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

Average Ratings

Product: (4.93)

Documentation: (4.59)

Shipping: (4.72)

Communication: (4.85)

All Reviews

Alexander | March 1, 2021

Great product

For Megadesk

Bought 2 for my home office and for my "real" office. Works just as it should and did fit perfectly in the original IKEA box. Shipping took like 6 weeks, mostly due to customs and toll, I live in Sweden. I would bye it again if I got more desks and it's worth the waiting.

Wim | Feb. 10, 2021

Great deskhack!

For Megadesk

Shipping to Belgium took a bit longer than expected (yay covid) but was up and running 30 minutes after opening the package. The included cable seems short at first but you probably already put the controls near one of the motors anyway, so plenty of length to do the job!

Documentation on installation is superb but opening the plastic case of the controller was a bit of a challenge. I used a thin-bladed knife to score around the edges but I don't think that helped much. Used a thicker blade with a good wedge to break away the lid from the body near the safety key hole so I could get a flat screwdriver in there and pry it open all around. Messed up the outer shell a bit but hey, it's under the desk, who looks there, anyways?

Tobias | Feb. 9, 2021

I love it

For Megadesk

I was tinkering automated table movement myself but it was always very hacky. Now I've replaced my own tinkering with Megadesk and it's fantastic. Once serial control is in place (https://github.com/gcormier/megadesk/issues/12) I'm looking forward to connect an ESP32 to it and control the desk over the network, e.g. with MQTT.

Oliver | Jan. 23, 2021

Great enhancement of the IKEA Bekant, quick shipping

For Megadesk

The Megadesk is awesome. Disassembling the original controller is the hardest part. I had to switch to the alternative mode to make it work, but also that was no issue given the nice FAQ.

Shipping to Germany was a breeze: ordered on the 10th, received on the 22nd. Thanks!

Martin | Jan. 20, 2021

Outstanding

For Megadesk

At first, I had an issue, but it was my own fault I didn't see that the white piece that sits under the safety pin fell off while I disassembled my controller, so my desk wouldn't move.

But after figuring that out, it just worked!

Communication with Greg is great and fast, thanks again for your help in troubleshooting my mistake :)

Make sure to check out his GitHub, if you're good in electronics please help Greg make a USB version so that I can make an app :D

I'm concluding with the most difficult part which is - a surprise to no-one that is reading - the disassembly of the controller, I think I would suggest starting aside the black wire (the back) cutting diagonally with a exacto. Of course follow the video, but after that with a small flat screwdriver build a hole on each side of the black wire on the back. Once I got a hole in I was able to pry out, but it's a slow process. After all, remember that it'll stay under the desk. Unless you use your desk by being under it, it poses no issue to me!

As I told Greg, a great and useful plug-and-play-mostly-other-than-disassembly product :)

Frédéric | Jan. 10, 2021

Works perfectly, fits like OEM. Simple to use!

For Megadesk

Fits perfectly into original unit once opened. Easy to configure. Read the whole documentation online as there is some special mode that you may require. I had a question and was answered very quickly.

This is such a nice upgrade to this desk!

thanks again!

Filippo | Dec. 29, 2020

Love it!

For Megadesk

I am greatly enjoying Megadesk. Video instructions are super clear, both in terms of what to do and what not to do. I struggled a bit while opening the case the first time but after that it was smooth sailing. Happy to have bought Megadesk and support open source hardware.

Stephen | Dec. 10, 2020

Brings your Bekant up to par with other motorized desks

For Megadesk

Works well on my Fall 2020 Ikea Bekant desk. Needed to put the controller into "variant" mode for it to work. Docs could have been slightly clearer on what that is exactly. Once I did that, everything worked as expected. The hardest part is definitely getting the enclosure open, at least for me. I'm used to quite involved disassembly, but typically where things are screwed together. You need to wedge a stiff screwdriver or equivalent at around a 45-degree angle near one of the "safer" edges as shown in the video, and then pry. If you don't get deep enough, prying really only separates and warps the outer wall, from my experience.

