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Greg's Tinker Town

1,772 orders since Jan 06, 2019

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Ships from Canada.

Custom Work Available

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Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

5
59 4
46 3
4 2
0 1
0

Average Ratings

Product: (4.93)

Documentation: (4.59)

Shipping: (4.72)

Communication: (4.85)

All Reviews

Ignas | Oct. 11, 2024

Great table improvement, I don't need to buy a new table now

For Megadesk

After so many years of having a Bekant table, I can finally have height presets. Before buying I thought that the beeps would be annoying, but they are not loud and I actually prefer the audio feedback, because sometimes don't press the button accurately.
Also, even though shipping and import taxes cost me almost as much as the chip itself, it was totally worth it!

Joaquín Yeray | Oct. 10, 2024

The upgrade I needed for my desk

For Megadesk

It works perfectly! It is easy to install and use. It makes my desk much more "smart". Good old times where I needed to play pressing up and down to reach my desired position.

Keith | Sept. 25, 2024

Just what I was looking for

For esptemp8c

I needed to monitor hot water temperatures in a recirculating system, incase air gets in the lines so that I can shut off the pump so it doesn't burn out.
The git hub project had not been updated for the new board design, but Greg quickly answered my message and updated the project with a new yaml.

The `Gikfun DS18B20 Temperature Sensor Waterproof Digital Thermal Probe Sensor for Arduino (Pack of 5pcs) EK1083` sensors from amazon worked great and I did not need to use the resistors.

Franco | Aug. 16, 2024

Great solution to turning an old desk into a smart desk

For Megadesk

Had the IKEA desk and wanted something that had automatic lift and memory. this is a great solution and without having to shell out $800 for a brand new desk and having to dispose of the old one.

Experience installing:

Delivery was a bit slow, so if that's gonna be a factor for you make sure you pay a bit extra for shipping

Opening the case:

- Ok, I've seen and read a lot of reviews on this topic so here is my method: Identify one of the corners away from the buttons and drill to small holes in the back so that you can stick a flat head screw driver in the newly created hole. Once you pop one side off you should be able to make your way around, if needed make another hole in the opposite corner (away from the buttons!). took 5 minutes and didnt have to struggle with trying to pry it open, its gonna be hidden anyway.

Installing

once it was open, you just stick it in and attach the wires. be careful of teh ribbon cable (look at the sellers YT page and it has a very helpful video on instal).

The only thing I will say about the product is that the wire that it comes with is a bit shorter then the original, wish it was a bit longer but it should reach with no issues.

Nice product! highly recommend.

Jonatan | July 26, 2024

Very very good product

For Megadesk

Megadesk is so good, work like a charm. 50 ish dollars with shipping is way better than buying a new 800 dollars desk. The box from the desk with the controller is a pain to open, but the video on the GitHub is very good for that. I recommend a lot. Have a nice day

James | July 13, 2024

Just what I needed

For Megadesk

Spent more time taking apart the IKEA controller case than I did dropping in the board and swapping out the cables. A simple drop in replacement and working great for me.

Christopher | May 11, 2024

Megadesk works perfectly

For Megadesk

I've had these IKEA desks for many years, and it's always been a little bit frustrating to try to put them in consistent positions. I stumbled across a mention of Megadesk in a post on Hacker News and it looked like just the thing.

Having installed it on one of my desks, I can't live without it on the other one and just ordered a second unit. The only troublesome part, which isn't the creator's fault, is that it's so hard to open the factory controller's case. I watched the video and I thought I would somehow do a better job with my collection of spudgers and experience cracking things open. Nope, I mangled it and I am convinced there's no other way. I'm not going to be so delicate on the second one since most of the cosmetic damage can't be seen anyway.

Thomas | May 10, 2024

Fantastic upgrade to my Bekant desk

For Megadesk

Firstly, shipping was fast - 4 days to get from Canada to the UK - fantastic.

Installation was no problem - worst part was (as expected) opening the original housing - but I did it in a few minutes without doing too much damage (and the damage isn't visible once it's reinstalled anyway)

Thanks :)

Andy | March 18, 2024

Installed quick and easy

For Megadesk

I saw all the videos of people tearing apart the controller, but I actually managed it pretty quickly.
Used a heat gun to warm up the edges and then wedged in a flat head screwdriver. Then just pried my way around the edges.
Just like many, I was worried I had messed something up... forgot to put the "key" back in when I hooked it back up. :)
All aorund, loving it and saved me $1000 on buying a new desk just for memory features!!

