Synthesizer Workshop
Album

The materials for the synthesizer workshop included ATtiny85 microcontrollers, loudspeakers, LEDs, various types of buttons, knobs and potentiometers, as well as cardboard, foils and tapes of different colors. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

We started by soldering small circuit boards for the synthesizers. Helping hand was available when needed, although some participants were already quite pros with soldering. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

ATtiny85 schematic that was used as a soldering instruction. The microcontrollers were pre-programmed such that it was possible to connect 1-3 potentiometers (rotary ones or sliders) to the analog input pins. Alternatively, photoresistors could have been also used, but the potentiometers turned out to be more of a hit. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

The first thing to solder were the plus and minus connections to the IC socket. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

After the power lines were ready, the loudspeaker, LEDs and potentiometers of everyone's choice were soldered in place. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Making a case for the synth began by making a sketch, which outlined how all the parts would be placed. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Some example synthesizers were also provided for inspiration. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Thick recycling cardboard sheets were available for making a sturdy case. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Holes were cut to the cardboard for placing the speaker, potis, LEDs, power switch and other parts. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Some of the knobs for the potis needed little bit adjustment in order to fit perfectly. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Hot glue was essential for keeping all the parts in place, although too much of it in wrong places caused occasional headaches and repairs. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Testing the sliders. Do they still move after hot glueing? / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Tube-shape was an alternative to he box-shaped cases. The shape amplified also the sound when the speaker was placed in the end of the tube, facing inwards. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Tie wraps were essential for the tube-shaped synth. Here a battery holder is being attached to its place. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

One of the participants, who was a FabLab pro, wanted to use the laser cutter in order to make himself a synth case. Here the parts of the first version are ready. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

In the second version holes for the speaker, sliders, LEDs, button, switch, and volt meter were in place and all the parts could be assembled together. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Testing one last time that all works before cloing the case for good. Multimeter was used a lot in the workshop. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Here last missing pieces are also being prepared, namely paper clips for the power wires, so that the electronics can be connected to a 4.5V pocketable battery. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Beautifying the battery and the back of the synthesizer. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Black gaffa tape being applied to edge decoration. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

The 2-slider, 1-knob, 4-LED megasparkle synth is finished. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

The finished tube-synth, which also goes by the name 'Gaffa' in action. Here you can also see the volmeter, which is connected in parallel with the speaker. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

This synth goes by the cryptic name 'S/Y W-P', which sounds like a pretty convincing synth name if you ask me. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

The MDF wonder box in its final, sealed shape. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä

Next generation noise artist's kicking debut: playing two synths is parallel. / CC BY Kati Hyyppä