Enrico | Nov. 28, 2020

The missing piece for the now perfect sit/stand desk!!

For Megadesk

After owning a 63” Bekant desk (sit only) for about 3 years decided to get the sit/stand frame about 2 weeks ago. Immediately loved it but found myself keeping a tape measure on my desk to measure the height every time I changed from sit to stand and viceversa so started looking online for memory controls and found the Megadesk. Ordered it immediately on Nov 20th and got it today, Nov 28th. Like every body mentioned the tricky part was to pry open the controller but thanks to this thread tips and Greg’s video, mine came back without any mayor damage. Installation took less than 5 mins. Now the non easy part was getting it to work. My frame was built on Sep 2020 so very recently. It took me several times to get Megadesk to switch to the Variant firmware. After many attempts, I figured that you have to press 16 times the UP button very fast, after that everything worked as designed. Tape measure is back in the drawer and now I love my Bekant desk even more. Thanks Greg for making such an amazing device the Really Works!!

BTW, USPS messed up with my Megadesk delivery sending the package to the wrong USPS sorting unit so I had to drive this morning 45 mins to get it but it was worthy of the 34 miles one way drive!!!

David | Nov. 22, 2020

Great product!!!

For Megadesk

Easy to install, just read ALL the instructions, they are very clear about two types of motors in the Bekant desk. Just be patient taking the old controller apart, I used a small mechanical screwdriver to work my way around the whole controller casing, then it came apart.

Charles | Nov. 18, 2020

The missing piece!

For Megadesk

This overcomes the one shortfall of the Bekant desk. The hardest part is opening the original case. I had to destroy more than I thought I would like to get it open. Once it's open, the installation is super simple, and getting it working w/ my larger Bekant (firmware setting w/ 16 presses of the up button, and holding the button) desk was a snap.

Response from Greg's Tinker Town | Nov. 18, 2020

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it Charles! I've just posted a new video with some tips on opening the case that hopefully are useful for future customers. It is indeed the hardest part :)

Tim | Nov. 4, 2020

Superb

For Megadesk

Ikea should bundle with Greg's controller 👍

Trickiest part was prying open the controller box, but be patient and follow others' advice.

John | Oct. 30, 2020

Took a bit of fiddling to get right, but fab once working!

For Megadesk

So I had multiple existential crises when the megadesk finally arrived as I really struggled to get it going, but once I did, it worked wonderfully!

Some of my findings:

1. There is a white piece of plastic which goes over the key button in order for the key to be registered. Mine flew out of the case when I finally got it open, and I didn't realise it was missing until later
2. I was convinced that I'd broken the ribbon for a while, as the only sounds I was able to get out of it where when the "up" button was pressed. I'd moved my table as far up as it could go so I could unscrew and work on the underside of the table, so I thought I'd either broken the cable or otherwise shorted the motor. Scary!
3. After playing around with the megadesk, I then struggled to get my original controller to work(!)
4. However after swapping the cables around and plugging the original controller into the other leg, and then running calibration, I was able to regain control of the table
5. I then re-ran the calibration to reset the table, then plugged in the megadesk, and - lo-and-behold - it worked!

I hope this is helpful :)

Sky | Oct. 15, 2020

megadesk chip issue

For Megadesk

Hello there Greg,

I bought the megadesk a week ago and just today, I don't know what happened but the motor stopped responded, however there still beeps corresponding to the amount of times I pressed it. I have tried all the troubleshooting steps, but it does not seem to fix the issue, also the chip was quite warm when plugged in and you can feel it through the encasing. I have written a review because for some reason sending a message loaded the word "forbidden" and so I could not send it. I'll gladly change all the ratings to a 5 star if I can get a solution for the issue. Thanks so much!

