 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide swallowed or inhaled. supervision and ONLY by children capable of using them safely. reasonable protection against harmful interference in a www.littleBits.cc • Most littleBits are small parts. DO NOT allow children under residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and 3 years old to play with or near this product. INSTRUCTIONS can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed littleBits Electronics Inc. • NEVER connect any littleBits or circuits to any AC We recommend using littleBits brand 9-volt batteries, but and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause 60 E. 11th Street electrical outlet. standard alkaline or standard rechargeable batteries may also harmful interference to radio communications. However, NY, NY 10003 • Do not touch or hold any moving parts of littleBits while be used. Properly discard and replace exhausted battery. there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a (917)464-4577 they are operating. Do not connect the two battery terminals with any conducting particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful • Keep conductive materials (such as aluminum foil, staples, material. interference to radio or television reception, which can be You are a proud owner of the Deluxe Kit v1 from the paper clips, etc.) away from the circuit and the connector determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is Exploration Series. Over 5 million combinations?! Are you terminals. CARE AND CLEANING encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more serious? Yep, www.littleBits.cc/mathmagic • Always turn off circuits when not in use or when left Clean Bits modules ONLY by wiping with a dry cloth. If of the following measures: unattended. necessary, isopropyl alcohol on a cloth may be used sparingly, • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. An open source project under Creative Commons license • Never use littleBits in or near any liquid. and then wipe with a dry cloth. • Increase the separation between the equipment and and OSHW definition v1.1 • Never use in any extreme environments such as extreme hot or the receiver. cold, high humidity, dust or sand. DO NOT use any other cleaning products on Bits modules. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different littleBits Electronics, Inc. • littleBits are subject to damage by static electricity. Congratulations for reading this fine print. Your dedication from that to which the receiver is connected. Made in Dongguan City, China Handle with care. and persistence will serve you well. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician • Some littleBits may become warm to the touch when used in for help. littleBits, Bits, Circuits in Seconds, and Make Something That certain circuit designs. This is normal. Rearrange modules or Does Something are trademarks of littleBits Electronics, Inc. discontinue using if they become excessively hot. Changes and Modifications not expressly approved by the • Discontinue use of any littleBits that malfunction, become manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void damaged or broken. your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications Commissions rules. MAKE SOMETHING THAT DOES SOMETHINGTM 1 2 3 5 THE TM TM TM CIRCUITS IN SECONDS COLOR CODED ORDER IS IMPORTANT littleBits + littleBitsTM is an expanding littleBitsTM are grouped into 4 different Power Modules always littleBits are justa theyting beginning. L I T T L E B I T S library of modular electronics categories, which are color coded: come first and Input Combine them with craft that snap together with POWER needed in every circuit and the start Modules only affect the materials, building sets, and magnets. of all your creations. Output Modules that other toys to electrify your life. B A S I C S INPUT these Bits modules accept input from come after them. We’ll show you how! , you and the environment and send signals to Gree d a ee the modules that follow. 4 olderin lue a e w no s a B in b OUTPUT these Bits modules DO something– m e al, o pr gra min s ne t o light, buzz, move… MAGNET MAGIC n y o TM o w rin wa re WIRES these Bits modules expand your littleBits snap together with n al e a ou a g reach and change direction–great for helping magnets. The magnets are Y Or d to incorporate littleBits into your projects. always right, you can’t put k a Pin modules together the wrong way. it all strts 9-volt batte & cable include. We recommed usin wt power. . . littleBits brad 9-volt batteries, but stndard alkaline slide it KNOW or stndard recargeable batteries may also be use.

YOUR turn it o TM ad off fees BITS right hre good MODULES POWER p1 BUTTON i3 SLIDE DIMMER i5 This is the Deluxe Kit, Version 1 This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery It’s a classic: big, round, and springy for Move the slider from one end to the other. to supply electricity to your littleBits. Snap in comfortable pressing! Push to turn on and It functions just like a light dimmer you might Learn more and shop for individual the battery + cable (both included) and flip release to turn it off – just like a button on a find at home or a volume fader in a recording Bits Modules at littleBits.cc/Bits the switch to turn it on. keyboard or elevator. studio. Experiment with how it affects output modules that follow. mak some noise experimet wt to actvate bot modes = clockwse= clockwse more sesitv fster clockwse=loger adjust adjust counter- adjust counter- = = clockwse= sesitvity spee clockwse tme counterclockwse less sesitv slower shorter e r bef

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SOUND TRIGGER i20 PULSE i16 TIMEOUT i17 n ou’v This module senses the noise level in your The pulse is like an electronic heartbeat. It This module is like a settable timer. Try it after a button and follow it with a light. Press and y room, and sends an ON signal when it sends out a stream of short ON signals and release the button to start the countdown. In “on-off” mode, the light will go on and the timer o somehn gets over a certain level. You can make that you can make the speed of the pulses faster will start counting down to turn-off time. In “off-on” mode, the light will go out when you release d threshold louder or softer using the included or slower using the included screwdriver. It’s the button and will turn back on after the timer reaches the allotted time. The time ranges from screwdriver. great for making lights blink! approximately 1 second to 5 minutes. do somehn you’v nevr doe befre motion at the sametime. atthe motion it whenyou want light,sound, and trigger to Use asmany moduleto single others. asthree your you littleBits:itlets outputofa connect the givesThe fork you more forconnecting options FORK FORK w 7 b uild i n f u r dir e cto s versa. anOFFsignal, orvice itto changes inverter receives: senditanONsignal,andthe ofwhatever opposite It sendsoutthe it INVERTER w10 l l e’s ge ogica l keep it on. Pressing it again will turn it OFF. itONand once willturn button pressing the after, light a and latch, the of front in button a a button, into an ON/OFF switch. If you place Use latchthe to turn any input, momentary like LATCH w 8 O h old c N or N or i rcu O FF i t building. you ofamodel top putalightat the needto breakto upyour oflittleBits,like chain when your Bitsmodules.Try itwhenever you need The wire allows you physically to separate WIRE WIRE w1 p g rject reat fr s ! = LED light emittn diode almost 4 fee ty out t differet of light servo arms include adjust wt scredrivr R - re G - bed it Tr bot modes gree B - blue

SERVO MOTOR o11 RGB LED o3 LIGHT WIRE o16

A controllable motor that can swing back and forth. It has two The RGB LED is a special light whose color you The light wire’s entire length glows a soft modes: in “Turn” mode, the input from other littleBits determines can adjust. Use the included screwdriver to blue. It’s made of special stuff called the position of the arm – try using your slide dimmer to set the adjust each of the color channels to get almost “electroluminescent wire,” which is great to angle you want. In “Swing” mode, the servo will move back any color. RGB light is what produces every form into glowing shapes. Like safe neon, it’s and forth on its own – the input controls how fast it goes. color from your computer monitor. best to use in the dark. zz bu

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I wrk great wt b u SERVO ACCESSORIES z t slide dimmer z Your servo motor comes with a couple great arms to help z buz you in your projects. Use a Phillips screwdriver* to change the arms. cage directo *not include BUZZER o6 DC MOTOR o5 MOTORMATETM a10 SCREWDRIVER a4

The buzzer is like the sound in an alarm clock: The DC (or “Direct Current”) motor rotates a motorMate works with the DC motor. This This little purple screwdriver it makes a noise that you just can’t ignore. It shaft when you send it an ON signal. The left/ makes it easy to attach wheels, paper, is used to modify any module buzzes whenever it gets an ON signal. Try right switch controls the direction of rotation. cardboard, and lots of other materials to the that has a micro adjuster. using it to make your own doorbell or alarm! Try attaching various things to make windmills, DC motor. Simply slide it on the “D” shape of TM cars, helicopters and more. the shaft. A LEGO axle also fits in the end. tis is a micr adjuster SIREN Pump up the volume. slide dimmer TRY power THESE

atte buzzer d 9V b e a abl CIRCUITS r c ou turn it up, Get started with these, but don’t let us hold t y ec turn it down! n o e you back – every module fits with every co m ! rn e tu ic u other module – feel free to experiment. j

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o d INTRO TO SERVO Control your servo’s position. NOISE MAKER Have fun making your own rhythm. TIMER Learn how to make an alarm clock. power slide dimmer power pulse buzzer power button timeout buzzer

in turn servo mode + use a scredrivr off/o adjust turn me o yep! batte cable hre o to adjust t spee e mode tme m turn ROBOT ARM Learn how to change the speed & angle of your servo. NEON SIGN Make a bright statement. INTRO TO DC MOTOR Get to know the motor. power sound trigger pulse power light wire power button wire DC motor

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servo in swn use scredrivr spin it! o m ode o do’t frge to e e m to adjust spee m conect your batte urn urn t t to t power module CLAP IT Clap your lights on and off. DO THE OPPOSITE Discover the magic of the inverter. TO THE RESCUE Create sirens, light and motion! power sound trigger latch RGB LED power button inverter RGB LED fork slide dimmer buzzer

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yep! batte + adjust sesitvity adjust color wt pulse o e t scredrivr cable hre n m tur RGB LED TIMED MOTION Set how long your DC motor spins for. CLOCK Learn how to make the DC motor tick. do’t frge to power sound trigger timeout DC motor power pulse DC motor conect your batte to t power module wire DC motor

adjust spee wt off/o adjust tme wt o mode t scredrivr e t scredrivr n m tur TRY THESE PROJECT 1: How can electronics help spread laughs? AND it INVENT in p TICKLE YOUR FRIENDS

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TICKLE MACHINE PROJECTS (ad dust your bookshlf) 1 Tickle Machine 8 Birthday Candle 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Prank Handshake 9 Stomping Shoes power wire DC motor 3 Auto Greeter 10 Surprise Party 4 Truck Crane 11 Flickering Lantern 5 Art Bot 12 Cat Nap 6 Dancing Signs 13 Unihorn Helmet a wre to exted ad bed 7 Glowing 14 Honking Tricycle always conect batte ad cable Handlebars 15 Robot to power module EED LL N 2 U’ O TIME: 15 mins Y

