Mutable Instruments BRAIDS DIY Clone - STM32 Blue Pill Mapping and Programming

I finished my own version of the Mutable Instruments BRAIDS Eurorack module with the use of the STM32 Blue Pill board.
This version is not entirely through-hole, but it works with a 16bit DAC resolution, like the original module.
I am focussing on the main issues, which held me back from trying this project already earlier: the integration of the STM103 microcontroller soldering and the programming process of the chip.
You can build this version yourself, as I made all information and files available on GitHub:
github.com/TOILmodular/Braids
The programming app STM32CubeProgrammer, which I am referring to in the video, can be downloaded here:
www.st.com/en/development-too...
Enjoy the video.
Content:
0:00 - Intro
1:52 - The Microcontroller
5:04 - Programming the Chip
8:44 - Hardware Remarks

[@AntonGavrilov-tg3oj]

This video is really helpful. Thank you very much!

[@TOILmodular]

You’re very welcome.

[@pixelfrenzy]

Lots of really useful info in here... thanks!

[@pixelfrenzy]

btw I just started looking at these Blue Pill modules (never heard of them before today)... I can see super-cheap ones with a "clone chip". Did you use one of these? Any idea if there are any issues with using them in general?

[@TOILmodular]

Yes, I also heard that there are many fakes out there. Luckily, the only issue I faced was that I ordered the 32kb version first, because I did not know about the difference in memory size. The ones I ordered at Amazon are totally fine. They are from the provider Hailege. I read somewhere that some chips caused issues, which could be distinguished by 3 letters in the chip label, something with CN (not sure anymore). The author also said that chips with the letters MYS in it should be fine. All the boards I ordered have chips with MYS. So from my experience I would suggest that provider.

[@erikpiehl1764]

Nice video, very well presented! I also had for a while fear of soldering fine pitch SMD components, but since then I’ve built MI Clouds and many other boards of my own design using fine pitch SMD components. Still, this is a great way of getting started and providing an accessible version of braids and getting hopefully even more people going. Nice job!

[@TOILmodular]

Thanks a lot. I might try and tackle direct soldering of the microcontroller at some time. Not yet totally there, but working on it. The possibilities are just too tempting.

Hi! Great video! I'm still using through hole components for now, but your video encourages me to try soldering SMD and using dev boards 😀

[@TOILmodular]

Thank you! Yeah, great, go for it. Really worth a try, opens up so much more possibilities.

@@TOILmodular thanks 😁

[@waynechen16]

I found your avatar is on the back of the tray~

[@TOILmodular]

You found it, great 😀

[@midphase]

Thank you for all of your videos. I wonder if you could make one strictly on the process of getting the PCB manufactured for this and other modules? I know nothing about PCB manufacturing, costs, etc. I would love it for someone like you to take me through that process step by step, including which company you use to manufacture the PCB's, which files do you send to them (are .brd all they need?) and how long does it generally take. Thank you so much!!!

[@TOILmodular]

I was thinking about your suggestion to share more details about the PCB purchasing process. I think there is not so much to share, as it is quite straight forward. Actually, I do not know much about these different Gerber file formats myself. So I hope, the below process description helps. I ordered all my PCBs from JLCPCB, who are also providing the PCB design tool Easy EDA. 1. In EasyEDA, create a zip file of the Gerber files by navigating in the PCB view to Fabrication -> PCB Fabrication File(Gerber) 2. In the popup window bottom, click on button Generate Gerber. That will save the Gerber zip file in your computer download folder. 3. Go to JLCPCB.com and use the functionality "Order now". There you have to add a Gerber file, where you just navigate to your saved Gerber zip file and add it. 4. Then it is just a question of following the instructions to order the PCBs.

[@midphase]

@@TOILmodular Thank you. One of the things that confuses me is the variety of options available for the PCB manufacturing . Or are those automatically pre-selected once you upload the Gerber file?

[@TOILmodular]

Basically, one zip file is for one PCB. Usually, I design modules with 2 PCBs, a main one and one with the control components, also for the Braids module. I explain a bit in the ReadMe file the difference between the 2 PCB version for the control PCB. Just choose the one for your needs.

[@midphase]

@@TOILmodular Let me ask you this -- is the reason why you have redesigned those boards is because you want to avoid having to deal with SMD soldering? I'm curious since all of the Mutable Instruments boards seem to require SMD components.

[@TOILmodular]

No, the reason is the different potentiometers and jack. Check more details in the ReadMe file. It is all explained there.