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Expression faders

Hibernathan1212·expression-faders·pcb/expression faders.kicad_pcb

Expression faders PCB layout, top view — open source RP2040/RP2350 board by Hibernathan1212

About the Expression faders PCB

Expression faders is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by Hibernathan1212, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 71.5 × 149.5 mm, with 8 components from 4 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the XIAO-RP2040-DIP, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. By type, the board carries 3 capacitors, 2 switches and 1 IC.

From the project

A simple midi controller with 2 faders and 2 rotary encoders. This was made for adding midi cc1 and cc11 while playing midi instruments such as strings to give more dynamic range and expression. The rotary encoders can also be mapped to any track specific features such as volume

A simple midi controller with 2 faders and 2 rotary encoders. This was made for adding midi cc1 and cc11 while playing midi instruments such as strings to give more dynamic range and expression. The rotary encoders can also be mapped to any track specific features such as volume or other daw macros.

The goal was to be able to add more dynamic control while playing on a midi keyboard. Inspired by Christian Henson and his approach to string writing and playing on a midi keyboard.

Main components on the Expression faders

XIAO-RP2040-DIP

Expression faders bill of materials (BOM)

8 components, 4 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
XIAO-RP2040-DIP
U1
2
RotaryEncoder_Switch
SW1, SW2
2
PTB0143-2010BPB103
VR1, VR2
3
C_Small
C1, C2, C3

Expression faders design files

The KiCad project lives in the Hibernathan1212/expression-faders repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Expression faders: common questions

What microcontroller does the Expression faders use?

The Expression faders is built around the XIAO-RP2040-DIP, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Expression faders PCB?

The Expression faders measures 71.5 × 149.5 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Expression faders?

8 components, from 4 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Expression faders design files?

From the Hibernathan1212/expression-faders repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout and the schematic; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Expression faders design in my own project?

The repository has no license, so all rights stay with Hibernathan1212. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.

Can I test firmware for the Expression faders without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug RP2040/RP2350 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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