Vipul | March 7, 2024

Down key is not working for the Megadesk

For Megadesk

I bought this and was very excited. I ordered it incorrectly initially and Greg was too considerate to educate me about the correct model.
I received it, yes it took a while but I think that delay I felt was due to my excitement.

I watched so many videos on how to configure it. But now, when I installed it after all that breaking in the motor piece, my down key is not seems working.
It is going up but NOT Down.

The second issue I am facing is with saving memory spots. I am not able to save those either.
Yes, it is making those noises which it should and it feels something is happening. (Haptics are really good)

Third, in the 5-pin model, which is getting shipped now, the ribbon does not fit properly. It works though, BUT it does not get into the jack completely.

But, I am really struggling with it to properly function.

please if anyone can guide or help me, what I am missing, because I am quite sure I did all the steps right.

Vivian | March 7, 2024

Saved me hundreds of dollars

For Megadesk

I love my Ikea desk, but I've been eyeing other sit/stand desks with memory features. After some googling, I found this solution and pulled the trigger.

Shipping was quick; it arrived in less than a week from Canada to Miami. The installation was a bit hairy. I had to hammer the Ikea control open using some force, like others say, this is the hardest part. Installing the ribbon cable made me a bit nervous because the cable didn't go all the way through. I said a prayer, closed the hatch, and put the controller back on. When I heard those 4 beeps, I was ecstatic!

The setting instructions were clear. I did have to get used to the short delay when pressing the buttons, but I read somewhere that it was intentional to allow the controller to recognize if it was a configured press or just a normal press, so I can live with that.

Overall, I'm very happy with this product! It saved me from having to buy a new desk!

Henrique | Feb. 16, 2024

Just works

For Megadesk

Works as advertised
Packaging could be better, specially for intercontinental shipping.
Some pins were slightly bent, assuming due to shipping.
The PCB cable route does not completely align with the casing.
Overall very happy.

David | Dec. 13, 2023

Fantastic result

For Megadesk

I got a Megadesk and Megadesk Companion combo. The kit arrived well protected and following the instructions to replace the board in my desk and have it in Home Assistant was a breeze.

Everyone will agree the hardest part is opening the plastic case of the original board.

Highly recommended to 3D print the enclosure for the Companion board using the stl in the repository, the final result is really good.

Michael | Dec. 1, 2023

Instant replacement received

For Megadesk Companion

Had a problem with my boards, which Greg instantaneously rectified by sending another batch that work great now. Thank you for the great customer service!

Michael | Dec. 1, 2023

Instant replacement received

For Megadesk

Had a problem with my boards, which Greg instantaneously rectified by sending another batch that work great now. Thank you for the great customer service!

Jile | Nov. 8, 2023

Very Neat Board

For alarmbuddy

It took a bit to figure out due to the amount of cables to the old board. I have 2 door sensors, 3 motion sensors, and a glass breaking sensor.

Because the new board doesn't provide power to the motion sensors I left the power lines connected to the old board. They used the same cable to connect the old board to power as the sensors and just connected 2 wires to each of the +/- ac inputs. So I was able to move two of them to the Alarm Buddy to be able to power both at the same time. To help with anyone else that might run into the same issue below is my breakdown of the old board and what I did with it.

The setup was super easy, connected to it's wifi, then entered in the details of my home wifi and it showed up right away. Named and labeled the sensors and it was good to go!

AC +, AC -: Originally had 2 wires for + and - on the old board, moved one each to the new board.

AUX +, AUX -: Left connected to the old board, this is how I powered the sensors.

Bell +, Bell -: Disconnected and capped. Assuming it was for an alarm bell somewhere.

Red, Blk, Yel, Grn: Disconnected and capped. This was for the panel at the front door.

Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6: Moved over to slots 1-6

Com: 1 for each zone that was put in pairs into 3 com spots on the old panel. Twisted them into 2 groups of 3 and put them in each of the 3.3V sections on the new panel.

