Thomas Barlow
Hello! I’m a software engineer at ODW Logistics who enjoys building things — from backend systems and web platforms to the occasional 3D-printed hardware project. Take a look at some of the projects I’ve worked on.
Contact Me
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Work Experience
Electric Recliner Repair
Smart Flip Clock
MIDI Motor Music
RapidFTA
MIDI Stepper Motor Music
An open-source project that turns stepper motors into musical instruments using MIDI. Import any MIDI file into the DAW of your choice, output it to an Arduino, and use attached stepper motors as frequency generators to play music.
How It Works
A Python script bridges a virtual MIDI port (loopMIDI on Windows, IAC Driver on Mac) to an Arduino running a custom sketch. Each stepper motor is assigned to a MIDI channel — when notes are sent on that channel, the corresponding motor spins at the right frequency to produce the note. The Arduino CNC Shield with A4988 stepper drivers makes the hardware setup straightforward.
What You Need
- Arduino Duo + CNC Shield (comes with A4988 drivers)
- NEMA 17 Stepper Motors
- 12V Power Supply
- A DAW capable of MIDI output (FL Studio, etc.)
- Python + the Arduino IDE
The project supports up to 5 motors and includes detailed instructions for wiring, polarity testing, software setup, and troubleshooting.
Check out the full project and tutorial on GitHub: MIDI-Stepper-Motor-Music