DIFFICULTY: plus t Attc featrs Enhanced instructions plus tons more motorMate to t motMate projects online, littleBits.cc/deluxe featrs Tr otr materials too! PROJECT 2: Want to trick a friend? We’ll show you how! PRANK HANDSHAKE 2 Put t circuit o your hnd ad arm usin rubber bads 1 Strt wt tis circuit power wire button wire buzzer hde circuits under log sleevs n i not

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EED How ese ca you surprise your LL N U’ 3 Go ahad, shk a hnd, O frieds usin littleBits? TIME: 15 mins Y SURPRISE YOUR FRIENDS! DIFFICULTY: rubber bads assume notin 1 AUTO GREETER PROJECT 3: DIFFICULTY: TIME: power t c d o tp S onect o’t trt wtti 15 mins How can you use a servo to imitate ahumanwave? How canyou useaservo f r

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i f Y S W OMEONE OU LOVE AVE 5 T O ! PROJECT 4: How can you use a servo to pick things up? 4 2 3 TRUCK CRANE PICK THINGS UP! 1 Strt wt tis circuit Rubber bad t paperclip to power slide dimmer use slide dimmer to t otr ed cotol t crae arm

Bed t paperclip to mak a hook! servo in turn mode

o e n m tur Wht otr EED LL N materials ca pick U’ O Rubber bad t TIME: 30 mins Y tins up? Tr tpe DIFFICULTY: stck to t servo or a frk! rubber paper posicle bads clip stck PROJECT 5: How can you build a device to draw for you? 4 Wht otr tools ART BOT Rubber bad togehr ca you draw wt? 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 batte cable ad insert 3 Put it o paper, your carcoal or markr turn it o ad power DC motor Put o t LET IT DRAW! use t motMate motorMate

do’t¡ frge to conec¡ t your batte ay knd of markn Tuck batte under DC mot to¡ t power module device is fine tm EED ad attc wt rubber bad Attc LEGO axle LL N U’ O ad whe TIME: 30 mins Y Do’t hv a axle or¡ DIFFICULTY: whe? Mak oe! markr carcoal rubber LEGOtm whe bads axle PROJECT 6: How can you use the inverter to activate two different and opposite motions? 4 DANCING SIGNS 2 Mak2 signs out of paper 1 Strt wt tis circuit Ge creatv! Tr power pulse DC motor inverter differet shpes or caracters.

servo in swn mode 3 Attc t signs to t Bits modules rs adjust spee r er

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motMate e EED LL N oto servo U’ O WATCH WHAT THEY DO! TIME: 30 mins Y DIFFICULTY: markr scissors tpe costucto paper PROJECT 7: How can you brighten up your bike for night rides? 4 2 Rubber bad batte 3 Tie t batte ad circuit to your cable arund t batte fnt hndlebar post wt stin Wrap t light wre GLOWING HANDLEBARS arund your hndle- 1 Strt wt tis circuit bars ad RIDE ON! power light wire Whre ese ca you wrap t light wre? rs r er do’t frge to y hre a

e conect your batte to t power module ad hre mbrac e EED LL N U’ O TIME: 30 mins Y STAY SAFE! use DIFFICULTY: additoal lights at night rubber stin bik bads PROJECT 8: Create an electronic alternative to the classic birthday candle. 4 2 Use rubber bads to conect BIRTHDAY CANDLE a posicle stck to t back 1 of t littleBits Stck t posicle Strt wt tis circuit stck in a cak. . . sound RGB power wire trigger latch inverter LED 3 Blow o t flame to turn it o ad off! Cut out tssue paper in t shpe of a flame

always conect your adjust cage Tape t flame to batte ad turn me o sesitvity colors t fnt of t RGB LED EED LL N U’ O TIME: 30 mins Y How old are you? DIFFICULTY: Create a custom cadle shpe. rubber tpe scissors posicle tssue bads stck paper PROJECT 9: Going to a dance party? Create a fun accessory! 3 2 Rubber bad t circuit STOMPING SHOES to your lower leg

1 Strt wt tis circuit START DANCING! sound power trigger latch light wire Wht otr clotin ca you attc t bed it light wre to?

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o e n m tur EED LL N U’ tn weav t light O TIME: 60 mins Y wre trugh t holes, DIFFICULTY: use tpe whn neee rubber tpe shoes bads PROJECT 10: Throwing a surprise party? Use the timeout! 4 2 Decorate ad 3 Bed light wre into SURPRISE PARTY fork wire DC motor cut out a sign t shpe of t message 1 Strt wt tis circuit power button timeout

buzzer use tpe to kep t shpe plus t Put sign in adjust motorMate t motMate always conect your batte tme to t power module

EED LL N wire light U’ O TIME: 60 mins Y wire DIFFICULTY: Create a custom message. Tr SURPRISE YOUR FRIEND! markr scissors tpe costucto writn a fried’s name wt paper t light wre. And now a brief intermission from the projects. st Find out 10 coole t wre . . . s to attc fiest igh . . . 5 way goo o wear t l party creatn t VISIT US AT ways t life of t ques fr t why pulse is t . . 10 tecni . Find ou why t mot . butto . . ervo bout t musicia! als to t s ’t know a ou are a materi didn . . . Y TM LITTLEBITS.CC/TIPS littleBit + cardboard s . . . 6 tins you importnt itFee eeball most er . . . b ! It could is t secod at away FOR SOME t wre of playin t buzz rw t ightn stcal art . . . Do’t t ay l ques em ehnces y Learn t my et tecni usehold it . . . Pla eret attcm . . Wht ho und tigger AMAZING – 5 diff xt prject . f t so may wres your ne ways to se of . . . How . . . 7 fun DC mot out! . . . tasfrm ow you it to t be? Find ? We’ll sh ttcin cle t glo TIPS & TRICKS prject r fod by a to cir ( wt you wuld it tk ) PROJECT 11: How can you use littleBits to imitate a flame? 2 Makt to 3 Glue circles o to of cup 4 Mak bottom of latern FLICKERING LANTERN of t latern Trace cup 1 Strt wt tis circuit again power wire pulse RGB LED

adjust spee Trace big side always conect your of flickr adjust color of cup o cardboard batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always 3-4 tmes tn cut tm out module use with an adult. EED shrp! LL N U’ be careful! Draw bigger circle O TIME: 60 mins Y oe ed arund ad cut it out! DIFFICULTY: Do’t cut t inner circle. box glue cardboard plastc markr pipe Mak 3-4 of tse cutter cup cleaers big circles! 10 5 Put littleBits 6 Put to of latern o 7 Cut hole to reac 9 Decorate! in latern cardboard base t power swtc First, glue togehr big circles

Create your own hndle GO EXPLORE OUTSIDE! littleBits sit o to of circles 8 Glue or tpe cup to base Mak a “X” out of pipe cleaer. You could Tape littleBits also ty usin ribbo or in place stin or¡ paper stips! Do you wat a blue stobe or re blinkn light? Use t scredrivr to experimet. PROJECT 12: How can you use littleBits to create an alarm without sound? CAT NAP 2 Find box 3 Place tse littleBits o t fnt of t box

1 Strt wt tis circuit cut hole fr power wire button timeout wire Cut a hole t servo tn in t back Leav rom tpe in place tre! Pok holes Pok hole of t box to fee wres fr power swtc trugh

off/o adjust servo PRO TIP mode tme in swn : you ca o e mode disconect t n m tur STAY SAFE! Always wre hre use with an adult. EED LL N U’ O TIME: 60 mins Y DIFFICULTY:

box scissors tpe rubber pe box featrs posicle stin push pin cutter bads stcks 7 4 Place t otr littleBits 5 Rubber bad t servo 6 inside t back of t box to t posicle stck Hag abov be stin use pushpin AND hre to ! TIME or ty attc to NAP t wall ET A A playin wt S your cat! Put “Alarm Featrs” TAKE o t servo

Wht otr material ca wak you up? PROJECT 13: Invent a magical accessory for nighttime bike riding. 2 Measure ad cut a piece of cardboard 3 Mak t inner horn stucture 4 Roll t inner horn UNIHORN HELMET to fit alog t to of your hlme stucture in colore Cut cardboard tiagles paper 1 Strt wt tis circuit pok tw tat wll interlock holes hre power wire pulse light wire Wht shpe ad size shrp! wll your horn be? be careful!

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o spee e n m tur STAY SAFE! Always use with an adult. EED LL N U’ O Slide tm TIME: 2.5 hrs Y togehr DIFFICULTY: Inner Horn Stucture Secure wt tpe box tpe bik cardboard colore tssue pipe cutter hlme paper paper cleaers 11 5 Fee light wre up trugh 7 Tape t base of t horn 9 t base of t horn ad to t cardboard ad tpe out trugh t to t rest of t Bits modules Tie t back of as wel t cardboard down wt a pipe cleaer

Use t excess light wre 6 8 10 Add hir! Fold ad cut to secure t cardboard to tssue paper. Giv it a t hlme at t fnt fluff ad tpe it to t Wrap t light wre down ad arund Mak your t horn, leav some exta at t ed to of t cardboard. own creature. How may horns does it exta hv? RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET! Tie down t cardboard base wt t light wre PROJECT 14: Build an intelligent vehicle with multiple functions. 2 Cut famcore base usin cutter ad ruler HONKING TRICYCLE shrp! be careful! 1 cut slot down Strt wt tis circuit ceter tat is 4 inces power sound RGB latch wire DC motor wire inverter pulse buzzer wde eough fr a trigger LED piece of famcore tis is t back, to slide in leav space hre 7 inces 3 Mak axle holder wt famcore adjust wt adjust spee ad glue to t back of t base scredrivr to plus t of t hok STAY SAFE! Always tat’s oe serious base be less sesitv motorMate o t use with an adult. circuit you got tre! attc t EED LL N U’ O glue o TIME: 2 hrs Y DIFFICULTY: punce holes ed

box hot glue wod grill tpe markr ruler hole- plastc famcore colore posicle 4 inces cutter skwers puncer cup paper stcks 9 4 Mak back whes 6 Makad mount t fnt whe 8 Place littleBits o to of base tuck batte glue cut out a tace a cup buzzer underneat hre larger whe under hre ad stck t Decorate Tr differet posicle stck ad RIDE ON! size circles fr trugh t your whes ceter Mak a loud noise to ride o, mak cut out 2 circles aotr loud noise to 5 Mak t back axle 7 Cut off ed of posicle stck, tn tpe down sto ad hok attc whe to motMate pok skwer trugh circle ad put a dab tpe modules of glue. . . down o base . . . carefully cut t point off. . . motMate . . . tn tread trugh axle holder ad tn add t otr whe posicle stck use scredrivr to se how PROJECT 15: Give life to a cardboard box. se rbot’s spee o/off log your rbot rlls 2 Cut a flap in t ROBOT mode timeout wire slide dimmer wire DC motor back of a box. We use a tssue box. 1 Strt wt tis circuit pulse Wht do you sound power trigger wire hv at home?

