What components should I use?

There are three different versions of the Tagtool system:

• The Tagtool Mini (small box designed to be used with a computer and a graphics tablet)
• The Tagtool Suitcase (box with Tagtool Mini components + a graphics tablet, designed to be used with a computer)
• The Tagtool All-in-one (Tagtool components, graphics tablet and computer all in the same box)

Instructions on how to make these different types of Tagtools can be found in the DIY section. This page will focus on the electronic components and parts used in the Tagtool circuitry.

• Arduino board (or similar)
• 6 x 10k ohm linear potentiometers (sliders)
• 6 x knobs / caps for the potentiometers
• 1 x push-to-make switch
• 1 x 10k ohm resistor
• some coloured wire (colours make finding problems a LOT easier)

The Arduino is an open source prototyping platform aimed at people who aren't necessarily experts at electronics. There's more information on their homepage.

Most commonly used for Tagtool projects is the Arduino Diecimila, though other Arduino boards will work, including clones. Arduino.cc has a list of suppliers.

• Arduino Diecimila
• Arduino NG
• Arduino Duemilanove
• Arduino Mini
• Boarduino

With the linear potentiometers, the bigger you can get, the better as you will have more control. 100mm is quite a common size to find. '10k ohm' is the resistance rating of these potentiometers. Important things to make sure of:

• Get linear response potentiometers, not logarithmic.
• Try to get potentiometers with mounting holes so that you can attach them securely to your case. The more robust you can make your Tagtool the longer it will last.
• Get high quality potentiometers for the same reason.
• Mono - or single channel potentiometers work and are slightly cheaper than stereo potentiometers - which will also work.

An example of a suitable potentiometer: here.

It is also possible to use more common (and cheaper) rotary potentiometers, but sliders are more commonly used for Tagtool setups.

You should be able to find knobs or caps to fit your slide potentiometers at the same shop / website. If you can't, you could make your own - just make sure that you don't get any glue in the sliders and that they can move freely.

This can be a single pole, single throw (SPST type) switch. You can also use SPDT and DPDT switches. The most important thing is that they are momentary - not latching - type switches. This means that the connection is only made when you are actually pressing the button.

An example of a suitable switch here.

Resistors are super cheap and relatively easy to find. You will probably have to get a pack, or at least 5-10 of these. If you really don't want to spend any money you could probably rip apart any pre-90s electronics and de-solder one from a circuit board.

Resistors are coded with a coloured band system - but if you don't want to work it out, the resistor you need will look a bit like the picture. (Coloured bands - Brown, Black, Orange, Gold)

Again, a pretty cheap part of the Tagtool component list. You could even save some money by stripping an old computer cable apart and use the wires from that. For example, an old parallel cable or VGA cable contains plenty of differently coloured wire that would be suitable to use.

Alternatively, something like this is perfect.