ChrisT had an idea for a MIDI pedal board that could send MIDI messages to his laptop while playing guitar, to trigger samples, change effects, and play synth pad chords.

After prototyping in software using HTML and JavaScript, ChrisT built a prototype using plastic multi-purpose compartment organizers that might ordinarily be used for storing hardware of the fastener variety rather than electronics.

In addition to the Teensy 4.1 and the plastic box, the foot pedal controller features ten soft-touch footswitches and a 2.8″ ILI9341 TFT touchscreen. A JSON file is used to configure the GUI and functionality, and copied to the Teensy in mass storage device mode, meaning that changes can be made without having to compile and re-flash the firmware. In the initial prototype, five of the buttons send chords (defined in the JSON file), while the other six are used to adjust settings. See it in action in the video below, and check out the source (including for the HTML version) on GitHub.