3 Use a small cup to tace 3 circles o card- buzzer RGB LED plus t adjust motorMate board. Mark t ceter ad cut tm out. o e sesitvity shrp! m STAY SAFE! Always turn be careful! use with an adult. swn EED servo LL N mode See this tutorial with video (1x) 2.5 in U’ O diameer TIME: 2 hrs Y extras at littleBits.cc/deluxe DIFFICULTY: Thse are your rbot’s whes! box hot glue wod grill tpe ruler plastc paper posicle (2x) 1.5 inc Tr otr sizes! box cardboard diameer cutter skwers cup stcks 4 Cut slots fr cardboard 5 Pok holes in ceter of smaller 6 Stck a posicle stck 7 Place mot wt mot- 8 Place a cardboard whes in base of t box whes. Stck t skwer trugh trugh t ceter of t Mate ad whe in t ceter shlf inside box. whes ad cut to size. shrp! 2.5 inc cardboard whe slot of t box base A little loger be careful! ta 1.5 inces axle

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1.5 in hot glue shlf t axle hre We recommed A little loger Cut t posicle Tape littleBits You ca bed a piece tis size, but you ta 2.5 inces stck down ad fit down wel hre! of cardboard to mak ca ty otrs! into motMate t shlf! cut hole fr servo 12 9 Conect Bits modules ad stck trugh box, 10 Use a smaller box to 11 ad tpe down tpe in place mak t rbot had inside o shlf slide dimmer adjusts spee of Tape or glue rbot whe had to t to cut out small of t box holes fr t eyes¡ MAKE NOISE TO se tme out to Wht wll your rbot’s GET HIM ROLLING! Se pulse o-off mode ees look lik? Mak 2 arms ad fee buzzer ad RGB tpe to servo ad otr LED trugh to of large side of t box box, tn stck inside Keep makn noise to small box ad tpe down ge hm to wav to you!

Adjust se tme to sound tigger whtevr you lik wt scredrivr MAKE SOMETHING THAT DOES SOMETHINGTM This booklet’s over but the fun’s not done. Want More? You got it! EXPLORATION SERIES m LITTLEBITS.CC/UPLOAD ov it Upload your project and you may be handsomely rewarded. We regularly feature awesome community projects and send out exclusive gifts.

Visit us online where we’ve got tons more projects and tips and tricks for every Bits module. Check out other littleBits in the expanding library. Base Kit Premium Kit INDIVIDUAL BITSTM MODULES Online we’ll show you how to make this great SWIMMING SHARK www.littleBits.cc/shark MORE! AKE additos ad M reat Kit TONS MORE PROJECTS at ome g euxe pressure sensor motion trigger bargraph fan www.littleBits.cc/deluxe S r D to you plus littleBit Bundles & Boost It Packs. . . available here www.littleBits.cc/products it all strts 9-volt wt power. . . batte slide it ad cable KNOW include = clockwse fster YOUR turn it o counter- TM ad off spee clockwse= BITS right hre slower MODULES POWER p1 SLIDE DIMMER i5 PULSE i16 This is the Premium Kit, Version 1 This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery Move the slider from one end to the other. The pulse is like an electronic heartbeat. It to supply electricity to your littleBits. Snap in It functions just like a light dimmer you might sends out a stream of short ON signals. You Learn more and shop for individual the battery + cable (both included) and flip find at home or a volume fader in a recording can make the speed of the pulses faster or Bits Modules at littleBits.cc/Bits the switch to turn it on. studio. Experiment with how it affects output slower using the included screwdriver. It’s Bits modules that follow. great for making LEDs blink! 1SFNJVN
,JU mak some noise to actvate experimet wt close mode= squeeze it bot modes seds signal whn presse clockwse= more sesitv oe mode= seds signal counter- adjust whn reease clockwse= sesitvity less sesitv

PRESSURE SENSOR i11 SOUND TRIGGER i20 ROLLER SWITCH i19

This is a touch-activated module; give its pad a little squeeze to This module senses the noise level in your The roller switch is handy -- it has a little lever activate it. Pressure sensors allow your game controller to know room, and sends an ON signal when it with a wheel and activates when something how hard you’re pressing. The more pressure you apply, the gets over a certain level. You can make that presses it – just like inside your fridge. You can more current it sends out. Put it in front of your vibration motor threshold louder or softer using the included also flip the mode switch to make it turn off and control how much it shakes! screwdriver. when the lever is pushed in. build in fur directos your vibrato mot comes wt a vibeSnap already attce great fr bed it prjects!

Create sound light it ad moto BRANCH w2 WIRE w1 VIBRATION MOTOR o4 LONG LED o2

The branch gives you more options for The wire allows you to physically separate The vibration motor is very similar to the device The long LED (or “Light-Emitting Diode”) is connecting your littleBits: it lets you connect the your littleBits. Try it whenever you need to that makes your cellphone shake when you another lighting option. We call it the “long” output of a single module to as many as three break up your chain of littleBits, like when get a text. You can make anything vibrate LED because the light is tethered to the board others, oriented in different directions. It’s just you need to put a light at the top of a model and buzz. The vibeSnap helps you connect to by a cable. This lets you put the light in some like a power strip. building. paper, tin foil, a pipecleaner... interesting places. cool it

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SERVO MOTOR o11 FAN o13

A controllable motor that can swing back and forth. It has two Yep, just what you’d think: a small modes: in “Turn” mode, the input from other littleBits determines electric fan tethered to a littleBits the position of the arm – try using your slide dimmer to set the module. Use your little fan to create angle you want. In “Swing” mode, the servo will move back fluttering movement in your creations and forth on its own – the input controls how fast it goes. or just to keep yourself cool. We recommed usin littleBits brad 9-volt batteries, but stndard alkaline or stndard recargeable batteries may also be use.

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SERVO ACCESSORIES VIBESNAPTM a17 SCREWDRIVER a4 BATTERY AND CABLE a1

Your servo motor comes with a couple great You’ll find this little guy attached to your This little purple screwdriver is used to modify This Kit contains a 9-volt alkaline battery and arms to help you in your projects. Use a vibration motor. The vibeSnap helps you attach any littleBit that has a micro adjuster. a cable to connect it to the power module. Phillips screwdriver* to change the arms. stuff – like paper or tin foil – to your vibration Connect it and then flip the switch to power all motor. Remember to keep it light! of your creations!

*not include Chill out and feel the breeze. PERSONAL FAN slide dimmer TRY power fan THESE power

9V batte le a d cab t CIRCUITS ur slide i yo Get started with these, but don’t let us hold ct ne

co o ! e you back – every module fits with every e m ic rn u tu j other module – feel free to experiment.

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o d INTRO TO SERVO ROBOT ARM INTRUDER ALERT Create your own security system. Control your servo’s position. Learn how to change the speed & angle of your servo. roller vibration power switch motor power slide dimmer power sound trigger pulse

servo servo in swn

batte + use scredrivr o yep! batte cable hre mode e in turn n m mak noise! to adjust spee tur mode EYEBALLS MAKE SOME NOISE Transform sound into light. BACK MASSAGER Keep calm and vibe on. Branch out with two long LEDs vibration long LED power sound trigger long LED power pressure pulse wire power sensor motor

branch build in 4 directos!

long LED

squeeze it! e o adjust sesitvity m turn wt a scredrivr vibe it! TRY THESE PROJECT 1: Cool down and camp out. 3 AND INVENT PROJECTS YOUR OWN COOLING CAMPFIRE 1 Cooling Campfire 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Fee whc ed air 2 Hypnotizing Wheel pressure is comin out fm, power sensor fan 3 Auto Greeter ad attc tssue paper to tat side

4 Truck Crane n usin tpe! i not 5 Funny Face ssume 6 Drawer Alarm always conect turn a COOL 7 Box Monster batte ad cable me OFF BY to power module o 8 Bristle Bot THE EED LL N FIRE! 9 U’ Bubble Flute O Plus tons more TIME: 30 mins Y 10 Playful Pet cut colore Do’t hv projects online DIFFICULTY: tssue paper to ay? Tr look lik flames littleBits.cc/premium scissors tpe tssue tssues or paper featrs PROJECT 2: Create a simple machine to hypnotize your friends! 4 HYPNOTIZING WHEEL 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Draw a hypno circle o 3 Attc paper whe to fn wt sound HYPNOTIZE power fan paper ad tn cut it out tpe (o t fn piece tat spins) trigger YOUR FRIENDS! you are getn vr sleepy. . . n i not ssume a speak hre

o me use a scredrivr to rn tu adjust sesitvity EED LL N U’ Wht otr O TIME: 15 mins Y patterns do DIFFICULTY: you find mesmerizin? markr scissors tpe paper tpe PROJECT 3: How can you use a servo to imitate a human wave? 5 2 Trace hnd o paper 3 Tape paper 4 Use a scredrivr AUTO GREETER ad cut it out hnd to servo to adjust pulse if you wat to wav errrs

1 Strt wt tis circuit y

fster or slower a

e

power pulse mbrac e

servo in swn mode do’t frge to conect your batte Wht ese ca to t power module you aimate wt EED LL N t servo? U’ O WAVE TO TIME: 15 mins Y DIFFICULTY: SOMEONE YOU LOVE! markr scissors tpe costucto paper PROJECT 4: How can you use a servo to pick things up? 4 2 3 TRUCK CRANE PICK THINGS UP! errrs y 1 Strt wt tis circuit Rubber bad t a e paperclip to power slide dimmer use slide dimmer to mbrac t otr ed e cotol t crae arm

