Spark-AE

Spark-AE is a synth module designed for the AE Modular format. It is based on the Daisy Seed embedded DSP platform.

View project on GitHub

Design Goals

  • Designed for experimentation and community hacking
  • Built for the AE Modular format
  • Supports firmware from the FLUX collection
  • Based on the Daisy Seed embedded DSP platform
  • Fully compatable with firmare written for the Daisy Pod
  • Open hardware: schematics, PCB, and front panel files included
  • Expandable with physical “Arc” modules. See below.
  • Vertically symetrical so that front panels can be flipped over to have an alternate design.

First Render of PCB

I (chleggett) have laid out the connectors and controls on the pcb. The biggest challenge was to figure out how to mount the Daisy Seed within the limited depth of the AE format. I found a “bottom entry” socket that allows us to use the standard headers that Daisy Audio provides.

Top Side

render of the top side of the pcb

Bottom Side

render of the bottom side of the pcb

Arcs

A major challenge of creating a “flash it to do anything” module is that it is difficult to expose all of the pins from the platform chip. You have to make compromises based on space, desired use, physical controls, etc. A single module simply cannot do it all.

Enter the Arc lineup. Arcs are modules that are daisy-chained from a Spark and introduce new capabilities. It may have additional I/O, faders, pots, sensors, etc.

License

This project is open hardware under the CERN-OHL-S license.

Naming your Project(s)

“clectric Spark” and “clectric anything Arc” are trademarked. Please do not use the words “clectric” or “electric” in the name of any of the works you create from these files.

However, you may, and are encouraged to, use “Spark” and “Arc” in your own project’s name. Such as: “yourcompany Spark” or “yourcompany Fader Arc”.

Sharing your Project(s)

You are free to sell your own variations, but remember that this module is open hardware under the CERN-OHL-S license. This is a “strongly reciprocal” license, so you are required to share any changes, or an entire “combined work”, as open hardware under the same license.

We have other hardware, such as Protoboards, that are licensed under the CERN-OHL-W “weakly reciprocal” variant. You can use those, under the terms of that variant, as components in your own projects.