https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth
Thin captouch-based synth platform for Raspberry Pi Pico
https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth
Last synced: about 1 year ago
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Thin captouch-based synth platform for Raspberry Pi Pico
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth
- Owner: todbot
- License: gpl-3.0
- Created: 2022-12-01T01:48:47.000Z (over 3 years ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2024-12-05T04:40:22.000Z (over 1 year ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-05-08T02:18:26.795Z (about 1 year ago)
- Language: Python
- Size: 15.8 MB
- Stars: 44
- Watchers: 3
- Forks: 3
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# picotouch_synth
Thin captouch-based synth platform for Raspberry Pi Pico
Features:
* Raspberry Pi Pico
* PWM Audio out
* TRS-A MIDI In / Out
* USB MIDI In/Out
* 19 RGB LEDs
* 22 touch pads (17 notes, 5 modifiers)
* Low part count: [14 BOM line items, mostly passives](./schematics/picotouch_synth_flip_bottom_bom.csv)
* Completely flat surface (only reverse-mount LEDs, capsense pads)
* 6 mm thick when in [minimal enclosure](https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth/tree/main/enclosure)
(255 x 42 x 6 mm volume)
## Installing firmware
There are currently three "applications" for the picotouch_synth board, all are in active development,
so check the [Release page](https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth/releases)
for latest versions as prebuilt UF2 images.
- [picotouch_synth](./circuitpython/picotouch_synth) -- a wavetable synth with three different patches
([video demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FgqWdkIjWM))
- [pts_drum_machine](./circuitpython/pts_drum_machine) -- a drum sample player
([video demo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaN6xVYXhNE))
- [hwtest](./circuitpython/hwtest/) -- simple hardware test of the board
### Installing prebuilt UF2 images
Instead of installing CircuitPython, then installling needed libraries,
and finally installing the code you want, you can just copy a UF2 file to the RPI-RP2 bootloader drive!
As a rule, all firmware will be offered as pre-built firmware UF2 images for picotouch_synth.
Go to the [Releases](https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth/releases) page
and download the UF2 you want. Then, to install:
* Unplug picotouch_synth PCB board from USB
* Unclip PCB from case ([see this video on releasing the case](https://youtu.be/MjScFP873SQ))
* Hold BOOT button on Pico while plugging back into USB
* Copy the UF2 file to the RPI-RP2 drive
* When board finishes reflashing, it will reboot
__Note:__ if your Pico has more than the 2 MB standard flash
(like the [purple "RetroScaler" 16MB USB-C ones](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804731684211.html)),
the UF2s will still work but the resulting CIRCUITPY drive only be 1 MB.
To get the flash space back, you will need to
[install CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython#for-rp2040-boards-3105171)
and install the code files by hand.
## Sketching in Hardware 2023 Edition
For the Sketching in Hardware conference, the firmware shipped on the boards is in
[circuitpython/picotouch_synth](https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth/tree/main/circuitpython/picotouch_synth)
and the pre-built UF2 firwmare in the [Releases section](https://github.com/todbot/picotouch_synth/releases/tag/v1).
There were two different boards handed out:
- [micro-USB green Raspberry Pi Picos w/ 2 MB flash](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/microcontrollers/raspberry-pi-pico.html)
- [USB-C purple "RetroScaler" Pico clones w/ 16 MB flash](https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804731684211.html).
Both are formated as 2MB devices so if you have a purple board and want the extra flash space,
you'll need to
[install CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython#for-rp2040-boards-3105171)
and the code files by hand.
### The picotouch_synth application
The keyboard is laid out as top row is modulators (three groups of "sliders")
and the bottom row plays notes in a particular scale.
The A/B/C buttons select different sounds and the X/Y buttons on the right transpose up/down octaves.