Response from Greg's Tinker Town | Oct. 16, 2020

Hi,

I'm not sure why you are unable to send messages - if you reach out to Tindie support they can further assist. After which, we can hopefully converse to troubleshoot further.

Thanks,
Greg

Michal | Sept. 28, 2020

Wish I bought it sooner

For Megadesk

Truly great product and it took only thirteen days from placing order to get here (Canada to Ireland)

Nina | Sept. 7, 2020

Saved my desk

For Megadesk

Ikea controller was busted ( still could do the calibration but would stop working after 10 seconds or so ). this saved my desk

excellent docs on github. 99% of documentation was directly relevant to troubleshooting

entire thing took about an hour or so. half an hour just getting the housing open.

Benjamin | Aug. 11, 2020

Great product, glad I bought it

For Megadesk

Trivial to install (used a butter knife and a Phillips head and that’s it). Worked perfectly with my Bekant. Shipped quickly. Thanks a lot :)

Jarad | July 29, 2020

Pick Three: Simple, Inexpensive, Easy to Use

For alarmbuddy

This board is about as simple as it gets: ESP32 strapped to an AC-DC converter and some terminal strips. And that's exactly I wanted. The developer has done a great job of communicating quickly and clearly, is open to suggestions, and seems to have a real passion for his projects. The documentation is a little sparse, but I expect it's because the developer has a target audience in mind that knows how to read schematics, PCB layouts, program an ESP32 and use ESPHome.

I recommend this board to anyone who has used ESP32 before and has some basic electronics knowledge.

How could this board be better? I've discussed a few of these with the developer:
- Power input modules, instead of fixed. Modules should support 16-24VAC like most alarm systems use, but also have a 12VDC option. Possibly even a battery backup module.
- Power output modules for accessories: Since this product is intended to replace the brains of a security system, it should have power output available for accessories. In my system, that's 12VDC.
- u.Fl connector for external antenna. Many security system enclosures are made of steel. It would be better to be able to position the antenna for the ESP32 outside of the enclosure in those instances.
- Power indicator LED. I was left wondering many times, after applying power, whether the thing was on. Just something small and not very bright is fine.

All that being said, the items above are more of a wishlist, rather than a requirement. The board, as it stands, works well for my purposes.

Thank you for making this!

Kevin | July 27, 2020

An ace upgrade to the Ikea desks

For Megadesk

I ordered two of these, and received them last week. I have two different ages of Bekant desk, and although initially one of them had a hiccup the creator helped me through it and it turned out there was already a way to fix it (I needed to switch into a "variant" mode for the newer desk). Apart from this, the trickiest bit was getting the top off the original controller housing; after watching a YouTube video I realised I had to prize it open from the back of the box, not the front or the side like I was trying.

All in all, a fantastic upgrade to the desk; thanks for making it Greg!

Vladimir | July 26, 2020

Good product, excellent support

For Megadesk

I had a difficult relationship with my Ikea Bekant sit-stand. It acted on me until it stopped working upwards. I blamed the control board and ordered Megadesk replacement since there is seemingly no other alternative and it also has memory features. The setup is straightforward but did not fix the problem initially. I replaced the main power supply through a manufacturer's recall program but that still did not revive the table. Then Greg suggested trying motor reset (something I could not find on my own, by he shared for free). That fixed the problem and now I have Ikea Bekant with position memory buttons. I would not have solved the issue if I did not buy the Megadesk board and then received the seller's support.

Jack | May 24, 2020

Great product now I have a memory sit/standing desk

For Megadesk

Works out of the box. Documentation can be found on the product buy page.
Arrived with a power cable that could be connected to the board and desk.

Love this product and the open source about it.

I'm not that good with a soldering iron. The seller has done a great job, looks clean and solid.

John | May 2, 2020

Great product

For Megadesk

[Edit] I was mistaken below, the Megadesk DOES recall stored memory positions after losing power. I can only assume there was some kind of glitch that caused mine to lose its settings. The problem hasn't recurred. My original review is below, sorry for the incorrect assumption on my part!

