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[[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|thumb]]
[[File:Zynthian-on-piano-02.png|thumb]]
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Zynthian Mini kit is a cost effective approach to build zynthian with intention to give opportunity:
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Zynthian ''Mini'' kit is a cost effective approach to build a zynthian box with similar functionality to v5 kit.
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* to zynthian developers to get functional zynthian similar to v5 where they can do most of the testing
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* to musician to get to know zynthian and learn their features before deciding to buy the professional kit
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The ''pros'':
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+ Lower price
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+ Possibility of inserting a standard RPi-hat.
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+ Smaller format. It's slighty higher than V5, but quite shorter.
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+ More DIY! You will learn a lot more while building it
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The ''cons'':
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+ No audio input
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+ No amplified headphones output
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+ No separated TRS audio connectors. No balanced output/input
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+ No USB-B connector. Connecting to PC as USB device is more difficult, but still doable.
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+ Overclocking could cause over-heating. The plastic/fiber-glass case can't be used as a heat-sink
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+ No RGB LED feedback on push buttons
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+ More difficult to assemble. It requires more time and greater skills (i.e. soldering some electronic parts on the PCB)
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+ Not so robust. Not so cool, but ... heyyy!! MINI-V2 is also quite cool! ;-)
The main features of zynthian MINI are:
The main features of zynthian MINI are:
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* include encoders and switches that controll zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit using the MCP23017 i/o extender
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* encoders and switches to control zynthian software in the same way as official zynthian v5 kit, using the MCP23017 i/o extender
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* include MIDI IN, MIDI OUT and MIDI THRU
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* standard DIN-5 connectors for MIDI IN, OUT and THRU
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* include a I2S DAC for AUDIO OUT based on PMC5102 chip that is affordable to buy
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* 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
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* all connectors are easy to reach (V1 does not have RPI connectors aligned to the edge of the PCB)
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* all RPi connectors are easy to reach
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To save the cost of building the Zynthian MINI, we had to sacrifice certain features that some professional musicians would need on the stage such as:
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* no audio-in
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* no TRS audio connectors
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* not best in the class DAC for audio out
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* no rigid metal case
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* no zynaptik analog inputs
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Zynthian 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.
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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.
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To assemble zynthian mini V2 version you will require:
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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.
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* Components that need to be soldered to this PCB.
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* Components that need to be soldered on this PCB.
* 5" Screen
* 5" Screen
* Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink
* Raspberry Pi 4 with heatsink