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When learning a new musical instrument as a kid, there are so many new things to keep focus on. Keeping pace in the right tempo is one of them. Not finding a functionally complete and convenient metronome meant the best excuse to start building again with my kids. In this Instructables post you’ll find the functional description, parts list with webshop links and prices, wiring diagram for assembly, and complete Arduino source code.

It would be nice to have a metronome device with the following functions to use it at home or at the music school conveniently.

Compact form factor to fit small places on top or next to musical instruments,
Battery operated, robust and portable to carry around,
Easily set up even for kids, BPM value always displayed,
Adjustable beats per minute with a Rotary knob, up to 240 BPM
Audible tact with volume control,
Silent mode for overnight headphone practice,
Visual feedback of beats (1/4, 2/4, 3/3, 4/4, 6/8, etc.) up to 8 LEDs,
With or without leading accent, with visual and audible feedback.
Switching on, metronome mode will start at 60 BPM showing on the small display and letting the pace be tuned by the rotary knob between 10 and 240. Neopixels show the beat in blue LEDs while the buzzer ticks. Pressing the knob will switch to beat adjustment mode and green LEDs will indicate the set beat structure. Rotary knob will increment or decrement the beat structure (2/2, 3/3, 4/4, 6/8, etc.). Above 8 LEDs, further rotating clockwise, leading accent will be turned on, and the first LED will indicate this in red. Leading accent will have audible feedback as well. It can be turned off by rotating counter-clockwise. Pressing the knob will switch back from beat adjustment mode to metronome mode.”

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