About
MakerRef is a reference app for people who build electronics. It bundles the things you keep looking up at the bench, like pinouts, frame formats, resistor color codes, baud-rate dividers, and logic-level compatibility, into one fast, searchable app. Every page is built in, so it works with no connection at all.
Features
- 32 reference pages in six categories: Protocols, Calculators, Tables, Components, Fundamentals, and Converters.
- Nine protocol guides: I²C, SPI, UART, 1-Wire, CAN, RS-232, RS-485, Parallel, and Quad SPI. Each has a property summary, wiring notes, a frame diagram, common pitfalls, and a debugging checklist for when nothing works.
- Live calculators. I²C pull-up resistor, UART baud divider, SPI clock period, CAN bit timing, and crystal load capacitors. Results update as you type, with no submit button.
- Lookup tables and component codes. ASCII, AWG wire gauge, common I²C addresses, Unicode blocks, logic voltage levels, resistor and capacitor codes, SMD codes, E-series values, and IC package references.
- Digital fundamentals. Logic gates, Boolean algebra, logic-family compatibility, flip-flops, and common IC pinouts.
- Converters. Number systems (binary, octal, decimal, hex, ASCII) and torque units. Type in any field and the rest update.
- Search everything. One search box covers every protocol, part, table, and calculator.
- Works offline. All reference content ships inside the app. The network is used only to load ads.
- Phone, tablet, or foldable. Wide screens get a navigation rail with the list and page side by side.
- Light, dark, or true black. Follow the system theme or pick one, with a pure-black option for OLED screens.
Requirements
- Android 11 or later
- Free to download. Supported by a single banner ad near the top of each screen.
Privacy
MakerRef is covered by the Protoboard Studios Privacy Policy. Here is how it applies to this app:
| Topic | In MakerRef |
|---|---|
| Account | None. There’s no sign-in, and the app doesn’t ask for your name, email, or other personal details. |
| Permissions | Internet and network status only, used to load ads. No location, contacts, camera, microphone, or file access. |
| Ads | Banner ads from Google AdMob. Google collects device information and identifiers, such as your device’s advertising ID, to serve and measure ads. When you’re offline or no ad loads, the banner shows our other apps instead and sends nothing. See Advertising for consent and how to opt out of personalized ads. |
| Crash reports | Firebase Crashlytics sends a report if the app crashes, including device details and a random installation identifier, so we can find and fix the bug. See Third-party services. |
| Analytics | None. |
| Settings | Your theme choices are stored on your device, and are included in your device’s Android backup if you have backup turned on. Nothing you type into a calculator or converter is saved. |
Support
Found a wrong value, a bug, or have a question? Email support@protoboardstudios.com and include your Android version and device model if something isn’t working.