Hardware Controllers and Parts

PIPE 2C is the current OpenPipes hardware platform. It uses I2C and USB with standardized 4-wire Qwiic/STEMMA QT connectors throughout — no soldering, no custom wiring harnesses. Modules daisy-chain and can be mixed with any compatible off-the-shelf I2C hardware.

Why I2C

Most VPO electronics available today are either hard to source, require custom wiring, or need soldering skills most builders don’t have. PIPE 2C is built on I2C - an open standard used by Qwiic (SparkFun), STEMMA QT (Adafruit), and M5Stack - which means off-the-shelf parts and a standardized 4-wire connector throughout.

• I2C - short-distance links between modules, daisy-chained
• USB - for longer runs where I2C distance is a problem

The Modules

I2C Rocker Tab Controller

8 lighted rocker tabs per module. Up to 64 modules (512 stops) on one I2C bus.

I2C Preset Button Modules

Chainable modules of 8 lighted preset buttons for combination memory and preset recall.

I2C Knob Controllers

Full 3D-printed knobs and mechanism with PCB-based push-pull position detection.

Expression Pedal Interface

Analog hall-effect sensor interfaces with no mechanical contacts. Up to 3 independent pedal inputs per module.

Pedalboard Sensor Arrays

8-position hall-effect arrays. Chain 4 modules for a complete 32-pedal AGO specification pedalboard.

Analog Fader Modules

4 independent fader inputs per module for volume control, equalization, and expression parameters.

Audio/MIDI I/O Board

Central breakout board with DIN MIDI, dual USB, stereo RCA, and 3.5mm audio connections.

3D-Printed Parts

Pure-print components with no PCB: toe pistons built around a standard footswitch, plus printable keybeds (in development). The electronic modules above each ship with their own printable housings too.

Key Advantages

Open Source

PIPE 2C is fully open-source. Schematics, PCB layouts, firmware, 3D print files, and the customizer application are all available on the OpenPipes GitHub.