PyFi InstroPad(1)

Here we are! The design stage is now complete! I’ve done the final case touch ups, added some Easter eggs, uploaded the files to GitHub and am now ready to ship! I can’t wait to assemble InstroPad(1) and make the software synth for it! See yall soon! <3

After 2hrs of pulling my hair out the firmware is finally done!! Just gotta bundle everything and it’ll be ready for the GitHub release. I had lots of fun making InstroPad(1) digitally and I can’t wait to build it for real!

Finished the final case design and renders! I’m very happy with how it came out! Final step is to make the firmware, though I may make that after the fact if possible as it would be easier.

Finished the final version of the PCB, moved the diodes so they don’t interfere with the keycaps as well as changing the PCB colour and learning how to make silkscreen art (A picture of Robyn, a link to my github and the Hack Club logo). Time to finish the case and do the final renders next!

After finishing the basic design for the PCB I have moved onto designing the case, this is my first time going solo when using CAD software, so I had to teach myself a lot of the tools. So far, the features of the case are: dual part design allowing for easy disassembly but easy manufacturing, a floating PCB mount that holds the pcb above the base of the case in order to give a springy feel as well as, easy assembly and adjustability for manufacturing tolerances as well as, providing the facilities to under mount components. Finally, I have introduced cutouts for the switches, display, rotary encoder and USB port, allowing the user to actually use InstroPad(1). Moving onto final case and pcb refinements next, looking forward to making this for real!

Finished the PCB design for InstroPad(1), as I’m working with hardware limitations due to the approved parts I had to learn interesting techniques in order to maximize InstroPad(1)’s capabilities, including learning switch matrixing. I’ve made the PCB deliberately too wide as this will assist with mounting using the M3 screw holes in such a way that the position of the PCB can be adjusted to accommodate for manufacturing tolerances. I’ve already started on the case design and can’t wait to share that next! P.S. The seeduino isn’t set that back now, this is an old screenshot lol.

Been following the hackpad tutorial and I think it’s given me a basic understanding of how to use the tools at my disposal, moving onto the proper design stage now!