Just thought I'd do a quick update to affirm that PolyMod 2 is still alive and (reasonably) well. I've been working on a few less ambitious projects recently, but they've all helped build up the skills I will need to develop PolyMod 2.
- I've designed a breadboard synth inspired by PolyMod for a tutorial in Hackspace magazine, which has helped me clarify a few ideas about the code for PolyMod 2
- I'm working on a lo-fi Arduino-based drum machine, which is improving my schematic and PCB design skills
- I've taken the plunge and bought a few basic Eurorack modules, so that I can have a better idea of how a modular synth should feel
I've also done lots of thinking about how to move forward with PolyMod 2. I have come up with a few answers, but also a lot of questions. My main question is: to what extent should I piggy-back on the existing Eurorack standard?
Should I design my master module to be powered by a Eurorack ribbon cable? Should I make it easy to house PolyMod modules alongside Eurorack modules, meaning I don't really have to worry about case design (I can use an existing Eurorack case)? Should I abandon the push fit system in favour of ribbon connectors?
Frankly, these are the questions of someone who has just bought the first parts of a Eurorack system and is now trying to make sure PolyMod 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel for the sake of it. I'm increasingly convinced that I should make PolyMod 2 complement a Eurorack setup rather than be a separate beast. My friend played with the synth and his first response was: "Cool! Can it connect to Eurorack?". To which my answer, having now thought about it for a while, is... yes, it could, and that would be great.
Ramble over.
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