Ring A, TIP B: Disconnected and capped. I think this was for the telephone line connection but not sure.

Kirill | Oct. 28, 2023

Works perfectly!

For Megadesk

The controller works perfectly! I just plugged it in, calibrated and set up the desired positions. That's all. Of course I forgot to put back the safety pin and nothing worked initially. I even started panicking a bit, but since I found out that I forgot to put back the safety pin (grey plastic cylinder), everything starts working as it should. Hardest part was to open the original IKEA controller's case (with buttons). Spent around an hour and almost destroy case's edges. But the damaged part of the case faces the surface underneath the table so it doesn't matter at all (you anyway will never see it again). Definitely worth the money! Absolutely love the sounds it makes (bip-bip, bop-bop :)

About the shipping. I initially ordered shipment to Cyprus with tracking, but unfortunately this option is not actually available for Cyprus. So, I reorder the regular shipment without tracking. I placed the order on 9th September and it was available for collection in Cyprus Post on 13th October (took a little bit over a month). Just in case, I also payed customs tax (7.47 euro) when I collected the order from the post office (common thing for Cyprus).

Adrien | Oct. 18, 2023

Amazing

For Megadesk

It works great! So happy that I was able to upgrade my old desk :).

The Megadesk controller has truly transformed my IKEA Bekant standing desk experience. The added memory positions have been a game changer, allowing for seamless switching between work positions. I appreciate the attention to detail in keeping with the original enclosure—maintaining the desk's aesthetic while enhancing its functionality. It feels both robust and professional. Highly recommended!

Steven | Sept. 12, 2023

Turned this dumb desk into a megadesk

For Megadesk

Once you get into the enclosure of the controller, which is the hardest part, connecting everything together was straight forward (if you read the instructions, unlike me which did not read the instructions). Usage is as easy as can be considering you only have 2 buttons and I LOVE that you have the option to have unique memory settings for both the up and down buttons. I only really needed 2 settings, one for up and one for down and the fact that you let me set the 2-press action for both buttons is great.

It worked right away and the beeps are a nice touch so you know if things are working.

The memory settings was the only thing I was sad that I was missing from my standing desk and this megadesk fixed that for me.

The only thing that would have been nice is if the cable was a bit longer as I originally had the controller on the far part of my corner desk and the cable that came with it isn't long enough for where I had it originally as I have the bekant corner desk.

Shane | Sept. 2, 2023

Had some issues, but Greg's customer service is fantastic

For Megadesk

My first board seemed to be DOA. I reached out to Greg, he asked a little about what was going on, and when it was clear I had an issue that we weren't going to be able to troubleshoot he shipped a new board out ASAP (and it arrived faster than the original order). The new board is installed and working wonderfully. Very happy with my purchase!

Sergej | May 28, 2023

Made Bekant great again

For Megadesk

Bekant has one problem - no presets, but Megadesk fixes the problem. It also has serial support, so can be extended by tinkerers as a hobby project. For example, I can control mine with an iphone (homekit), voice (Siri) or local network. Now I love my desk, and it's fun to use ("hey Siri, table up").

The only con is that the original Bekant enclosure can be a real pain to open in order to replace the board. But I didn't have to open mine, as I control it via serial.

Lukas | May 23, 2023

Something that should be included by default!!

For Megadesk

I recently purchased an Ikea BEKANT standing desk and loved it so far. The only thing missing was a memory function so I could easily make the desk remember a couple of positions and recall them with simple presses without holding down the buttons each time.

Being a maker myself I already thought about reverse engineering the control unit but I was sure someone must've done that already. I quickly found this awesome project. While I could easily make it myself I opted to purchase the unit here in order to support the effort the creator had (also I didn't have the time right now).

It arrived in a bit over a week using standard shipping (based in Austria) and installation was a breeze. The only thing (that I was aware of due to other reviews and notes by the creator himself) I struggled a bit was the disassembly of the control unit as it was plastic welded together pretty much all around the perimeter. I ended up using a tiny flat screw driver and began prying on the short edges (where the mounting holes are). I also "weakened" the bond by using a razor blade. Then after applying a little bit of force the lid popped right off. After that the installation process was pretty straight forward.