Bed t paperclip to mak a hook! servo in swn mode

o e m turn EED LL N U’ O Rubber bad t Wht otr TIME: 30 mins Y materials ca DIFFICULTY: stck to t servo pick tins up? rubber paper posicle Tr tpe or a bads clip stck frk! PROJECT 5: Make someone smile with this silly project. 2 Draw a fce o t plate ad cut 3 FUNNY FACE out holes fr ees ad mout pressure sesor 1 Strt wt tis circuit log LEDs long LED power pressure vibration sensor wire motor

branch

long LED

o e Stck littleBits trugh rn m tu holes ad put t fam EED LL N vibeSnap balls o t log LEDs U’ O TIME: 30 mins Y Do’t hv fam balls? DIFFICULTY: Draw ears ad Tr cotto balls! markr scissors tpe costucto fam paper togue o paper ad paper balls plate tn cut tm out 6 4 Tape ear to pressure 5 Ths is wht t sesor o t back of back looks lik PRESS EAR t plate See this tutorial with video EYES extras at littleBits.cc/premium LIGHT UP

use vibeSnap to TONGUE attc t togue tpe WAGS littleBits down PROJECT 6: How can you design a system to prevent someone from going through your things? 4 DRAWER ALARM PROTECT YOUR THINGS! 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Insert t vibrato 3 Tape t circuit to t roller vibration mot into t jinle bel inside of your drawer power switch wire motor mak sure t rller is abov drawer

in oe mode do’t¡ frge to conec¡ t your batte ad turn me o EED LL N U’ O TIME: 30 mins Y DIFFICULTY: Wht otr material wuld mak a loud noise? WHAT HAPPENS tpe drawer jinle WHEN YOU OPEN bel YOUR DRAWER? And now a brief intermission from the projects. ato . . . 5 15 ways t vibr party ff mov wt life of t ues fr creatn stu ulse is t 10 tecniq VISIT US AT to mak ut why t p t . . . st Find o rvo mo od mo TM ot . . . ls to t se t sec + m eria t wre is itFee o attc mat ut why fn . . . b LITTLEBITS.CC/TIPS ways t s . . . Find o at est eeball o levitte wt t ’t trw t t goofi earn how t . . . Do it . . . L t tecniques item nt littleB tcme t household FOR SOME import eret at ject . . . Wh se off rd – 5 diff ext pr ys to cardboa . . . 7 fun wa . . tasfrm your n l show you ot . ! It could ject? We’l vibrato m AMAZING away n pr oise wt t d out! ay light o mak n globe? Fin ehnces 5 ways t cle t e igger . . . k to cir ow to us TIPS & TRICKS d t uld it t tps fr h t soun y wres w more eBits! ( How ma . . . plus lots your littl ) PROJECT 7: Talk to the hand! long 2 Find a box ad cut it in hlf 3 Pokholes fr BOX MONSTER LED t log LEDs (ey¡ es) 1 Strt wt tis circuit roller vibration power wire switch wire motor

branch cut tree sides but NOT t furt

ty bot modes shrp! always conect your be careful! batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always vibrato Mak holes module use with an adult. mot fr t EED LL N vibrato U’ bed in hlf O TIME: 60 mins Y long to mak a mot DIFFICULTY: LED puppe shpe rller ad rller swtc box tpe fam box costucto cutter balls paper 6 4 Tape littleBits in place inside t box 5 Decorate! cut out a crazy OPEN AND CLOSE togue shpe. . . Slide o your styrfam balls. THE BOX PUPPET AND WATCH HIS TONGUE SHAKE!

. . . ad attc it to t vibeSnap

use markrs, paint, glitter, colore paper Ca you tink of ad aytin ese you ca tink of to mak aytin ese tat your moster uniquey yours wuld mak good glowy ees? Tr pin Got some cool colors or decorating pog balls. techniques? We want to see your Box Monster! Upload it here littleBits.cc/upload PROJECT 8: How can you make a robot from a toothbrush? 2 Hav a adult cut t 3 Attc t vibrato mot to 4 Now, attc t bristles to BRISTLE BOT had off a tootbrush t back side of t bristles t actual vibrato module 1 Strt wt tis circuit use a rubber bad power slide dimmer wire vibration use scissors motor or wre cutters be careful!

use tpe 5 Draw ad cut out your always conect your batte mov it BristleBot design to t power module STAY SAFE! Always use with an adult. EED LL N evr U’ use scissors or O BristleBot is TIME: 60 mins Y a box cutter DIFFICULTY: differet box markr tpe glue scissors rubber fuzzy cardboard toot- pipe cutter bads balls brush cleaers 9 6 Wrap t cardboard base 7 Glue t body to t base 8 Mak a cotol box arund t bristles ad glue Cotol your or tpe in place cut out tis shpe Bristle Bot Buddy’s to fld into a BUZZY DANCE mak your rbot rectnular tube hppy, sad, crazy, silly or whtevr you wat!

put t slide mak sure t dimmer ad bristles stck out batte inside t bottom hre

decorate hm wt do’t frge pipecleaers ad to cut t slot use a rubber bad to fuzzy balls. . . fr t slide conect your batte to dimmer your slide dimmer PROJECT 9: Create bubbles with the sound of your voice. 2 Cut a hole in t 3 Place fn o t hole 4 Tape in place BUBBLE FLUTE bottom of t cup you just made mak sure no air escapes 1 Strt wt tis circuit trugh t seal sound power trigger fan esure fn shrp! blows be careful! air into cup always conect your batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always module EED use with an adult. LL N U’ O TIME: 60 mins Y DIFFICULTY: box duct tpe rubber bubble plastc ruler cutter bads soluto cup 9 5 Tape to t ed 6 Conect Bits modules to otr ed 8 Dip t rim of t cup in of a ruler of t ruler wt rubber bads a bowl wt bubble soluto Blow into sound tigger ad watc t bubbles come out PRO TIP: do’t hv bubble 7 Use t scredrivr to soluto? mix adjust t sesitvity dishsoap wt of t sound tigger to water your likn

BUBBLES! Wht otr sounds mak t bubbles blow? Tr clappin, sinin or stompin. PROJECT 10: How can you use littleBits to create your own interactive friend? 2 Find a box to be 4 Put hot glue o PLAYFUL PET t dog’s body t to of 4 cups long LED 1 Strt wt tis circuit 3 Cut piece of cardboard pressure vibration to be t dog’s had power sensor wire motor wire pulse

branch

long LED servo

o tat’s oe serious swn mode e STAY SAFE! Always rn m Place tm under tu use with an adult. circuit you got tre! We’ll EED t box as fee! LL N decorate U’ x4 x2 O TIME: 2.5 hrs Y it later! DIFFICULTY: -or- Hot glue t Wht ese wuld mak scissors box hot glue glue tpe plastc cardboard box costucto bel fam stin had o t side of t box good fee? cutter cup paper balls 10 5 Insert littleBits 6 Decorate your dog! 8 Tie stin wt bel arund neck PET AND Back of t had into t dog’s SEE TAIL WAG! body shrp! be careful Cut hole fr Draw ad cut whn cuttn! pressure sesor out ears, nose, Th stin wll keep til, ad spots t bel in place

Cut hole fr t power swtc 7 Add styrfam balls ad bel 9 Add spot of paper ovr pressure log LEDs sesor ad add til Glue ears Pok holes Put LEDs into balls Th servo fr t ees ad Tape til is t til! vibrato t togue Glue nose o servo mot Ths is whre you’ll Th behnd Frnt of t had Put vibrato pe your dog! mot into t bel This booklet’s over but the fun’s not done. Want More? You got it! LITTLEBITS.CC/UPLOAD EXPLORATION SERIES Upload your project and you may be handsomely rewarded. We regularly feature awesome community projects and send out exclusive gifts. light it Visit us online where we’ve got tons more projects and tips and tricks for every Bits module. Check out other littleBits in the expanding library. Base Kit Deluxe Kit INDIVIDUAL BITSTM MODULES Online we’ll show you how to make this great PIGGY BANK e it www.littleBits.cc/piggy squeez MORE! AKE additos ad M reat Kit TONS MORE PROJECTS at mium light sensor motion trigger DC motor RGB LED www.littleBits.cc/premium Some gr Pre to you plus littleBits Bundles & Boost It Packs. . . available here www.littleBits.cc/products it all strts 9-volt wt power. . . batte ad cable KNOW include

YOUR turn it o TM ad off BITS right hre MODULES POWER p1 BUTTON i3 This is the Base Kit, Version 1 This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery Big, round, and springy for comfortable to supply electricity to your littleBits. Snap in pressing! Push to turn on, and release to e. Learn more and shop for individual e bef r turn off. nev r do the battery + cable (both included) and flip do some h n you’v Bits Modules at littleBits.cc/Bits the switch to turn it on. #BTJD
,JU tis is t actual light sesor MODE SWITCH cotols whtr t module twst it great fr prjects! is sesin light or dark Use t scredrivr accessor to cotol t sesitvity hre.

LIGHT SENSOR i13 DIMMER i6 WIRE w1

The light sensor measures how much light is shining on it. In “light” mode, the more light shines Our dimmer lets you control your creations with The wire allows you to physically separate on the sensor, the higher the signal it sends out. In “dark” mode, it’s just the opposite – the signal a simple knob, just like the volume on your stereo. your Bits modules. Try it whenever you need increases the darker it gets. Turn it clockwise to send more signal to the to break up your chain of littleBits, like when following Bits modules. Try using it to control the you need to put a light at the top of a model volume of the buzzer or speed of the DC motor. building. zz bu

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BRIGHT LED o14 BARGRAPH o9 BUZZER o6 DC MOTOR o5

A small littleBit with a big light, just like a bike The bargraph is one of our favorite Bits modules: The buzzer is like the sound in an alarm clock: The DC (or “Direct Current”) motor rotates a light. Like our other LED modules, it’s a great it has five LEDs in different colors that light up it makes a noise that you just can’t ignore. It shaft when you send it an ON signal. The left/ way to shed some light on your creations. to show you how much signal the module is buzzes whenever it gets an ON signal. Try right switch controls the direction of rotation. Choose the bright LED when you want a LOT receiving. using it to make your own doorbell or alarm! Try attaching various things to make windmills, of bright white light. cars, helicopters, and more. We recommed usin littleBits brad 9-volt batteries, but stndard alkaline or stndard recargeable batteries may tis is a micr adjuster also be use.

