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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

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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!

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.

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 :)

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.

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.

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!

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.

Moritz | April 20, 2022

Works as promised, well documented installation

For Megadesk

I have a BEKANT, the control module said 2020-22 Rec.: C and it worked well. I was a little surprised how much scraping was necessary to remove the lid of the box but it worked out well after a lot of prying.
Shipping to Germany was very fast taking 9 days from the day of ordering.

June | April 15, 2022

Best possible addon for an IKEA sit/stand desk you can get!

For Megadesk

Easy install, awesome functionality. Absolutely cannot have an IKEA desk without one. This totally transformed my desk into a workplace that I enjoy instead of fight with.

Artem | March 22, 2022

It just works!

For Megadesk

My first purchase on tindie. The Megadesk is the definition of a drop-in replacement. No issues installing whatsoever (aside from initial struggle with opening of factory control box, but that's nothing to do with Megadesk. F* you IKEA!), and operates like a clock!

After installing the Megadesk my Bekant table finally reaches its intended purpose and full potential. IT SHOULD'VE BEEN LIKE THIS FROM THE FACTORY!

True power and spirit of libre culture and grassroots approach to owning you furniture, bravo Greg!

Brian | Feb. 26, 2022

Excellent upgrade for my 2015 IKEA Bekant

For Megadesk

Case removal was difficult, the rest was easy. It didn't work on the first try, and when the Troubleshooting asked if I had inserted the safety key I had to laugh, that was the issue.

The review that suggested drilling out all the corners was the only way I got the cover removed. I had previously tried a dremel cutting wheel deeply around the edges and could only bend down the sides trying to pry it off. After drilling the holes, I used the shank of the bit as the pry bar in the holes. Mine was so securely glued on the ridges down the center from the control surface it bent and discolored before giving up.

Denis | Jan. 27, 2022

Works fine!

For Megadesk

Absolutely love my Megadesk!

Fro business owner: would be even better if you put a twice long wire in the set, so it can feet wider desks. I have a custom 180X110cm table, so I made an extension to the wire.

Gunther | Jan. 3, 2022

Excellent product

For Megadesk

Greg was very helpful both before my purchase and when the first shipping attempt failed. The device works exactly as described, and I seem to be one of the lucks ones as the lid of the controller box is only held on by one plastic piece that can be slightly bent to open, so the whole exchange took less than 5 minutes. Naturally I initially forgot to re-insert the "key" and panicked that it wasn't working, but with the human problem out of the way, it's all perfect.

Christopher | Dec. 31, 2021

I am in love

For Megadesk

Works perfect! Took about 20 minutes to get up and running, 17 of those dealing with the infamous case. I was being pretty careful and I still sliced through half my ribbon cable. Almost had a heart attack, thankfully it was the side without leads!

I thought about doing this myself, but as other reviewers pointed out, this was 1000x easier and a far better final product than anything I could do. Thanks for making this! Hello from Toronto!

Gavin | Nov. 26, 2021

One small change one major upgrade

For Megadesk

The item arrived quickly and was easy to install and works really well! Its amazing how much easier it has made the transitions from sitting to standing

Joey | Oct. 26, 2021

Great upgrade for a Bekant Sit/Stand Desk

For Megadesk

It was fairly quick and easy to modify the original controller to install this — the video guide was very helpful.

Harrison | Oct. 18, 2021

Amazing + quick install

For Megadesk

This is amazing! It took me 5 mins to get installed and working, with me messing up on the wire direction. Thankfully you built in that error checking. I turned the wire around and all works perfectly. I was going to build one of these myself until I found this, you saved me a lot of valuable time! Great work! I know a lot of people have benefited greatly.

Kevin | Sept. 13, 2021

Works perfectly, easy to install

For Megadesk

Does what it says on the tin, which is great!

I guess I need 100 characters.. does this get me to it?

Xavier | Aug. 12, 2021

Great service, highly recommended

For Megadesk

If I could, I would give a 7/5 stars. Very patient and solved my problem without any hassle. Awesome service!

Dara | Aug. 11, 2021

Seller was really great

For Megadesk

There was an issue with my first order but the seller was very helpful in getting it sorted out.

It was easy to install and works like it should apart from the occasional bug needing a re-plugging of the unit.

Great way to save on paying full price for the memory buttons.

Alexander | July 25, 2021

Thank you for this upgrade of the Bekant desk!

For Megadesk

For me the main challenge was to breakup the case of the control unit. As in the video I did cut along the case cover into the glue but with less success. So initially I was a little bit disappointed. But then I did drill a hole into the corner of the case cover with a rechargeable driller. When this hole was large enough to get in with a screw driver, I could beginning from this hole pry and break up the case cover along the glue joint. I was a little bit afraid to break the whole case, because some force was required, but it is quite stable and only the cover was damged. The hole in the cover or any other damages there don't matter, because they can't be seen after fixing the control unit back at the desk. Then I followed the steps in the video. Only when connecting the motor cable I was a little bit unsure which orientation is the right one to connect the small plug. To find out the right position I compared the colours of the wires with the video. Maybe the position of this conjunction is irrelevant, I don't know. But everything worked after reassembling and I was very happy.
The delivery was fast and tracking was also quite helpful.
I am very happy to have this very much desired memory function now! Thank you for inventing this!

Alexander | June 13, 2021

This is amazing!

For Megadesk

So had the idea to make something that i don't have to press and hold the buttons all the time for it to move but i had problems open the enclosure (i read that there isn't any good way to open it so i just cut it open with small milling cutter) so i searched for a how-to and i found "Megadesk" and it is amazing!

But i had one Problem but it turned out it had nothing to do with Megadesk but i'm going to describe it if someone got the same Problem:
At some Position the desk would stop whe going up, it looked like one spindle got stuck sometimes, with the oem-board the desk would stop at this position but when you pressed the up button again the desk continued moving up. But with the Megadesk-board it just stop at this point and would not move in any direction anymore. Anyway i figured out that it was an mechanical Problem, the middle segment of the telescope is mounted to some plastic plate that holds the spindel, this plate was not mounted correctly so i fixed this and now it works perfeclty.

greetings from austria! (shipping was also pretty fast)

Alexander | May 25, 2021

Great gadget

For Megadesk

Got mine today, much faster than promised (it took 1 week to germany, tracked shipping). Opening the case was not easy - i broke the lid. But that doesn't matter, since you wont see it when the case is mounted. Didn't work at first, reinserted the original PCB, did a recalibration, and reinserted Megadesk - works like expected :-D

Thanks Greg

Nils | May 21, 2021

Best purchase regarding my homeoffice

For Megadesk

I love that gadget. No stress, no pushing the buttons all the time - and it remembers the needed heights (as I don't myself and always had to figure it out manually.

The first Megadesk had one mistake (obviously during shipping - not Greg's fault). Greg was super nice and sent another part out - which works well.

Would always buy again - both the gadget and with Greg. Thanks for this invention and regards from Cologne Germany
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