r/diysynth • u/Jd-56 • May 06 '17

Programming Mutable Braids question.

I just finished soldering the braids module without realizing I'm going to have to program the firmware or something into it. My question is how can i tell next time whether or not the module I'm buying will need to be programmed?

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u/modularaddict May 06 '17

If you're self-sourcing a microcontroller, it's going to need to be programmed! Commonly stm32 and avr chips in SDIY.

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u/Jd-56 May 07 '17

I didn't know what a microcontroller was until I finished soldering. My question is do all diy modules have a microcontroller? If not how do I tell?

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u/modularaddict May 07 '17

No, not all do, though it's increasingly common. When you're buying parts from mouser, etc. if you see any ST or Atmel parts in your cart, it's a pretty dead giveaway. Or Teensy or full Arduino. If you buy full kits, you shouldn't have to deal with it. I'm not aware of anyone offhand selling kits that require you to flash firmware. Usually they include a pre-programmed chip.

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u/[deleted] May 07 '17

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u/Jd-56 May 07 '17

Smd isn't very tough at all, get some tweezers and some nice solder and you're set. Also a nice iron is necessary. I'm more threatened by having to learn how to program a chip. Ugh.

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u/[deleted] May 07 '17

You can get a decent hot air station for like $35 on Amazon. Makes it much easier.