I really like it so far and I'm planning on "hacking" together a homeassistant daughter board in the future, so I can use it in my automations.

I 10/10 can recommend purchasing this ready-to-go circuitboard!
Avatar
Response from Greg's Tinker Town | May 23, 2023
Thanks for the kind words!

On the topic of the daughter board - stay tuned :) I have something in the works.

Basile | May 4, 2023

Excellent product

For Megadesk

This is awesome and perfect for making my IKEA Bekant smart.
The description and the video are very useful!
It was easy to follow them, everything was clear. The only thing I had to do was to fight the enclosure to open it 😂

I have no excuse not to stand now 😄
Many thanks to Greg!

David | March 28, 2023

Great to bring new life to an old desk

For Megadesk

I started looking for a new desk with memory function but this was exactly what I needed. I didn't do the best job to pry the case open but installation was easy (just remember to put in the pin when testing it) and since it is mounted under the table you can't really see the scrapes anyway.

Ramon | Feb. 16, 2023

Excellent product, bought 2 of them, fast shipping

For Megadesk

Within a few days it arrived in the Netherlands, well packed.
Opening the Bekant took some force, used a dremel to get a start.
Once open, installation was a breeze.

Made a mistake with the second one I forgot to put in a piece of plastic, causing the interface to believer there was no safety pal inserted.
But that was all my vault.
The two of them works great, I highly recommend this

Can't wait to find the time and hook it up to Home Assistant (will need to read upon first how to get it done)
Not because I need it, but because it can! :-)

Zhaoxing | Jan. 12, 2023

works for my 2015 IKEA Bekant

For Megadesk

This is an awesome product. Plugin to my 2015 IKEA Bekant and it works like a charm! Enjoying my new standing deak.

Michael | Jan. 8, 2023

Works great, but installation is a pain

For Megadesk

The products works exactly as described. No documentation is included, so be sure to bookmark this page.
Installation was a real pain, as my controller was sealed all around, even in the front where two walls come up beside the „key-switch“.
I had to cut away some of the lid at the rear to get below the top plate, and use a good amount of force to snap off the rest of the plate all around.
Beware of the controller board directly under the top plate and make sure to apply force to the plate and not to the board.
When I finally managed to open the case with a bang, a part of the keyswitch fell off and I had to search the room for it :-)
Installation was no problem, and the flip-lock-connector for the ribbon-cable was helpful.

After repowering the desk everything worked. So I am happy. Great product!!!
Thank you so much Greg!

Dallas | Oct. 11, 2022

Great experience overall

For Megadesk

Like many people before me I did some research on how to automatically control my IKEA Bekant sit stand desk and came across this project as the best way to do it. I made an order and waited about a month for the shipping to arrive to Australia. Like most other people I struggled to get the unit apart, even after reading the reviews and watching the videos. In the end I drilled a hole in the front corner without the ribbon and then pried it apart with a screwdriver. This caused some damage to the plastic but since it is under the desk you can't see it.

But unfortunately for me the first the unit didn't work. I tried all the troubleshooting steps at https://github.com/gcormier/megadesk and had different results as expected. Fortunately the original unit still worked so I knew the desk was okay. I reached out to Greg with my issues and he quickly responded and sorted things out right away. This product is awesome and has stopped me going out to buy a new sit stand desk just to have a memory feature to change heights between sitting and standing.

Many thanks again to Greg for making and supporting this product.

Edward | Aug. 22, 2022

This is perfection

For Megadesk

Firstly, it arrived so quickly. UK delivery was in 4 days!

Same as everyone says, getting the top of the desk's control unit off is painful. It's got multiple long inner joins, I cracked a lot of mine but as it all ends up hidden I don't care. Just keep jamming a small screwdriver in sand pry it up. Work from the corners next to the cable, this makes sure you avoid the area with the ribbon cable.

The unit itself is easy to install. There's even a note on the board itself telling you where the red wire should go, making that step even easier. Follow Greg's video for help getting the ribbon cable back in.

Now that it's firmware got updated to let it perform the calibration steps, you don't need to keep the old board, although I have.

Very easy to use, it's literally the simplest functionality. Greg has made a great product and you should definitely buy one if you're on the fence.

