Introduction: Hands Free MaKey MaKey Ground Bracelet

During the MaKey MaKey Build Night at Boise State University's Albertsons Library, a number of attendees commented that it would be nice to have both hands free, rather than needing one to hold onto the ground cable. Attendee and student, Scott Schmader, developed this handy hands-free solution!

Supplies:

  • MaKey MaKey kit
  • Duct Tape
  • Aluminum Tape
  • Masking Tape
  • Scissors

Step 1: Making the Band

Start with a strip of duct tape about 12 inches long. Fold it in half lengthwise. Be careful to avoid creases.

Step 2: Assembling the Conductor

Cut two strips of aluminum tape. The widest of these two should be thinner than the duct tape band.

Step 3: Peel It

Peel back the paper on the aluminum strips. This tape is very sticky so watch where you touch it.

Step 4: Stick It

Place the thinner strip sticky side down onto the sticky side of the wider strip.

Step 5: Fold It

Now fold the small strip around the larger – making sure to leave a tab on one side.

Step 6: Add It to the Band

Stick the aluminum strips to the duct tape band as shown so the tab sticks out the side.

Step 7: Using the Bracelet

Place a piece of masking tape on the end of the band to make it easy to put on and remove.

Step 8: Connecting

Attach one wire to a button on your MaKey MaKey and another to the ground bar. Now simply wrap the band around your wrist (securing with the masking tape), fold the tab up, and clip the ground wire to it. Voila! Hands free grounding! Have fun!