This product has made my Bekant desk way more useful. Shipping was quick and the seller is super nice and communicative. My only problem with the product is it appears that if the desk loses power, all memory settings are lost. I shut off the power to my home office to replace a light fixture, and once power was back on, the desk wouldn't recall any settings - it just played a series of tones after pressing the button the normal number of times. Its easy enough to redo the settings, but was a little disappointing. I still highly recommend this product though as it makes the Bekant desk what it should have been from the factory.

I didn't have too much trouble opening the factory board enclosure. As others suggested, I (very carefully) tried cutting around the top cover, and then pried it open with a couple of metal spudgers from iFixit. Opened right up with minimal damage.

Response from Greg's Tinker Town | May 3, 2020

Thanks for the kind words John! Sorry to hear about the memory problems - can you try doing a firmware reset by holding DOWN while powering on the unit? That will wipe the EEPROM. Otherwise, send me a a message if you want to troubleshoot further, I'd be curious why it's not saving - it does write those positions to EEPROM when saved so it will persist with power off.

Dan | April 13, 2020

Awesome!

For Megadesk

Shipped to the UK in around 2 weeks which was great.

As others have mentioned, opening the button enclosure is really painful - pretty much destroyed the top of mine (not that it matters, it’s hidden anyway, and it pretty much sits back in it’s place). Here’s some pictures I took of the process: https://imgur.com/a/zSRsihY. Score & cut through a section with a Stanley knife, then use a small screwdriver to get a hole, then a larger screwdriver to “pop” it up - most of it will pop apart, if any is stuck use your knife and screwdriver to pry the other side too.

Other than that, installation was a breeze - just disconnect the old board, connect the new one & the new cable.

I had some initial power-on issues where the board worked (and beeped) and recognised button presses, but the table never moved. Tried power cycling a few times, no difference. Tried the original board... nothing. Disconnected everything, reconnected again and both boards started working. Not sure exactly what happened, but seems fine now.

And it works perfectly. Thanks! :)

Jeff | April 10, 2020

Works exactly as described, perfect!

For Megadesk

After a few years the controller board in my Ikea desk died. This replacement board worked perfectly, even better than the original!
Thank you for designing and making this board. It brought my dead desk back to life.

Linfeng | March 26, 2020

Fantastic! Please read along if you are stuck

For Megadesk

I have a **lager** BEKANT desk and here goes how I set it up:
0. Prep: I stuck the small gray box rather tight to the bottom of the table (as instructed by IKEA's manual) and a slot screwdriver pops the cap off directly. The adhesives kept the back-plastic on the table, making it easy to clip things back together when I am done.
1. Use the OEM control module to lower the table to the lowest position (keeping the table at the highest hight ended up with no wiggle room at all for the MegaDesk module. Not sure why.)
2. Swap out the modules and connect the cables. For my BEKANT desk, I ended up connecting to the three-pin-hole at the back. Initially, the OEM control module is connected to the slot in the front, leaving the one at the back for the extension cable beneath the table running from the left to the right.
3. Press the UP button 16 times to toggle the value for "idle status". There should be a do-ri-me tone that repeats twice.

If you are stuck and need further graphic instructions, please create an issue on the official Github repo and mention my Github username: llinfeng.

Lastly, many thanks to Greg who revived my 4-year-old BEKANT desk!

Johannes | Feb. 19, 2020

Great product

For Megadesk

Using it on the largest Bekant. Needed to toggle the firmware support for it and after everything is working as expected. This was a huge improvement to the usability of the desk.

Opening the enclosure was as difficult as described in the other reviews. I didn't succeed in doing it without minor damage. Maybe some detailed pictures about how to do it would be helpful. Shipping was a bit expensive, too.

