Build Sensor‑Driven Audio Effects with the Satellite CCRMA Kit

For this hands‑on lab, gather your Satellite CCRMA kit, a laptop equipped with an Ethernet adapter, and a pair of headphones with a 1/8″ (2.54 mm) stereo jack. The following items are optional but can enhance the experience:

• Various breadboard‑friendly sensors and LEDs.
• A set of compact battery‑powered speakers featuring a 1/8″ (2.54 mm) jack.

Note: The instructional images illustrate the BeagleBoard xM; however, the wiring diagram applies unchanged to the Raspberry Pi.

Assemble the Sandwich

• Position the Raspberry Pi on the lower acrylic layer and the breadboard on the upper layer as shown in the diagram.
• Align the higher‑numbered rows of the breadboard toward the USB and Ethernet ports on the Raspberry Pi.
• For a tighter fit, use three nylon screws instead of four.
• Insert the Arduino Nano into the breadboard, placing it at the end nearest the higher‑numbered rows and centered along the board.

Power Connections

• The Arduino Nano receives 5 V from its USB connection; we’ll distribute this power to the breadboard.
• Ensure the Nano sits at the far end of the breadboard with the higher‑numbered rows, so its GND and 5 V pins land on row 19. (If mounted differently, you’ll need to locate the pins manually.)
• Remember that all holes in a solderless breadboard are pre‑wired: columns share the same voltage, while rows are isolated.
• Using short jumper wires, connect the GND row to the blue “GND” bus and the 5 V row to the red “power” bus on the breadboard.
• Join the GND and power buses on both sides of the board to create a unified power plane.

First Circuit: Potentiometer

Construct a voltage‑divider circuit that feeds a single potentiometer into the Arduino’s analog input A0. Refer to the diagram below for wire placement. To orient the potentiometer correctly, ensure that the label on the component faces away from the Arduino.

Add a Second Potentiometer

Duplicate the voltage‑divider setup for a second potentiometer on analog input A3. Again, orient the component with its label facing away from the Arduino.

Add a Button

Incorporate a momentary push‑button, as commonly found on stomp boxes, using the standard pull‑up or pull‑down configuration shown in the schematic.

Add an LED

For visual debugging and a touch of flair, wire an LED into the circuit. Place the anode (longer leg) toward the power rail and the cathode toward the ground rail. A 220 Ω series resistor limits current to safe levels. Remember that diodes are unidirectional; reversing the polarity will prevent illumination.

For more detail, see the full guide: Controlling an Effect with Real Sensors.