MOTORMATETM a10 SCREWDRIVER a4 BATTERY AND CABLE a1 motorMate works with the DC motor. This This little purple screwdriver is used to modify This Kit contains a 9-volt alkaline battery and makes it easy to attach wheels, paper, any littleBit that has a micro adjuster. a cable to connect it to the power module. cardboard, and lots of other materials to the Connect it and then flip the switch to power all DC motor. Simply slide it on the “D” shape of of your creations! the shaft. A LEGOTM axle also fits in the end. TRY “MY VERY FIRST CIRCUIT” dimmer bargraph THESE power CIRCUITS power Get started with these but don’t let us V batte a d 9 hold you back – every module fits able light ur c twst it it yo ct with every other module – feel free ne

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power light sensor bargraph power light sensor bargraph buzzer t! buzz i

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o sese it do’t frge to e mode m turn conect your batte to t power module INTRO TO DC MOTOR Get to know the motor. CAR SPEED Speed it up, slow it down. SIREN

flash it power button wire DC motor power dimmer DC motor Pump up the volume.

power

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t LED urn m push it spin it cage e o yep! batte + cable hre directo PROJECT 1: How can electronics help spread laughs? it in p TICKLE YOUR FRIENDS

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TICKLE MACHINE PROJECTS (ad dust your bookshlf) 1 Tickle Machine TRY THESE 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Prank Handshake AND INVENT power wire DC motor 3 The Night Rider YOUR OWN

4 Flashlight n i not 5 Art Bot ssume 6 Doorbell always conect turn me o a wre to exted ad bed a 7 Lil’ Breezy batte ad cable to power module 8 Three Wheeler EED LL N 2 U’ O TIME: 15 mins Y

DIFFICULTY: plus t Attc featrs Tons more projects online motorMate to t motMate www.littleBits.cc/base featrs Tr otr materials too! PROJECT 2: Want to trick a friend? We’ll show you how! PRANK HANDSHAKE 2 Put t circuit o your hnd ad arm usin rubber bads 1 Strt wt tis circuit power wire button wire buzzer hde circuits under log sleevs n i not ssume a turn me o stec it

EED LL N How ese ca you U’ 3 Go ahad, shk a hnd, O TIME: 15 mins Y surprise your SURPRISE YOUR FRIENDS! DIFFICULTY: frieds usin littleBits? rubber bads PROJECT 3: How can you create a light that only turns on at night? 4

THE NIGHT RIDER Hag it o your errrs

1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Rubber bad batte 3 Cut a hole in t bik ad RIDE ON! y a

e power light bargraph cable in a loo bottom of t cup mbrac

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ad pull t cable Do’t hv loo trugh a cup? t hole o dark mode, Wht otr do’t frge to adjust sesitvity materials conect your batte STAY SAFE! Always ca glow? to t power module use with an adult. EED tis is t beginnin LL N U’ O of your circuit TIME: 30 mins Y shrp! (t power module) careful! STAY SAFE! use DIFFICULTY: additoal lights at night box plastc bik cutter cup PROJECT 4: Illuminate your way with household materials. 3

FLASHLIGHT Turn it o ad go errrs

EXPLORING WITH y 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Put circuit in tube a

e YOUR FLASHLIGHT! power button wire bright LED mbrac e

esure tat LED bright ad whte turn me o light fces out batte inside We use a cup to tube diffuse t LED. EED LL N PRO TIP: Wht ca you ty? U’ you O TIME: 30 mins Y ca put a clear DIFFICULTY: plastc cup in t ed wrap wt to diffuse t light. rubber bads rubber tube plastc bads cup PROJECT 5: How can you build a device to draw for you? 4 ART BOT Wht otr tools ca Rubber bad togehr you draw wt? 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 batte cable ad insert 3 Put it o paper, your carcoal or markr turn it o ad power DC motor Put o t LET IT DRAW! use t motMate motorMate

do’t¡ frge to conec¡ t your batte ay knd of markn Tuck batte under DC mot to¡ t power module device is fine ad attc wt rubber bad tm EED Attc LEGO axle LL N U’ O ad whe TIME: 30 mins Y DIFFICULTY: Do’t hv a axle or¡ whe? Mak oe! markr carcoal rubber LEGOtm whe bads axle And now a brief intermission from the projects. ur o wt yo sicia! 10 ways t . . . Play re a mu ur dimmer . . You a why t te yo DC mot . Find out VISIT US AT decora it to t er . . . se attcin yin t buzz to diffu fod by art of pla it . . . 12 ways met mystcal nt littleB t attc LITTLEBITS.CC/TIPS Learn t import 5 differe ext ost M – ur n ecod m T + oard wre is t s ee cardb uld tasfrm yo D . . . bitF ! It co ect? We’ll FOR SOME ht LE tat away rj t brig ’t trw es ay lightn p t do a . . . Do ehnc o . . . Wh tecniques item butt ge t household w about t ways to AMAZING . . . Wh didn’t kno you . . . 3 prject ns you e’ll show !) . . . How u . . . 6 ti mo? W sor show yo in com t light se glob e? baby hv (hnt: use cle t TIPS & TRICKS ad a t dark tk to cir buzzer r fear of res wuld it ( ovr you may w Find out! ) PROJECT 6: Deck out your bedroom door. Mak cut rectnle 2 Find a box ad cut t bottom off 4 to fit size to DOORBELL of box piece 1 Strt wt tis circuit shrp! be careful! power wire button wire dimmer bargraph buzzer cut hole to line up wt butto o base 3 Place modules in box ad 5 Cut out decoratv doorbel adjust t volume tpe down cut hole fr shpe ad glue to to piece always conect your wre to go trugh box batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always tse sty module use with an adult. outside PRO TIP: you ca EED glue LL N disconect t U’ O TIME: 60 mins Y conect to DIFFICULTY: butto sits o fee trugh to of batte small holes. Do’t frge to box push pin markr tpe scissors glue cardboard cut hole in box reconect it! cutter box fr power swtc 8 6 7 Place doorbel outside door ad outside rest of Bit modules inside rom of rom, use a push pin Glue oe DING tb o (lik tis) DONG! to piece ad attc to inside inside of box of rom, tn close use tpe it up, ad. . .

Customize it! Add paint, stckrs . . . adjust volume of Go all out! alarm wt t We’d like to see your take on the doorbell dimmer (bargraph as incat) project, upload it here! littleBits.cc/upload PROJECT 7: Make your own spinning windmill.

LIL’ BREEZY DC mot 1 Strt wt tis circuit 2 Maka house out 3 Put t power dimmer wire DC motor wire bright LED of posicle stcks littleBits in your house

mak a shlf Use scissors to fr t Bits cut posicle stcks modules t¡ o always conect your down to size sit o batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always module use with an adult. ! EED LL N U’ O TIME: 90 mins Y short? ft? DIFFICULTY: -or- tll? wde? back vie of t house hot glue glue scissors pecil posicle you decide! eraser stcks 6 fnt of t house 4 Put a pecil eraser 5 Build a fn out of posicle o t DC mot stcks ad attc to t eraser wt your glue ENJOY your carmin desk decor! wndow light fr night tis is a fun alternatv to t motMate! PROJECT 8: Learn how to make a light-controlled vehicle. See this tutorial with video 2 Mak3 whes 3 Makt base out of cardboard THREE WHEELER extras at littleBits.cc/base

1 Strt wt tis circuit tace a cup o 6 in power wire light wire DC motor cardboard to ge sensor perfect circles cut a slot in t cardboard shrp! 4 in wde eough to be careful! fit t whe coose whtr to always conect your driv in light or dark batte to t power STAY SAFE! Always use t module use with an adult. motorMate EED LL N Wht otr objects U’ O TIME: 90 mins Y ca be a whe? DIFFICULTY: Tr a CD! Ours is 4in x 6in, wht cutout, color, ad mark t ceter size wll yours be? box wod grill tpe pe markr cardboard cutter skwers box 4 Put littleBits o cardboard base 5 Add whe to ¡motMate use pe to pok hole in bottom to whe . . . motMate wll go in hre . . . use tpe to hold modules down . . . tn add whe to motMate in cardboard slot 9 6 Pok skwer trugh tw remainin 7 Attc back whes 8 Draw yoursef ad whes ad glue tm in place, tse cut t figure out RIDE THROUGH THE NIGHT! wll be t back tw whes Cut a rectnle of paper ad fld in hlf . . . Tr t light sesor in bot modes. Whc . . . tn place ovr axle ad tpe down is your fvorite?

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points off t eds of t skwers should stll spin) s MAKE SOMETHING THAT DOES SOMETHINGTM This booklet’s over but the fun’s not done. Want More? You got it! LITTLEBITS.CC/UPLOAD EXPLORATION SERIES m Upload your project and you may be handsomely rewarded. We regularly ov it feature awesome community projects and send out exclusive gifts.