His GitHub page has plenty of documentation.

Love it, great purchase. Nice one Greg.

Pi-1356 | Aug. 20, 2022

Worst exactly as described

For Megadesk

Worst exactly as described and it arrived safely (Canada > Miami,FL > Dominican Republic). Opening the Ikea control was difficult because it's welded shut, but that was fairly warned on the installation video. So no surprises there. What I ended up doing was taking a chunk off the side with an Exacto knife until I finally saw a glimpse of the inside. Then, I simply pried it off.

Thank you so much for this product!

Stephen | June 11, 2022

FANTASTIC UPGRADE Easier to open than feared with right tool

For Megadesk

SO SO SO glad that google took me to this fantastic desk upgrade. Using two button mode I now have double tap down to sit, double tap up to stand, its just what the Ikea should have done. If you are reading this wondering whether to buy - HELL YES.

Greg is a genius - all you need to do is open the unit (see notes below) swap over the circuit board, a replacement wire is supplied and buttons connect with a small ribbon cable that's easy to connect, sorted !

UK shipping - just SEVEN days.

The elephant in the room, opening the damned unit, lots easier than I thought and afterwards, once you push the bent plastic back with the shaft of a screwdriver, there is only a slight whiteish line at the top to say anything ever happened. For me the secret was as below, took just 5 minutes, don't touch anything else (don't go around all the other edges for example, not needed, doesn't help and causes unnecessary damage).
1. Just using a sharp thin blade open up the gap at the back near the corner away from the wire.
2. Insert a 2-3 mm screwdriver (I used one of those mains checker ones that has a neon light inside for mains voltage warning), you will need to push down and under the top cover, it will make some damage, but like I said above, afterwards its hardly visible. You need to work it in and lever open the top until just that corner snaps open. You are now home and dry !
3. Work around the sides snapping open first the near side then the far side.

Glenn | June 8, 2022

Works great! Easy to install! Definitely would recommened

For Megadesk

For the life of me i do not understand why IKEA does not currently sell a desk with the ability to set height profiles.

Thankfully this exists. Easy to install and works great.
- quick presses recalls that heigh profile (2 press for profile 2, 3 presses for 3)
- quick presses then a long press to set that profile to the current height

Izipizi. Hardest part about it is prying off the back plate to the controller housing, check out his video above on how to do that.

It looks like on his video that the ribbon cable sits very far into the port, but mine couldnt go very far in. But I was able to lock it in proply with the small latch.

Oh and don't be like me and forget to put the plastic key back in and wonder why it doesnt work lol.

took about a couple weeks to get to me in Australia.

VERY NICE APPLE SLICE

Dimitrios | May 20, 2022

Essential hack for your ikea POS

For Megadesk

This little board makes your BEKANT a joy to use rather than a chore. The hardest part, to quote everyone, is opening the box. If I do this again, I'm going to use a (tiny) power tool. It can be quite hazardous without the right equipment (yes, I drew a little blood). Still, huge thanks to the brilliant creator! Next up: connect to HA/mqtt, but thats another story.

Kevin | April 30, 2022

The addon that makes my Bekant complete

For Megadesk

The memory function is really a crucial missing feature of the original Bekant desk.
I can only imagine that IKEA has not implemented it for safety reasons.
However, plenty of other manufacturers have this feature.

Luckily there is megadesk providing me with that feature.

Shipping to Germany would have been 7 days or less without the easter holidays.

The tricky part was opening the control unit.
I drilled the corners as others suggested. But I still had to apply quite some force to crack the other welding spots.

Megadesk works fine for me but there are two things that deteriorate the very good impression (thus 4/5 stars):
- The desk isn't as responsive compared to the original control unit. You have to keep pressing the controls for a little while until the desk starts moving.
- I have the impression that the step size for height adjustment is bigger compared to the original controller. It's still fine enough but something you wonder when first experiencing.
Avatar
Response from Greg's Tinker Town | May 1, 2022
Hi Kevin! Thanks for the kind words.

The delay is indeed there as the firmware has to provide some sort of delay to know if you are going to release the button and use the memory function, or hold it to manually move the desk.

It is configurable in the firmware, but the firmware I flash contains a sort of "middle of the road" value that I use.
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