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2 layers30 × 18.2 mmVolcaModularMidi, the printed circuit board in 3D

Mod to add MIDI IN to a Korg Volca Modular

Size
30 × 18.2 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
6
Nets
13
Pads
25
Tracks, vias
42, 2
Pours
2
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 5 (file 20171130)
Created
6 May 2019
Updated
2 May 2020

Overview

VolcaModularMidi is an open-source printed circuit board by sensai7, from the sensai7/VolcaModularMidi repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 30 × 18.2 mm with 6 parts on 13 nets, routed with 42 tracks and 2 vias.

Its parts include 2 resistors, 2 connectors, 1 IC and 1 diode.

README

README.md

VolcaModularMidi

This is a hardware mod to add MIDI IN capability to the Korg Volca Modular

Board

Schematic

Board

Bill Of Materials:

  • R1 220 ohm resistor
  • R2 270 ohm resistor
  • D1 1N4148 diode
  • J1 2.54mm header
  • J2 DIN-5 connector
  • U1 6n139 optocoupler (6n138 and 6n137 should also work as well)

How to install:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

  • This installation process requires you to open your Korg volca Modular, most likely voiding the warranty. The creator of this mod and all the contributors of this project are not to be held responsible for possible malfunctions caused by this process.

  • In these example photos the mod was already installed (the red/orange/yellow/green cables), but I repeated the process to take the photos and make it easier to explain.

  • Read the tutorial and make sure you understand all the steps before proceeding.

Be sure to have the following tools:

  • M3 screwdriver
  • Flat screwdriver (not absolutely necessary but it's useful to unplug the ribbon connectors)
  • Pliers or something to snip and cut thin cables
  • A dril or any tool to open a hole in the case

1- Unscrew the screws from the back. Board

2- Gently pull from a potentiometer to detach the blue case from the circuit. Board

3- Unplug the batteries connector (red/black cables) in the top right of the board Board

4- Lay the circuit down, be careful with the speaker connection (orange/brown cables) Board

5- You can see the holes now, they're labelled as MIDI_RX, MIDI_TX, +3.3V, GND Board

6- Unpeel the black tape and unplug the keyboard connector (white/orange cables) Board Board

7- Unscrew the 6 screws attaching the main board with the keyboard board. Board

8- Sit the main board on it's place in the blue case and open a hole on the right side enough to let the four cables go through. Then solder the four cables facing down and snip the excess wire. (disregard the quality of mine, I don't have the tools nor skill for these things :( ) Board

9- Repeat the process from steps 7 to 1 in inverse order to reassemble the unit.

Mod mods

If you have the tools, and patience, you can glue the female connections to the case so you can plug it directly (here's a poorly photoshopped concept illustrating it) Board

If you prefer to use a 3.5mm stereo jack instead of the big DIN-5 connector, here's another poorly photoshopped concept Board

Parts

6
QtyValueFootprintReferences
11N4148Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_HorizontalD1
1220Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_HorizontalR1
1270Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_HorizontalR2
16N139Package_DIP:DIP-8_W7.62mmU1
1Conn_01x04_MaleConnector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_VerticalJ1
1MIDI_INSensaiLib:din-5J2

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Questions

How big is the VolcaModularMidi PCB?

It measures 30 × 18.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the VolcaModularMidi use?

6 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the VolcaModularMidi KiCad files?

From the sensai7/VolcaModularMidi repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is VolcaModularMidi.kicad_pcb. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the VolcaModularMidi design in my own project?

Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask sensai7 before reusing the design.