Visit us online where we’ve got tons more projects and tips and tricks for every Bits module. Check out other littleBits in the expanding library. Premium Kit Deluxe Kit INDIVIDUAL BITSTM MODULES Online we’ll show you how to make t this great PUPPET MASTER www.littleBits.cc/puppet RE! urn i MO t AKE additos M reat ad e Kit TONS MORE PROJECTS at Some gr Bas pressure sensor motion trigger vibration motor light wire push it www.littleBits.cc/base to you plus littleBits Bundles & Boost It Packs. . . available here www.littleBits.cc/products THE SCREAMING FANS. THE FLOOD OF LIGHTS. THE ONSTAGE RUSH. AND WANT YOU TO UNLEASH YOUR INNER ROCK STAR.

le ’s go! WARNING VERY IMPORTANT NOTE RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE SEND US YOUR LOVE • This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can • Several projects in this kit involve the use of a box cutter This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Contact [email protected] with any questions stick together across intestines causing serious infections and/or a hot glue gun. the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part or comments. and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are • These tools should be used ONLY under direct adult 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide swallowed or inhaled. supervision and ONLY by children capable of using them safely. reasonable protection against harmful interference in a www.littleBits.cc • Most littleBits modules are small parts. DO NOT allow residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and children under 3 years old to play with or near this product. INSTRUCTIONS can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed littleBits Electronics, Inc. • NEVER connect any littleBits modules or circuits to any AC We recommend using littleBits brand 9-volt batteries, but and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause 60 E. 11th Street, Fifth Floor electrical outlet. standard alkaline or standard rechargeable batteries may also harmful interference to radio communications. However, NY, NY 10003 • Do not touch or hold any moving parts of littleBits modules be used. Properly discard and replace exhausted battery. there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a (917) 464-4577 while they are operating. Do not connect the two battery terminals with any conducting particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful • Keep conductive materials (such as aluminum foil, staples, material. interference to radio or television reception, which can be You are a proud owner of the Synth Kit v1. paper clips, etc.) away from the circuit and the connector determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is Over 500,000 combinations?! Are you serious? terminals. CARE AND CLEANING encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more Yep, www.littleBits.cc/mathmagic • Always turn off circuits when not in use or when left Clean Bits modules ONLY by wiping with a dry cloth. If of the following measures: unattended. necessary, isopropyl alcohol on a cloth may be used sparingly. • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. An open source project under Creative Commons license • Never use littleBits modules in or near any liquid. • Increase the separation between the equipment and and OSHW definition v1.1 • Never use in any extreme environments such as extreme hot or DO NOT use any other cleaning products on Bits modules. the receiver. cold, high humidity, dust or sand. Congratulations for reading this fine print. Your dedication • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different Design and engineering by KORG Inc., Japan and littleBits • littleBits modules are subject to damage by static and persistence will serve you well. from that to which the receiver is connected. Electronics, Inc. New York. Made in Dongguan City, CHINA for electricity. Handle with care. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician littleBits Electronics, Inc. New York. • Some littleBits modules may become warm to the touch when for help. used in certain circuit designs. This is normal. Rearrange littleBits, Bits, Circuits in Seconds, and Make Something That modules or discontinue using if they become excessively hot. Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the Does Something are trademarks of littleBits Electronics, Inc. • Discontinue use of any littleBits modules that malfunction, manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void become damaged or broken. your authority to operate this equipment under Federal Communications Commissions rules. MAKE SOMETHING THAT DOES SOMETHINGTM TM 1 2 3 5 L I T T L E B I T S CIRCUITS IN SECONDSTM COLOR CODED ORDER IS IMPORTANT littleBitsTM+ littleBitsTM makes an expanding BitsTM modules are grouped into four Power Modules always The modules area justyt the begin-ing B A S I C S library of modular electronics different categories, which are color coded: come first and Input ning. Combine them with craft that snap together with POWER is needed in every circuit and the Modules only affect the materials, building sets, and magnets. start of all your creations. Output Modules that other toys to electrify your life. INPUT modules accept input from you and come after them. We’ll show you how! , the environment and send signals to the Gree d a modules that follow. 4 deri ue a wee no sol n Bl n be OUTPUT modules DO something–light, buzz, e a al, i o pr grammin s ne t o move… MAGNET MAGIC n y TM w rin a re o WIRE modules expand your reach and littleBits modules snap together no alw e a ou g change direction–great for helping to with magnets. The magnets are Y Ora d incorporate modules into your projects. always right, you can’t put k a in modules together the wrong way. 4 P PITCH PITCH VS. FREQUENCY AMPLITUDE Pitch is how a person perceives the frequency Frequency and pitch are similar, but not the Amplitude relates to the change in the peaks WHAT IS of a vibration. Every person perceives pitch same! Frequency can be measured scientifi- of waveforms and is perceived as the loudness differently and some have a better sense of cally, while pitch is dependent on individual of a sound. The higher the amplitude of a pitch than others. Sound can generally be perception. You can distinguish pitches as waveform, the louder it sounds. SOUND? categorized as pitched or un-pitched. being “higher” or “lower.” Sound is the vibration of air or another me- louder dium (like water). When you speak, sing, or lower h gh r quie er clap, you create sound waves that radiate out pitc pitc into the environment. Every sound has its own Alt ough ev r o e is differe t, huma s ca ge erally h ar “signature” that is called a waveform. t freque cies be wee ar und 20Hz a d 20KH¡z. TIMBRE Timbre (pronounced tam-ber) is what differ- peak wav le gt entiates sounds of the same pitch. It is what +5 audible infrasound frequencies ultrasound makes a violin and a flute sound different… or your friends’ voices! 0 amplitude 20Hz 20KHz 2MHz 200MHz

-5 5 t ough ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH

Korg’s MS-20 synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still a coveted instrument to this day; thanks to its thick, robust HISTORY OF THE SYNTH sound, its powerful, iconic analog filter, and its versatile patching options. Today, the sounds of the MS-20 have been THEREMIN - first SWITCHED ON BACH Sounds were create digitlly. reborn as the MS-20 Mini. Most fmous was t Yamah eectoic musical see pg 13 instumet. DX7, whc use FM syntsis. modifiers KORG MS-20 intoduce. signal geerats Film score fr FORBIDDEN PLANET see pg 23 then 50 60 70 80 90 00 now

ROBERT MOOG ad Rebirt of aalog DON BUCHLA modular synts. littleBits + KORG bega prducin t launc modular modulats first commercial Syntsis dominate by Synt Kit! cotollers (kboard) musical syntsizers. computer interfces. 6 it all strts 9-volt wt power. . . batte ad cable KNOW include TM YOUR BITS turn it o ad off MODULES right hre This is the Synth Kit, Version 1 Learn more and shop for individual POWER p1 Bits modules at littleBits.cc/Bits This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery to supply electricity to your other Bits modules. Snap in the battery + cable (both included) and flip the switch to turn it on.

7 ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH SIGNAL GENERATORS In a synthesizer, these elements are known as ty bot modes! signal generators and can be either pitched Twst to or un-pitched. In the Synth Kit, you have both cage pitc! (oscillator & random). These are the modules that actually produce the sound. OSCILLATOR i31 RANDOM i34

The oscillator is the main sound source in the Synth Kit and is The random module has two modes: “noise” and “random volt- capable of creating audio tones that will be used in almost every age”. In “noise” mode, it outputs white noise, like a television set sound experiment you create. It features a “pitch” knob to adjust its not tuned to any channel. In “random voltage” mode, it outputs output tone and a “tune” dial for adjusting the tuning (learn about random voltage signals that can control oscillators and make tuning on pg 21) when using with the keyboard. It also features a them play random pitches. The “trigger out” of the micro se- mode switch that selects between “square” and “saw” waveforms. quencer can be used to set the timing of the random voltages. The “square” waveform has a rich, powerful character, and the “saw” waveform has a more mellow, rounder character. ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH Trigger output seds CONTROLLERS maximum output at Th dial allows twst Controllers do exactly what it sounds like they evr k press. knobs to do; they control elements of a synthesizer. you to play in Sometimes controllers are familiar like a 4 octvs. mak a 13 ks meody keyboard and some are lesser known like a 13 x 4 = 52 differet notes! sequencer. The Synth Kit has both! The control can come in the form of control i30 i36 voltages or triggers. A control voltage is KEYBOARD MICRO SEQUENCER usually a changing signal that is often used to control the pitch of an oscillator. A trigger The keyboard lets you play melodies – it features 13 switches The micro sequencer sends out voltages based on the position of is a short voltage pulse that is commonly used that make up an octave of notes. It has two modes: “press” each of the four “step” knobs. Connect it to an oscillator and it will to trigger or “turn on” other parts of circuits. (which only produces output when you press a switch) and step through the “sequence” consecutively to make a melody (The Triggers are also good at generating rhythmic “hold” (which will sustain the last note you played). It also LEDs tell you which step is active). Turn a knob fully counterclock- patterns. features an octave control which changes the playable range. wise to make the step silent. Use the module in “speed” mode to set To see how triggers are used, go to page 24 for the Percussion Party project. In addition to its main output, which is great for controlling our the speed using the dial, or flip the switch to “step” mode to use an oscillators, it also has a “trigger out”, which you can send to input module like a pulse or button for control. It also has a trigger the “trigger in” of the envelope or other littleBits modules. output, which you can send to any of your other modules. 9 ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH MODULATORS = Attck tme to Modulators are elements of a synthesizer that Cutoff = se limit fr reac loudest point alter the main audio signal with another signal. frequecies Decay = tme to In the synth Kit, they are the oscillator, Peak = se intesity reurn to silece envelope and random modules. of cutoff Even though the oscillator is a signal generator, it can also be used as a ENVELOPE i33 modulator. You can turn the pitch knob fully FILTER i32 counterclockwise to produce frequencies low enough to control other modules. The envelope modifies the loudness contour of a sound. It When the random module is in “random The filter has the biggest effect on the sound’s character or takes a sound input and shapes it into something you’d hear voltages” mode, it is also a modulator. “timbre”. It affects the timbre by changing the relative volume from an acoustic musical instrument, like a piano or saxo- of certain frequencies in the sound. Use it to give the impres- phone. This envelope has two controls: “attack”, which is how sion that a sound is “brighter” (more high frequencies) or long it takes to ramp up to maximum volume, and “decay”, “darker” (more low frequencies.) The “cutoff” knob sets the which is how long it takes to fade to silence again. You can frequency to be emphasized, and the other controls “peak,” use its third bitSnapTM to trigger the envelope from different or intensity of the filter. If the “peak” is turned up all the way, sources, like the keyboard. the filter turns into an oscillator! combine sounds MODIFIERS Modifiers are synthesizer elements that directly affect the sound of the signal generator. They create spac¡e ecoes! can either reduce or enhance characteristics of sound and manipulate waveforms (filter, delay, and mix modules). DELAY i35 MIX i37

The delay module takes incoming audio and repeats it, like The mix module allows you to combine two inputs and send an echo. It has two knobs: “time”, which sets the delay length them to a single output. It also has a volume control for each of between a sound and its repetition, and “feedback”, which its inputs – that’s where the mixing comes in. Use it to play two controls how many times the sound repeats. Delays can be long oscillators on a single speaker! and spacey, like shouting into the Grand Canyon, or loud and crazy. This module will play forever if you turn the “feedback” knob all the way up. You can also shift the pitch of a sound by turning the “time” control while a sound is repeating. 11 hookup to hadphoes, amplifiers or computers We recommed usin littleBits brad 9-volt batteries, but split signals or stndard alkaline or stndard use as a wre! recargeable batteries may also be use. adjust volume SPLIT w19 SYNTH SPEAKER o24 BATTERY AND CABLE a1

The littleBits split module sends a single input to two wired The synth speaker amplifies your sonic explorations! You can This Kit contains a 9-volt alkaline battery and a cable to con- outputs. It’s great for connecting one output to two inputs, like control the volume with a dial on the front of the module. It nect it to the power module. Connect it and then flip the switch using a keyboard to control two oscillators. But keep in mind also features an output jack. Use an audio cable to connect to to power all of your creations! that it can be used just like a wire module if you ignore one of headphones or a computer for recording, or to an amplifier for its outputs. a show. The speaker can detach from the circuit board, so you can orient it to your liking.