Arne | Jan. 12, 2020

Great device that should be part of the original desk

For Megadesk

I can absolutely recommend this device. It makes it way easier to change between sitting and standing while working at your desk. I can not believe that IKEA did not built something like this for their product.

Shipping to Germany took about 5 weeks.

Daniel | Dec. 23, 2019

Anyone who owns a Bekant needs this!

For Megadesk

This little device is amazing! Just a couple screws and prying off a cover got me functionality that should have existed in this desk to begin with! Took 10 minutes to install and I was off to the races.

Cornelius | Dec. 18, 2019

Awesome! The missing part for IKEA Bekant desks!

For Megadesk

Thank you very much for this wonderful piece!

Opening the plastic enclosure of the desk was really, really a huuuge pain. That was only possible with a lot of force. Sure—since it was not intended to be opened by customers. The top of the enclosure (that is not visible when it is mounted underneath the table) has been destroyed during this act. However, the comments of the others were helpful for this.

The controller didn't work at the first go. I heard the sound when powering the desk but the buttons didn't work. I played around with toggling the firmware by pushing 16 times UP, removing the controller while the desk has power etc. and finally it works. I could not say what the solution was actually but now it works like a charm! (Small desk from IKEA Germany)

Thanks again!

Henrik | Dec. 7, 2019

Works just like advertised!

For Megadesk

Took a lot of prying to get the enclosure open but that's on IKEA.

When I got it installed it took a while to figure out that I had to change to the Memory 16 thing but after that it works like a charm. Thank you Greg!

He answers questions really quick too so that's a big plus.

Jack | Oct. 18, 2019

Fantastic add-on to Bekant desk

For Megadesk

The board arrived quickly, worked immediately, and was easy to install. Cracking open the case on the desk controls itself was a huge pain, but that's not this board's fault. Once I got the case open it was very easy to figure out how to hook everything up and the controls worked immediately and respond quickly. Worth every penny.

Michael | Sept. 14, 2019

Works as promised

For Megadesk

I work from home a lot and this was the only feature of the BEKANT that was missing for me.
Shipping from Canada to Germany took about 12 days.
It was easier than I predicted to open the plastic enclosure. Small advise: if you don't want the enclosure to have any visible damage after the change, use the area around the screw holes (where you attach the enclosure to the table) to pry the plastic apart.
The change was done in less than 10 minutes and it just works - I'm really happy with the change - this completes my work setup @home.
Thanks to Greg for an awesome piece of Ikea hack ;)

cheers,
mike

Response from Greg's Tinker Town | Sept. 16, 2019

Very welcome! Glad you enjoy it! :)

Dudley | Aug. 27, 2019

Why doesn't Bekant include this in their design?

For Megadesk

Installed the Megadesk today. Nice design, easy to use. I expect I will now use my desk much more than in the past. I have five preset heights. Thanks for engineering this nifty hack that Bekant should have included from the start. Be advised: as the instructions state, using a utility knife to score along the seams will help pry the back off the plastic case. I then used a small electronics screwdriver to pry from the corners nearest the front of the case.

Knut | Aug. 24, 2019

Great mod for the Bekant table!

For Megadesk

When I got myself a Bekant stand-up desk I instantly thought "How can I make it to remember the positions I'm using and recall them without me pressing the button the whole time?", then stumbled upon some video showing the debugging of the protocol behind that controller (how could I be so naive to think it would be just normal switches closing a circuit…) and fell into despair.

After finding this project I was amazed someone took over the whole development of an alternate controller which does exactly what I was thinking about. It took a good while for all the different postal services to get the controller to Germany but it arrived in one piece.

Getting open the old controller enclosure was quite a challenge (hint: If using force is not the solution, it wasn't enough force!) and I needed to switch to the alternative mode for the bigger version (looks like they are using that version also on normal sized ones in Germany) but afterwards it works like a charm!

Thank you for creating this! You saved me a lot of headache…

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