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[[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|thumb]]
[[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|600px|right]]
== Introduction ==
Zynthian MINI kit is a cost effective approach to build a zynthian box with similar functionality to v5 kit.
* include encoders and switches that controll zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit using the MCP23017 i/o extender
'''The ''pros'':'''
* include MIDI IN, MIDI OUT and MIDI THRU
* include a I2S DAC for AUDIO OUT based on PMC5102 chip that is affordable to buy
* Lower price
* Possibility of inserting a standard RPi-hat
* Smaller format. It's slighty higher than V5, but quite shorter.
* More DIY! You will learn a lot more while building it.
'''The ''cons'':'''
* No audio input
* No amplified headphones output
* No separated TRS audio connectors. No balanced output/input.
* No USB-B connector. Connecting to PC as USB device is more difficult, but still doable.
* Lower performance at medium-high ambient temperature. Overclocking could cause over-heating. The plastic/fiber-glass case can't be used as a heat-sink.
* No RGB LED feedback on push buttons.
* More difficult to assemble. It requires more time and greater skills (i.e. soldering some electronic parts on the PCB)
* Not so robust. Not so cool, but ... heyyy!! MINI-V2 is also quite cool! ;-)
'''The main features of zynthian MINI are:'''
* encoders and switches to control zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit, using the MCP23017 i/o extender
* standard DIN-5 connectors for MIDI IN, OUT and THRU
* it uses a I2S DAC for audio out based on PMC5102 chip that is affordable to buy
* does not need any cabling inside for easy assembling
* does not need any cabling inside for easy assembling
* does not need the case to test it but it include design of two type of enclosure
* does not need the case to test it but it include design of two type of enclosure
** simple enclosure that only cover the top and bottom part of the device that can be also produced in the same way as PCBs
** simple enclosure that only cover the top and bottom part of the device that can be also produced in the same way as PCBs
** full enclosure that can be 3d printed
** full enclosure that can be 3d printed
* all connectors are easy to reach (V1 does not have RPI connectors aligned to the edge of the PCB)
* all RPi connectors are easy to reach
Zynthian MINI is currently at version 2. Previous version 1 was more similar to official V4 kit with only 4 buttons but it is not maintained anymore.
== Requirements ==
To assemble zynthian mini V2 version you will require:
To assemble zynthian MINI V2 version you will require:
* PCB that need to be produced based on KiCad design that you can find in [https://github.com/zynthian/zynthian-hw/tree/master/MINI_V2 zynthian hardware] repository.
* PCB that need to be produced based on KiCad design that you can find in [https://github.com/zynthian/zynthian-hw/tree/master/MINI_V2 zynthian hardware] repository.
* Components that need to be soldered to this PCB.
* Electronic parts needed to be soldered on the PCB.
* 5" Screen
* 5" Touchscreen (DSI)
* Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink
* Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink
* optional: zynthian MINI V2 3d printable case
* ''Optional:'' 3D printed plastic case
== Assembling the PCB ==
== Assembling the PCB ==