12 IN 1968, Wendy Carlos a appealing and an integral rock bands. THE 1982 ALBUM synths like the “Reactable,” pioneer in electronic music part of pop music. Their “Thriller” by Michael a digital tabletop that recorded the landmark studio, “Kling Klang”, was Jackson is one of the best- creates sounds by moving SYNTH IN album “Switched-On Bach”, a place where the band not selling albums of all time. tangible blocks. which consisted of pieces only recorded music, but Nearly every song on the by Johann Sebastian Bach also invented and built album features synthesized performed on a synthesizer. their own complex electronic sounds. IN 2000 the renowned LISTEN Carlos’ compositions can be heard in the “Switched-On Bach” was one instruments. FORMED IN 1965, rock band Radiohead won films A Clockwork Orange (1972), The Shining (1980) and POP CULTURE Tron (1982). of the first classical Pink Floyd was a progressive a Grammy for their album albums to sell half a rock band known for “Kid A” which brought synth LISTEN “Trans-Europe Express” from Kraftwerk’s sounds good million copies. The album experimenting with different sounds to the forefront. The 1977 album of the same name. Replicate the background won 3 Grammy Awards. FORMED technologies to create a album features wide use of beats with “Percussion Party” on page 24. IN 1970, Kraftwerk, which unique, uncharted experience analog modular synthesizers LISTEN “On The Run” from “The Dark Side of the I know means “power station” in with music. Released in and the Ondes Martenot, an Moon” is one of the first uses of a sequencer. German, built the foundation 1973, “The Dark Side of early electronic instrument. of the electro-pop genre the Moon” featured heavy TODAY Björk is praised for LISTEN “Thriller”, the loud blast of chords that queues with their revolutionary use of analog synthesizers her experimental electronic the zombie dance was performed on a synthesizer. synth sound. The band and and brought electronic music. She has received 13 LISTEN “Idioteque” from Kid A. Try replicating these its members are recognized sound further into the main Grammy nominations as well sounds in the “Synth Band” project on page 26. as pioneers in music stream. They’ve sold more as an Oscar nomination for LISTEN “Army of Me” (1995) by Björk. Try replicating technology. Kraftwerk is than 250 million albums Best Original Song from the bass line by lowering the pitch of the oscillator and credited with making machine worldwide and are one of the film “Dancer in the playing with the micro sequencer or keyboard. made sounds commercially the world’s most legendary Dark.” She uses cutting-edge 13 PITCH SWEEPS Learn how an oscillator works. The “pitch” range goes from being adjust volume so low that it is unpitched (you TRY actually hear clicks) to very high pitches. You can have lots 1 power oscillator speaker Plug batte in of fun by twisting the pitch knob THESE a d turn power o . and “sweeping” through all the CIRCUITS frequencies! Get started with these but don’t let us “Saw” and “square” are similar waveforms. The saw has a “mellow” hold you back – every module fits 2 Turn pitc 3 Se ect t k nd of 4 Tr adjust n character to it and the square with every other module – feel free Touch the silver speaker cone knob o oscillat wav f rm it pr duces. t tunin knob. sounds more “edgy.” The timbres of these two to experiment. and notice how it moves when to c a ge t Th 2 wav f rms are Wh t h ppe s? waveforms are most related to bowed you change from higher or freque cy. Sawtoot (or Saw) strings and brass in the acoustic lower pitches. a d Square. instrument families. TRY THIS! 14 WHITE NOISE Experience the random module. KEY PLAYER Learn how to play notes on the keyboard. Play w t t pitc . noise mode Tr bot modes! Always plug batte power random power keyboard oscillator speaker in a d turn power o .

adjust volume Th k board h s 13 k s. Th oct v dial w t dial A visual example Noise h ppe s wh n t allows you to play in 4 differe t oct v s, wh c mea s you ca play 52 differe t notes! of noise. te evisio or radio is se Use oct v dial to c a ge be wee st t o s. t ra ge of notes. A synthesizer is commonly controlled with The random module has two modes and one of them is called a keyboard similar to a piano. Each key “noise”. Un-pitched sound is generally categorized as noise or a creates a voltage that represents a note. collection of many frequencies that are not distinguishable from Since a synthesizer is electronic, it is not one another. Unlike a waveform, noise has no repeating pattern. limited to the same notes a piano can play! 15 SEQUENCER CONTROL Make a melody. turn a knob all t way FREQUENCY MODULATION Discover how two oscillators interact. down to mute a step. spee mode power micro sequencer oscillator speaker power oscillator oscillator speaker

plug me in

A huma ca play repeate o e Turn knobs to se Ch n e t pitc . notes, but a seque cer ca rn m c a ge spee tu your me ody. play t m automat cally! A square wav w ll appear A sawtoot w ll “ramp” up a d down to create to cut t sound off. “whoo whoo ” sounds. A sequencer is a very novel controller and is unique to the world of synthesizers. A sequencer allows you to store note values and As previously mentioned, an oscillator can produce a frequency that is too play them back in a repeating order. low to be perceived as a pitch. In this case it is known as an LFO or low The stored notes are set by tuning each step using the knobs. frequency oscillator. Because the oscillator in your kit can be both low The pattern will repeat sequentially forever and the speed can be frequency and audio range, you can turn up the frequency of one oscillator controlled within the sequencer or from an outside pulse. and feed it into another oscillator to create “frequency modulation.” 16 Hitt n a drum, t sound SHAPE YOUR SOUNDS Experiment with the envelope. sh rp att ck Turn att ck up a d h t Turn decay down a d h t sh rp decay appears a d disappears Put in hold mode. a k . Wh t h ppe s? a k . Wh t h ppe s? lik a drum right away. power keyboard oscillator envelope speaker

sh rp att ck gradual decay lik a pia o

Violins h v slow att cks Always co nect t batte gradual att ck because eac note is drawn Guit rs ge erally h v a d turn t power o . gradual decay out by playin w t a bow. a short att ck because lik a violin you pluck t m.

The envelope of a sound has a big ATTACK DECAY EXAMPLES OF ENVELOPE effect on the character of the Attack is how long it Decay is how long it AMPLITUDE OVER TIME sound. The controls on the envelope takes the sound to get takes the sound to Can you think of other Bits module are “attack” and to its loudest point. fade to silence. instruments that fit “decay.” these profiles? 17 RANDOM VOLTAGE Have fun with this random sound generator! FILTERING NOISE Create a unique sound using the filter module. The filter is based on KORG’s famous MS-20 design. spee mode power micro sequencer random oscillator speaker power random filter speaker

e bl ca us Th tw co t ols o t fi lter o batte pl noise mode TRY e Posit o of knobs affects ra dom mode adjust volume m module are cutoff a d peak. THIS turn ra ge of ra dom volt ges. You can recreate this with your voice. Try making an • The filter is known as a low-pass filter. “Ah” sound and then slowly Random voltages can produce interesting effects in a synthesizer. This means that frequencies higher than a shift to an “Ooh” sound. Traditionally, this is created by a circuit called “sample and certain point will be reduced or filtered out. Your mouth creates a filter hold” or “S&H”. In a sample and hold circuit, a voltage is sampled • When the peak is increased and the cutoff is from noise and sent to affect another circuit. There is no telling adjusted, the timbral effect can sound like a that changes the timbre of which voltage will be sampled! person making vowel like sounds. the sound much like the filter. 18 ECHO AND DELAY Learn how to make infinite repeating sounds with the delay. TRY 1 Set the “feedback” knob fully clock- THIS wise and play a few notes, the delay will power oscillator delay speaker repeat those notes and then repeat the repeats. 2 Adjust the “time” knob to create the effect of raising or lowering the pitch. 3 Twist the knob really fast in both direc- You ca se how soo t Th fee back knob se s tions to create some really crazy effects! repeate sound is h ard how ma y t mes t at w t t t me knob. sound is repeate .

The delay affects the sound, but unlike the filter, its primary function is not to add or subtract from the original sound, but Artist and producer Brian Eno is well known for pushing the technological boundar- to reproduce it. Think of it as an echo in a large room or cave. SYNTH You make a sound, and that sound gets repeated for some amount HIST ies of music. He has famously produced mega albums like “Low” by David Bowie, of time depending on how big the space is. “Remain in Light” by Talking Heads, and “Joshua Tree” by U2. 19 p21 Tuning PROJECTS p22 Play a Song p23 Spooky Sounds p24 Percussion Party p25 Metal Music Enhanced instructions plus tons more projects online, littleBits.cc/synth p26 Synth Band Enhanced instructions plus tons more p27 Synthesizer with projects online, littleBits.cc/synth Visit littleBits.cc/recordyourmusic for tips the Works on how to record, edit and share your music.

