Production is starting

Submitted by mario on Thu, 26/07/2018 - 13:34

The new boards are here!

It took over a month for these beauties to arrive (perhaps holidays are to blame and customs involvement doesn't speed things up either :)

A few improvements were added since previous update:

  • standard connector for Li-Po cell
  • two expansion headers (2x4 pin each) for SWD programming/debugging signals, I2C, 4x CV input, 3x GPIO/ADC/USART pins and power lines
  • third sliding switch, wired to top left 3.5mm jack connector, select between headphones and line out signal (the other connector is always for headphones)
  • buttons replaced with slightly larger and a lot quieter type (less clicky but still good tactile feedback)

I'm starting assembling two of them, to verify if all works; how sensitive those new mics really are, whether the voltage stabilizers give enough power for all LEDs to shine brightly, and most importantly - how clear and interference-free is the sound.

If all goes well, pre-orders for this model will start in late summer.

Mounting more Classic Gechos

New units of the "classic" version (same as were delivered for Kickstarter) are already being made. It took a few months - since April - to get the missing bits and pieces that halted the production. Everything finally arrived last week and we got to work. Complete units and DIY kits as displayed in the shop will be available soon.

Comments

moogyloogy

Thu, 26/07/2018 - 23:54

MARIO,YOU ARE AWESOME.I WANT THE CLASSIC IN EBONY,COMPLETE UNIT ( CANNOT SOLDER ).I WOULD ALSO AT THIS TIME ,WANT TO BE PUT ON THE PRE-ORDER LIST ,FOR THE NEW STYLE,WITH MIDI,ALSO IN EBONY,ALSO THE COMPLETE UNIT... CIAO MARIO JL

mario

Fri, 27/07/2018 - 19:31

Thanks Jim! :) Sure, will let you know when v2 is ready too - there will be plenty of time for everyone to order one (probably a 3-4 weeks window).

netsvetaev

Fri, 27/07/2018 - 00:08

So, it is a new midi version? I want to pre-order, when possible.

mario

Fri, 27/07/2018 - 19:35

Ah sorry no - this is the first (classic) model. It can still have MIDI but only within the DIY option, as it requires soldering of some SMD parts, connectors and cables. V2 is already optimized to make this a lot easier, and without much soldering, if any at all.

CrumbleBee

Fri, 27/07/2018 - 01:56

I would like to pre-order a new one in ebony as well. Will there still be 3 levels of DIY kit? I want to try SMD for the one component but not the whole board. I havent done SMD for anything yet and your kit offers a great way to try it out!

mario

Fri, 27/07/2018 - 19:55

Well it's hard to tell now what options will the version 2 have, but it is a lot less likely to be so much DIY-able as the v1. The reason is explained here (an article that has been circulated via newsletter earlier, before the production updates you are reading now). I'm taking your words as a confirmation that it is indeed crucial to have similar options with v2. Maybe the connectors and switches at top side could be left out in a DIY version, also one or two ICs in standard and easier to solder packages. The CH340G USB driver that is now solderable in "Adept" version is not present on the v2 board anymore, it has been replaced with FTDI chip in lead-less package. And there are no THT elements anymore... so all DIY will have to be about SMD :)