TRY THESE AND INVENT p29 Perform Like a Pro p30 Keytar p32 Synth Spin Table YOUR OWN 20 PROJECT 1: Learn how to make your song’s pitch perfect. TUNING 2 Pick o e k a d turn t “oct v ” dial clockw se a d counterclockw se. Do you 3 Turn t k board “oct v ” co t ol 4 Turn pitc knob o oscillat to c a ge h ar t differe ce? Liste to t ra ge (how “h gh” a d “low” t sound goes). 1 St rt w t t is circuit. to t middle of t ra ge. t freque cy.

press mode 5 6 power keyboard oscillator speaker Play all t notes o t bottom r w Play do-re-mi again, does it sound of t k board co secut v ly f m left “right” to you? Remember “pitc ” is per- to right. Th s is calle a major scale in ceiv d differe tly f r ev r o e! If t notes music. You may recognize it as do-re- didn’t sound quite right, t y slowly adjust- mi-f -so-la-t -do. in t tune dial counterclockw se unt l it oct v dial sounds “in tune.” Always co nect t batte adjust volume a d turn t power o . TUNING 7 • Tuning is the relationship between the pitches in a musical instrument. Instruments You’v successfully tune your need to be “tuned” and a synthesizer is no different. By tuning instruments, you can oscillat , YOU’RE READY TO PLAY! create “melodies” that are recognizable. • The tuning dial on the oscillator Bits module will alter the relationship between pitches. This will be important when using the keyboard and micro sequencer. 21 PROJECT 2: Serenade a friend! 4 USE THIS COLOR CODED PLAY A SONG KEYBOARD AND THE NOTES TO THE 1 St rt w t t is circuit. 2 Th n, tune your oscillat 3 Adjust pitc to matc t RIGHT TO HELP YOU PLAY A SONG! (see previous pr ject). ra ge of your voice! power keyboard oscillator speaker

turn me o c a ge pitc

The bass sound in Stevie Wonder’s 1973 Go to littleBits.cc/synth to learn song “Living for the City” features the use how to play more tunes! of a keyboard, oscillator, and envelope. Can you replicate that sound? SYNTH Do you recognize it? 22 HIST PROJECT 3: Create a supernatural soundtrack. 3 SPOOKY SOUNDS 2 Put t ra dom Turn t t me module o “noise” up (clockw se) o 1 St rt w t t is circuit. mode. t de ay module.

power random filter delay speaker 6 SCARE YOUR FRIENDS!

The peak knob has a large effect on what e o m turn 4 Turn t fee back 5 Se “peak” to middle a d play the cutoff knob does. It emphasizes certain The film score by Louis and Bebe frequencies and creates a “peak” at these SYNTH up (clockw se) o t w t “cutoff.” Barron for “Forbidden Planet” frequencies. If the peak is turned all the HIST de ay module. way up, the emphasis can be strong enough (1958) was one of the first to make to increase the loudness of the sound and use of entirely electronic music. in some cases create an oscillation. 23 PROJECT 4: Dance to the beat of your own drums. BONUS NOISE TRY MAKING A. . . PERCUSSION PARTY Noise is an un-pitched sound. It . . .horse gallo in sound – Turn one of the 1 is often used as a way to create St rt w t t is circuit. percussion sounds because most knobs all the way down on the sequencer spee mode drums are un-pitched instruments. to make the sound effect for a horse power 2 Put t ra dom module galloping. o “noise” mode. speaker . . .w odblock sound – Turn the peak knob up (clockwise), turn the cut off down (counter clockwise). – Keep the peak up. micro sequencer . . .water dr p sound turn me o Turn the cut off to a mid-range (higher split random filter envelope than the woodblock).

3 Se your rhyt m by 4 Adjust t fi lter to 5 Turn t “att ck” knob all t adjust n knobs o t affect t t mbre. way down (counterclockw se). Turn 6 WAIL micr seque cer a d adjust t “decay” knob low, but slightly o your synt drumse ! 24 tempo w t spee dial. h gh r t a t “att ck.” PROJECT 5: Recreate metallic sounds with the envelope. METAL MUSIC 4 Turn pitc of t seco d oscillat 1 up unt l you reac a me allic sound St rt w t t is circuit. - lik a be l. spee mode power micro sequencer oscillator oscillator envelope speaker

e o FUN urn m FACT t 2 3 5 People who are Se your rhyt m by Turn t pitc of On your e v lo e, turn 6 ROCK ON! adjust n knobs o t t fi rst oscillat up decay knob a d att ck knob musically inclined micr seque cer. (clockw se). down (counterclockw se) unt l tend to be better you ac iev a “pin in ” sound. at math! Go figure. 25 PROJECT 6: Learn how to play a melody with accompaniment. 4 5 Adjust t fi lter unt l you Se mix lev l 1¡¡ low 8 YOU’RE SYNTH BAND reac t sound you lik . a d mix lev l 2 h gh r. READY TO 1 St rt w t t is circuit. micro sequencer oscillator filter PERFORM!

power split mix speaker

PRO TIP

o Use an audio me turn keyboard oscillator envelope delay cable to connect your speaker to 2 your computer, Tune bot oscillat s (refer to page 21 o 3 Create a pattern o t 6 Play a fe notes o t k board. 7 Adjust t e v lo e a d headphones, or how to do t is). Oscillat s ca eit r be se micr seque cer t at you lik . Th k board is lik t “lead sin er” a d de ay – t se w ll c a ge to “co so a t” or “disso a t” intervals. In Th s w ll become your back n w ll appear louder t a your seque cer your k board’s sound. an amplifier! 26 co so a ce, t y are in h rmo y. In disso a ce, music. because not in is fi lterin t sound. t y w ll sound inh rmo ious. PROJECT 7: Create one monster synth with all of these modules! SYNTHESIZER WITH THE WORKS 1 St rt w t t is circuit. oscillator 4 Adjust t e v lo e. 5 Adjust t fi lter.

power keyboard split mix envelope filter delay speaker

e o m turn 2 oscillator Tune bot oscillat s (refer to page 21 3 Adjust volume of 6 Add some ec oes 7 RECORD YOUR MUSIC! o how to do t is). Oscillat s ca eit r eac oscillat o t by adjust n t be se to “co so a t” (h rmo ious) or mix module. de ay module. “disso a t” (inh rmo ious) intervals. Record your music and share it with us! littleBits.cc/upload 27 And now a brief intermission from the projects. just VISIT US AT LITTLEBITS.CC/TIPS press 6 STRAWS! it o nev r FOR SOME AMAZING TIPS & TRICKS mak a knob w t a look¡e so cool 5 STYROFOAM BALL

mold a h ndle w t adjust f m a 1 CLAY 3 PAPER PLATE dist nce w t a. . . cut a hole in a ...... a d t pe it o 7 PIPE CLEANER . . . or. . . 2 PLASTIC CUP 4 CARDBOARD TUBE

8 A POPSICLE STICK t pe 28 PROJECT 8: Transform your box! PERFORM LIKE A PRO Build a perf rma ce st t o !

Visit littleBits.cc/prosetup Power up your circuit for instructions on how to set up a d START PLAYING! your modules so you can put on live performances anywhere and on the go!

Buy mount n boards o line at TIME: 60 mins littleBits.cc/mount n boards DIFFICULTY: COOL! Just lik t KORG MS-20. 29 PROJECT 9: Create your own electronic instrument! 2 Draw a guit r-lik sh pe a d KEYTAR cut it out of cardboard. adjust pitc 1 St rt w t t is circuit. oscillator

power keyboard oscillator envelope delay speaker

small e d f r k board w der e d f r ot r modules

adjust pitc split filter STAY SAFE! Always create ec os use with an adult. EED In the early ’70s Edgar Winter was one of the LL N U’ O first people to create a makeshift “keytar” by add- TIME: 60 mins Y DIFFICULTY: ing a shoulder strap to an electronic keyboard. Check out the popular song “Frankenstein.” box hot st pler mark r t pe st in f am small cardboard po sicle paint- paint SYNTH 30 HIST cutter glue ball box st ck brush 3 Tape or glue smaller box to 5 Add t circuit. 6 Add a wh mmy bar! 7 Add a st ap. t back of t w der e d.

8 ROCK OUT! use st pler be careful! tuck batte in beh nd 4 Decorate! Use paint, glue po sicle st ck to mark rs, wh tev r you h v ! styr f am ball Show us your design! littleBits.cc/upload

We use e ast c. You could also place styr f am t y ribbo , ball o to of st in , clot . . . seco d oscillat customize! 31 PROJECT 10: Play your Synth Kit like a DJ. SYNTH SPIN TABLE 1 St rt w t t is circuit. oscillator spee mode power micro sequencer split mix envelope speaker 2 Lay cereal box flat.

adjust volume STAY SAFE! Always oscillator use with an adult. c a ge volumes EED LL N of eac oscillat U’ O Disco! The first notable fully synthe- TIME: 2 hrs Y DIFFICULTY: sized disco hit was “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer in 1977. hot scissors t pe pe plast c or st aws cereal SYNTH 32 HIST glue paper cup box mak fi rst turnt ble mak seco d turnt ble 3 Put t circuit o t box. 4 Att c o e st aw o eac oscillat knob. 5 Ge paper plate cut down to size. 8 Pok a hole in t bottom 9 Repeat steps 5-7 a d Use t pe to k¡eep ’em in place. of a cup a d slide it o t st aw add a ot r plate o to of t seco d oscillat . of t cup.

6 Mark ce ter of plate a d pok hole.

7 Slide plate o to st aw. You ca t pe st aw to cup at t base f r st bilizin .

33 10 Glue st aws to plates. 11 Decorate! 12 PERFORM! Your spin t ble is ready f r t st ge!

glue

be d flat

We use colore st aws. Wh t materials do you h v at home? 34 MAKE SOMETHING THAT DOES SOMETHINGTM This booklet’s over but the fun’s not done. Want More? You got it! LITTLEBITS.CC/UPLOAD EXPLORATION SERIES Upload your project and you may be handsomely rewarded. We regularly feature awesome community projects and send out exclusive gifts.

Visit us online where we’ve got tons more projects and tips and tricks for every Bits module. Check out other modules in the expanding library. Base Kit Premium Kit Deluxe Kit INDIVIDUAL MODULES

MORE! o s AKE addit M reat it TONS MORE PROJECTS at nt K microphone pressure sensor bargraph light wire www.littleBits.cc/synth Some gr Sy to you plus Bit Bundles & Boost It Packs. . . available here www.littleBits.cc/products